Melania Trump became the center of online attention after appearing in a striking silver gown at the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration held at Mar-a-Lago on December 31, 2025.
President Donald Trump and the former First Lady arrived at the Palm Beach event shortly before midnight, where Melania’s sleeveless, metallic, sequin-covered floor-length dress immediately stood out. Fashion experts later identified the gown as the “Manu Sequin Dress” by designer Ilkyaz Ozel’s brand, The New Arrivals, known for its glamorous eveningwear.
Keeping accessories minimal and her hairstyle softly waved, Melania allowed the shimmering dress to take center stage. Photos and videos from the evening quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of mixed reactions.
Some commentators questioned whether the bold, figure-hugging design was appropriate for a former First Lady, while others focused on her appearance, noting subtle changes without specifying details. Supporters, however, praised the look as elegant, festive, and perfectly suited for a New Year’s Eve celebration, calling it modern and confident.
Beyond fashion, the Mar-a-Lago event remained a high-profile gathering attended by prominent figures, including Rudy Giuliani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with his wife. As the new year began, President Trump shared a brief message of goodwill, saying, “Peace on earth.”
One of the evening’s highlights was a live painting of Jesus, which was later auctioned for a reported $2.75 million.
Whether admired or criticized, Melania Trump’s silver gown ultimately became the most talked-about moment of the night, drawing more attention than the guest list, political presence, or even the fireworks themselves.