Melania Trump Surprises with Bold Style Change at Mar-a-Lago Dinner Hosted by Donald Trump
Melania Trump & Donald Trump walk off the stage after a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024, in NYC. (Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Michael M. Santiago)
Former and future First Lady Melania Trump showcased an unexpected style transformation during a formal dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, December 15. President-elect Donald Trump hosted the event, welcoming Aki Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Melania took to social media to commemorate the evening, sharing a photo of the trio with her 3.1 million followers on X. “It was a privilege to host Mrs. Akie Abe at Mar-a-Lago once again,” Melania captioned the image. “We fondly remembered her late husband, former Prime Minister Abe, and honored his remarkable legacy.”
While Melania is celebrated for her timeless, classic style—often featuring a sleek blowout and signature rounded French manicure—her appearance on Sunday marked a notable departure. Instead of her usual polished nails, Melania sported a bold, modern look with long talon-shaped nails tapered to a point.
The new manicure featured a wintery white shade with a metallic hue, adding a striking contrast to her traditionally understated aesthetic. The Daily Mail pointed out Melania’s loyalty to her signature style in years past, often choosing a white-on-white French manicure, sometimes paired with a matching French pedicure.
The French manicure itself, despite its name, was created in Hollywood during the 1970s. Jeff Pink, a film producer and founder of ORLY, designed the natural nail look to save actresses time between wardrobe changes. It later soared in popularity on Parisian runways, gaining modern variations over time.
Melania’s update is not the only recent shift in her style. On Thursday, December 12, while accompanying her husband to the New York Stock Exchange, she was spotted with visibly longer hair, seemingly enhanced with extensions. Incoming Vice President JD Vance shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Donald and Melania, where her updated hairstyle drew attention.
London-based hairstylist Julia North weighed in, explaining that Melania appeared to be wearing “tape-in or beaded-row extensions.” North added, “You can spot the telltale signs where the natural hair meets the extension pieces, particularly visible in the mid-sections.”
As President-elect Trump prepares for his return to the Oval Office, Melania’s evolving style choices appear to mark a new chapter for the former First Lady. Whether through her striking manicure or updated hairstyle, Melania continues to captivate with her poised yet subtly refreshed appearance.
