Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, has sparked controversy by appearing at a 'candlelight dinner' hosted by her father in an outfit that recreated actress Audrey Hepburn's dress.
On the 20th (local time), Ivanka arrived at the 'candlelight dinner' hosted by her father wearing a 'Hepburn-style' dress. Ivanka's dress closely resembled the gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film 'Sabrina.' The form-fitting dress featured a wide, flowing skirt that emphasized vintage beauty. It was adorned with black floral embroidery. Like Hepburn in the film, Ivanka styled her hair in an updo and wore elbow-length black gloves, stiletto heels, and a diamond necklace.
Ivanka's dress is reported to have been custom-made by luxury brand Givenchy. Hepburn's attire in the film 'Sabrina' is famously produced by Givenchy.
However, opinions about Ivanka's dress are cold. The film 'Sabrina' is a Cinderella story about Audrey Hepburn, the daughter of a chauffeur, who falls in love with a wealthy heir. Notably, the dress worn by Hepburn symbolizes the moment a working-class daughter transforms into a figure at the center of high society.
Criticism poured in that Ivanka, a representative figure of the 'silver spoon' elite raised in an American wealthy family, did not understand the significance of Audrey Hepburn's dress. American fashion magazine Glamour noted, "Ivanka seemed to appeal to a traditional conservative aesthetic with her choice reminiscent of the 1950s," calling it "an excessive obsession with the past."
Vogue editor Lila Ramsey wrote an article titled 'A Wrong Way to Mention Audrey Hepburn,' stating, "The daughter of an extreme politician dressing as a beloved woman is ironic in itself."
Additionally, Ivanka faced criticism related to Hepburn's life. Editor Ramsey remarked, "It is particularly concerning given that Audrey Hepburn nearly starved during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands." Hepburn was a resistance fighter during World War II in the Netherlands, guiding isolated Allied paratroopers to safety while delivering food and messages. She also dedicated her life to helping impoverished children. Hepburn was awarded a medal by the U.S. president for her work as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Fans of Audrey Hepburn took to the U.S. online community Reddit, stating, "This is an insult to her. Hepburn was a figure who resisted the political movements that Ivanka's father imitates before becoming an actress," and "Hepburn lived a life completely different from Ivanka's. That is why she is remembered as an icon to this day."
As the controversy intensified, even Hepburn's eldest son spoke out. Sean Hepburn Ferrer told the Daily Mail, "It is natural to draw inspiration from my mother in pursuit of elegance and grace," but added, "My mother's political stance did not align with Trump."
He continued, "My mother's elegance is rooted in inner beauty and spirit, and in an age where many celebrities seem lost, she serves as a benchmark and anchor for them," adding, "My mother fought for the rights of children around the world who were deprived of their rights."
In response to the growing controversy, Ivanka stated through the White House, "I feel honored to wear a dress designed by Givenchy," and noted, "They created a masterpiece capturing the artistry and elegance of the original with astonishing precision," expressing gratitude for the 'privilege' of wearing the dress. She also mentioned, "I consider it a great privilege to honor the legacy of Audrey Hepburn, which has inspired me for so long, in this way, and I am very thankful to the Givenchy team for making this moment possible."