In August 2020, the White House in Washington, D.C., served as the backdrop for a significant sartorial tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.
While the event centered on historic milestones, shoe enthusiasts focused on the sophisticated footwear that anchored the First Lady’s monochromatic “suffragette white” ensemble.
Melania Trump’s choice for the ceremony—a graphic, gingham-print iteration of the iconic Manolo Blahnik “BB” pump—demonstrated how a classic silhouette can be modernized through bold patterns. By pairing a heritage print with a sharp Michael Kors suit, she created a look that remains a reference point for power dressing and high-end footwear styling.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 2020 (Credit: Instar / WENN / Joseph Marzullo / Darla Khazie)
The First Lady’s two-piece white look came from her long-time preferred designer, Michael Kors. She paired a Spring 2018 asymmetric crepe blazer with a matching knee-length pencil skirt from the label’s Spring 2017 collection.
To break up the monochrome silhouette, she added a wide gingham-patterned belt—a graphic detail that preluded her footwear choice.
Melania Trump opts for a suffragette white look for the signing ceremony
Melania wore her brown locks in loose waves and opted for her signature beauty look: smoky eyeshadow, pink blush, and a neutral lip.
Allowing the sharp tailoring to take center stage, she skipped elaborate jewelry, wearing only a simple diamond band.
Melania Trump teams a Michael Kors Spring 2018 blazer with a Spring 2017 pencil skirt
Melania Trump wears her signature smokey eye-makeup and loose brown tresses
Completing the look with a bold pattern, Melania wore gingham print Manolo Blahnik “BB” pumps. The pointed-toe stiletto is a staple in her wardrobe, but this printed iteration added a modern, playful contrast to the formal suit.
Earlier that summer, she styled a black Dior sleeveless dress with black Manolo Blahnik pumps on a visit to the national shrine of Pope John Paul II. Later that year, she also wore a red leather Alexander McQueen coat with zebra-print Manolo Blahnik BB pumps.
Melania Trump wears a pair of gingham-patterned Manolo Blahnik pumps
The Safari-Inspired Return to D.C.
Earlier that same week, the First Lady was photographed returning to the White House following a trip to Bedminster, New Jersey, alongside Donald Trump and their son, Barron.
For the arrival, she leaned into a utilitarian aesthetic with a Stella McCartney compact cotton shirtdress. The beige piece featured long sleeves, chest pockets, and a long leather knotted belt that accentuated the waist.
President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and son Barron Trump touch down at the White House on August 16, 2020
While our photographers unfortunately didn’t get clear, close-up shots of her footwear during the arrival, the First Lady’s shoe choice was a deliberate extension of the outfit’s neutral palette.
She coordinated the earth tones with a brown Hermès Birkin bag and a pair of two-tone beige-and-rust Manolo Blahnik “Bipunta” pumps—a sophisticated, modern take on the classic spectator shoe.
Stepping off the helicopter in a safari-inspired beige shirtdress cinched with a wide brown leather belt, she completed the polished travel look with a matching Hermès Birkin
On her final day of the first term, Melania famously departed the White House in an all-black ensemble featuring a Chanel jacket and a crocodile Hermès Birkin. Interestingly, for this specific exit, she pivoted from her usual Blahniks to Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps in black patent leather, matching the gravity of the day.
Marking a historic return for a second non-consecutive term, the First Lady returned to her sartorial roots. For the 2025 Inauguration, she chose a structured navy silk wool coat by American designer Adam Lippes and Manolo Blahnik “BB” pumps.
From symbolic White House moments to red-carpet appearances and fashion week street style, Manolo Blahnik’s designs continue to define timeless elegance. The brand’s signature pointed-toe pumps, crystal-embellished heels, and daring collaborations have made it a favorite among First Ladies, Hollywood stars, and fashion insiders alike.
If you enjoy spotting Manolo Blahnik heels on celebrities and discovering the stories behind some of fashion’s most iconic shoes, explore more standout moments featuring the legendary designer below.
More Celebrity Manolo Blahnik Shoe Moments on Your Next Shoes
👠 Explore Manolo Blahnik Shoe & Fashion Stories on Your Next Shoes:
- 👑 Melania Trump’s iconic Manolo Blahnik “BB” pumps at the inauguration showcase the timeless pointed-toe silhouette paired with an Adam Lippes coat and elegant Hervé Pierre evening gown for a polished First Lady style moment.
- 🎬 Margot Robbie’s London premiere look pairs a dramatic Dilara Findikoglu gown with custom Manolo Blahnik sandals, blending cinematic storytelling with romantic red-carpet fashion.
- ✨ Emma Stone’s Venice Film Festival style combines Louis Vuitton gowns with delicate Manolo Blahnik heels, capturing her signature mix of whimsical elegance and minimalist glamour.
- 👜 Olivia Palermo’s London Fashion Week outfits highlight bold Manolo Blahnik “Amiela” pumps styled with mixed prints and tailored pieces for standout street-style sophistication.
- 💎 Nicole Kidman’s crystal-embellished Manolo Blahnik “Nadira” pumps elevate a sleek Michael Kors look, proving how embellished satin heels can transform a minimalist red-carpet ensemble.
- 👢 Rihanna’s daring Manolo Blahnik “Denim Desserts” collaboration explores the designer’s creative partnership with the pop icon, featuring dramatic denim boots and statement heels.
- 👠 Kendall Jenner’s classic Manolo Blahnik pumps show how the model turns the iconic pointed-toe silhouette into a versatile staple for red carpets and everyday street style.
- 🌟 The story behind Manolo Blahnik’s rise to global luxury status traces the designer’s journey from London beginnings to becoming one of fashion’s most influential footwear creators.