Ivanka Trump’s appearance at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball has ignited a fiery online discourse, with her choice of attire taking center stage in both fashion circles and political commentary. The event, held to celebrate Donald Trump’s unprecedented second presidential inauguration, was a spectacle of grandeur, but it was Ivanka’s striking sartorial homage that stole the spotlight—and sharply divided public opinion.
Drawing direct inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s legendary ball gown in the 1954 film Sabrina, Ivanka stepped into the limelight wearing a modernized reinterpretation of the beloved classic. The gown, commissioned by the prestigious French fashion house Givenchy—whose founder Hubert de Givenchy originally designed Hepburn’s dress—was a study in old Hollywood elegance blended with contemporary polish.
The floor-length white satin gown featured intricate black floral embroidery along the bodice and hem, a subtle train that glided behind her as she walked, and a structured silhouette that echoed Hepburn’s unforgettable look. Ivanka paired the gown with black opera-length gloves, stiletto heels, a dazzling diamond choker, and a sleek chignon, mirroring the refined grace of 1950s fashion icons.
The visual reference was unmistakable—and deliberate.
Supporters quickly took to social media to applaud the look, calling it a tasteful nod to timeless glamour and feminine strength. Many hailed the ensemble as Ivanka’s most elegant public appearance to date. Among the admirers was Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s son, who publicly acknowledged the tribute. He praised the gesture as “deeply respectful,” noting the emotional resonance of the moment: the ball took place on January 20th, which marked both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the anniversary of his mother’s passing.
“For someone to remember Audrey in such a significant, visible way on that date—it was meaningful,” Ferrer stated. “My mother’s legacy has always been about elegance with heart. I believe she would have appreciated the homage.”
However, not everyone was charmed by the throwback.
Critics were quick to accuse Ivanka of using the gown as a calculated attempt to soften her political image or distract from the controversial nature of her father's return to the presidency. Others questioned the appropriateness of channeling a fashion icon known for her humanitarian work, especially in the highly charged political climate surrounding the Trump administration.
One viral tweet read, “Audrey Hepburn was a UNICEF ambassador who fought poverty. Ivanka is wearing her dress at a ball celebrating her father’s divisive presidency. The irony writes itself.”
Fashion insiders were also split. While some praised Givenchy for staying true to the archival design, others criticized the decision as lacking originality or overshadowing emerging designers who could’ve been showcased on such a global stage.
Despite the polarizing reactions, one thing is undeniable: Ivanka Trump’s gown became the most talked-about fashion statement of the night, reigniting cultural debates about celebrity, legacy, and symbolism in political fashion.
Whether viewed as a heartfelt tribute or a tone-deaf spectacle, her appearance ensured that Audrey Hepburn’s spirit—and the conversation around the intersections of fashion and politics—remained very much alive.
Read more below to explore the reactions, expert commentary, and a timeline of inaugural fashion through the decades.