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Why Melania Trump Wore a Red Dress to Dinner With the Chinese President

Why Melania Trump Wore a Red Dress to Dinner With the Chinese President

Like any first lady, Melania Trump’s outfits are often dissected and interpreted by the public. Whether it was speculation over her dress for Inauguration Day, buying off the rack as she did for the State of the Union address, or even that infamous Gucci pussy bow blouse she wore for a debate — what Trump wears makes headlines.


Her latest sartorial choice, a fire-engine-red Valentino midi dress ($5,490) worn to welcome Chinese President Xi Jiping and his wife Peng Liyuan, may have had some deeper symbolism behind it.

As People noted, it was the dress’s color that seemed to speak volumes, as red is often seen as a symbol of good luck and celebration in China — generally worn for Chinese New Year or for weddings. The former model finished her look off with a red-soled shoe, as well — Trump chose a pair of Christian Louboutin’s Pigalle Follies floral pumps ($715).

Red is also a shade that’s been traditionally worn by the first ladies and even duchesses when meeting with Chinese leaders. Michelle Obama wore a gorgeous dark red floral number by Alexander McQueen for a dinner with Chinese president Hu Jintao in 2011.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace on October 20, 2015 in London, England. The President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, are paying a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of the Queen. They will stay at Buckingham Palace and undertake engagements in London and Manchester. The last state visit paid by a Chinese President to the UK was Hu Jintao in 2005. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wore a red Jenny Packham frock, along with the Lotus Flower royal tiara, during a state visit banquet with President Xi Jinping in 2015.

What do you think of the First Lady’s fashion choice? Tell us over @BritandCo.

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(h/t People; photos via The White House, Win McNamee, WPA Pool/Getty)

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