'Wow': Melania Trump Stuns in Gorgeous Leopard-Print Coat at International Women of Courage Award Ceremony – Photos

Netizens are swooning over Melania Trump's appearance during a recent event. The flood of praise juxtaposes mixed reviews for another recent outfit.

At the International Women of Courage Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2025, all eyes gravitated toward Melania Trump — and not just because of her First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) status. With her signature poise and polished demeanor, she took the stage in a dramatic ensemble that effortlessly commanded attention.

Draped in a long, luxurious leopard-print coat, Melania exuded quiet opulence. The bold print, cinched with a matching belt, offered a commanding silhouette that stood out against the understated backdrop of the awards ceremony.

The garment — a standout from designer Milly Park's recent fall collection — has been making waves in the fashion world for more than just its eye-catching aesthetic. According to Page Six, the piece carries a price tag of approximately $11,000.

Milly, a self-taught designer mentored by her grandmother, confirmed that the coat was one of three special pieces she sent to the FLOTUS as a gift in Mar-a-Lago late last year (2024).

The leopard-print calfskin coat was unveiled on the designer's runway just weeks before the event (March) and showcases Milly's signature blend of fearless texture with elegant tailoring.

Produced primarily in New York under Milly's Palm Beach, Florida-based label, the coat represents both craftsmanship and confidence — qualities that aligned seamlessly with Melania's appearance that day.

Interestingly, the designer of the coat, which fashion outlet WWD says costs between $11,000 and $12,000, was not aware Melania had donned her clothing item.

However, after learning of this and following the event, Milly took to Instagram to express her excitement and pride. The designer shared three photographs of Melania draped in the striking Cavallino coat, capturing the First Lady's radiant presence.

In the accompanying caption, Milly penned, "Melania Trump Honors Women of Courage in MILLY PARK. Today @flotus @melaniatrump graced the stage at the International Women of Courage Award Ceremony wearing MILLY PARK Fall/Winter 2025 Nature's Reverie, a tailor fitted [sic], long Cavallino leopard print calfskin leather coat."

She went on to add, "I am truly honored to see our beautiful First Lady wearing Milly Park for such a meaningful occasion. Celebrating the strength and bravery of remarkable women around the world."

During the ceremony, Melania Trump posed for photos beside several honorees and high-profile attendees, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj, the founder of Yemen's Abductees' Mothers Association.

The FLOTUS' poised smile and magnetic ensemble stood in elegant harmony with the occasion's tone — a celebration of courage, advocacy, and the strength of women around the world.

As images of Melania at the event began circulating online, social media lit up with a chorus of admiration from viewers who couldn't help but gush over her appearance. One fan remarked, "The epitome of grace and beauty," while another swooned, "Wow 🤩."

The coat itself seemed to strike a chord with onlookers, some of whom interpreted the choice of animal print as more than just a style statement. "She wearing [sic] the print of an animal that's fierce. I do believe she's sending another one of her messages," opined a netizen.

Others were captivated by the coat's design details, with one admirer enthusing, "Ohhhh......Melania is so sleek & chic in this coat, and I love the wide sash too!! Fabulous!!"

Even more people complimented the coat and admired her overall look, saying she "looks fantastic." General praise poured in for her style and poise, with one supporter declaring, "Most beautiful First Lady!" A fellow fan noted that Melania always looks stunning, no matter the occasion.

Online reactions were overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing Melania's reputation as a modern fashion icon — one whose wardrobe continues to captivate and spark conversation.

The praise comes as somewhat of a juxtaposition to the mixed reactions FLOTUS received when she attended a meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. in a tan suit.

Her appearance was part of efforts to urge the Senate to pass the Take It Down Act, a proposed law that aims to protect victims of both real and deepfake revenge pornography by making the publication of such content a criminal offense.

Melania's outfit for the occasion quickly drew attention. She wore a coordinated three-piece suit in a soft tan color. The ensemble included a fitted blazer, a matching vest, and slim-cut trousers.

She paired the suit with a crisp white button-up shirt and a dark navy tie. Her shoes were nude pointed-toe pumps. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and her makeup featured neutral tones, keeping the focus on her attire.

The choice of outfit sparked conversations across social media platforms, with people sharing a range of opinions about her style. On Facebook, one person wrote, "It seems to me that Melania is taking on a more masculine appearance lately."

Another commented, "Why does she keep wanting to dress like a man?" Meanwhile, others took a more complimentary tone, with someone opining, "She wears it better than any guy could."

A fellow observer added, "Actually its [sic] the style coming back." One more commenter shared, "She looks great in almost anything!!!!!"

Similar discussions unfolded on Instagram. One commenter wrote, "Too masculine," while another expressed appreciation for the look, saying, "3 piece suits are magical." Someone else asked, "What's with all the masculine suits?"

Melania's appearance at the Capitol marked a rare solo outing, as she has largely maintained a low public profile in recent months. Her fashion choices have often attracted public interest, and this event was no exception.

Whether praised or questioned, her tailored suit became a talking point, highlighting the ongoing conversation around style, gender norms, and personal expression.

Yet, this was not the first time she sparked conversations this year. On January 28, 2025, Melania's official White House portrait was unveiled through her Facebook account, once again drawing attention as experts weighed in on the meaning and visual impact of the widely discussed image.

The striking black-and-white composition immediately commanded attention. With a poised yet authoritative stance, Melania leaned forward, placing both hands firmly on a reflective glass table, exuding confidence and control. She wore a tailored black suit, including a structured blazer paired with a crisp white button-up shirt and high-waisted trousers.

Her long, wavy hair cascaded effortlessly over one shoulder, framing her chiseled features, while her makeup remained understated, with defined brows and subtly accentuated eyes adding to the overall polished look.

Behind her, the grand windows of the White House offered a glimpse of the Washington Monument, its presence subtly reinforcing the historical weight of the moment. The natural light filtering through the glass cast a soft glow on her face, enhancing the contrast between her dark ensemble and the luminous backdrop.

After the White House portrait was revealed, online discussions erupted, with netizens expressing a wide range of opinions. Several people commented on her eyes, with one exclaiming, "Those eyes..........!!!" while another observed, "Wow! Those eyes tell me she is serious."

Others took a more critical approach to voicing their thoughts, pointing out what they believed to be a harsh expression. "Yikes she looks so mean!" opined one person. Similarly, someone else said, "That look on her Face...if [sic] looks could kill."

Many netizens also referenced an uncanny resemblance between Melania and her husband, U.S. President Donald Trump. "I swear she's looking more and more like her husband," noted an observer.

Another questioned, "Why am I seeing a Donald Trump hard eye glare??" while someone else remarked, "She looks like a female version of her husband."

On the flip side, a supporter swooned, "Beautiful and classy!!" However, a skeptic questioning the authenticity of the image asserted, "So photoshopped, does not even look like her."

The person responsible for the widely debated portrait is someone deeply familiar with her subject. Régine Mahaux, a Belgian photographer with over two decades of experience photographing the Trump family, was once again entrusted with the responsibility of creating Melania's official White House portrait.

Having previously shot the First Lady's 2017 portrait during Donald's first term, Régine expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to do so again in a recent interview. Beyond her longstanding professional relationship with the Trumps, Régine also emphasized Melania's personal investment in the creative process.

She described working with her as a privilege, noting that the First Lady's perfectionism and hands-on approach played a key role in shaping the final image.

Experts analyzing Melania's newly unveiled portrait have noted the carefully curated nuances within the composition — elements that subtly yet powerfully shape the message it conveys.

According to them, her assertive stance, with fingertips placed firmly on a reflective glass table, projects a sense of authority and purpose.

Similarly, the pose appears to signal a readiness to engage with the responsibilities of the First Lady, a role that traditionally blends advocacy and public service with the ceremonial duties of a White House hostess.

Melania's undeniable ease in front of the camera is another defining aspect of the portrait, a quality attributed not only to her years as a model but also to her longstanding professional relationship with Régine.

Having worked together for more than two decades, Régine is someone the First Lady deeply trusts — an essential factor in capturing an image that embodies confidence, composure, and timeless elegance.

However, the portrait is not simply a declaration of power; it also maintains an air of distance. Experts point out that, despite the commanding pose, Melania has strategically positioned herself behind the ultra-polished table, creating a subtle but noticeable boundary between herself and the viewer.

The choice reflects an element of restraint, reinforcing the aura of mystery and inscrutability that has long characterized her public persona.

When placed side by side, Melania's 2025 White House portrait stands in contrast to the one taken during her initial tenure as First Lady, when Donald was first elected as President of the U.S.

Experts analyzing the two images have pointed out the subtle yet significant shifts in tone, composition, and symbolism — each capturing a different facet of Melania's evolving public image.

In her 2017 portrait, Melania exuded a softer elegance. With a gentle half-smile, parted lips, and a warm, glowing backdrop, the image carried an air of accessibility and approachability. The soft focus further accentuated this effect, lending a polished, almost ethereal quality to her presence.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the transformation is striking. The warm hues have been replaced with a stark black-and-white palette. Gone is the subtle warmth of her expression — her lips now firmly set, her gaze direct, unwavering, and undeniably intense.

Experts have noted that while eye contact can often signal openness, in this portrait, it reads more as a statement of strength rather than an invitation for accessibility.

Another notable shift is in location. Unlike her 2017 portrait, which was taken in the family quarters of the executive mansion, in the 2025 one, the Washington Monument stands unmistakably behind her, visually reinforcing her presence in the heart of political power.

The message is clear — she is firmly in Washington, not New York or Mar-a-Lago, embracing her role, alongside Donald, in a way that appears far more intentional than before.