Ivanka Trump Faces Backlash for Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Ball Gown

Ivanka Trump’s dazzling look at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball has set the internet abuzz, with her Audrey Hepburn-inspired gown stealing the spotlight and igniting a mix of admiration and critique. The ball, a grand celebration of Donald Trump’s return to the White House after his second inauguration, became a stage where every detail, including Ivanka’s show-stopping attire, was analyzed and debated.

At the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball, 43-year-old Ivanka Trump captivated onlookers with a modern take on Audrey Hepburn’s iconic gown from the 1954 film Sabrina. Designed by the legendary French fashion house Givenchy, the ensemble was a masterpiece of elegance and craftsmanship. The white gown, adorned with intricate black floral embroidery, featured a delicate train that trailed gracefully as she moved.

Ivanka completed the look with a diamond choker necklace, black opera gloves, sleek high heels, and a timeless chignon hairstyle—a nod to Hepburn’s signature sophistication. A viral tweet by @Remisagoodboy noted, “Ivanka Trump is wearing Givenchy tonight. This is a recreation of the iconic 1954 Haute Couture black and white gown originally designed for Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.”

The outfit flawlessly embodied the timeless charm of Hepburn while making a bold fashion statement. While many applauded Ivanka’s homage to the beloved actress and style icon, the look also ignited controversy, dominating headlines and sparking debates across social media platforms.

Ivanka Trump’s choice of attire at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball garnered admiration for its grace and nod to vintage Hollywood glamour. Fans praised the outfit as a tasteful homage to Audrey Hepburn, celebrating the timeless cultural and fashion legacy of the beloved actress. The tribute even received a heartfelt endorsement from Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, who described it as “thoughtful” and “appropriate.”

Ferrer highlighted the significance of the gesture, noting its alignment with two poignant dates: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the anniversary of Audrey Hepburn’s passing. “She paid tribute to my mother’s enduring legacy in a manner that seemed fitting for such a significant national event,” Ferrer shared. “It reflects how Audrey’s influence continues to inspire generations.”

Fashion experts echoed Ferrer’s sentiments, applauding Ivanka’s bold yet refined choice, which stood out amid the typically conservative ensembles at political events. Some critics even speculated that her look could ignite a resurgence of vintage Hollywood-inspired fashion in the seasons to come, cementing its impact beyond the evening’s celebrations.

Despite widespread praise, Ivanka Trump’s choice of dress also sparked intense backlash, with critics accusing her of tone-deafness and cultural insensitivity. Social media erupted with divided opinions, as some questioned whether paying homage to Audrey Hepburn was appropriate in the context of a politically charged event.

Many detractors highlighted the apparent contradiction between Hepburn’s legacy of grace, humility, and humanitarianism and the controversies surrounding the Trump administration. One Twitter user voiced their frustration, stating, “Audrey Hepburn stood for grace, humility, and humanitarian values. It feels disrespectful to her legacy to have her iconic look appropriated for a Trump political event.”

Timing also became a focal point of criticism. Opponents argued that incorporating Hepburn’s image on Martin Luther King Jr. Day detracted from the day’s significance. Some even suggested the tribute risked overshadowing Hepburn’s legacy as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, whose life’s work centered on global humanitarian causes—values critics felt stood in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s policies.

The controversy highlighted the broader tension between artistic homage and political symbolism, with many questioning whether such a tribute could truly transcend the event’s divisive context.

Ivanka Trump’s dress at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball sparked debates over whether it was more than a fashion choice—some viewed it as a calculated political statement. Commentators speculated on the intent behind the look, questioning if it was designed to divert attention from her father’s presidential controversies or to reframe her public image.

Political analyst Sarah Kendrick weighed in during a televised debate, stating, “This is not just about fashion—it’s about optics. Ivanka Trump, well aware of the power of imagery, used Audrey Hepburn’s legacy to project elegance and sophistication onto an administration often criticized for lacking both.”

The choice also placed Givenchy, the renowned designer behind the gown, under scrutiny. Known for its deep connection to Audrey Hepburn, the fashion house faced questions about its involvement in a highly politicized event. Some critics accused Givenchy of complicity in the political repurposing of Hepburn’s legacy, while others defended the brand, viewing the gown as a celebration of timeless style.

Social media became a battleground for opinions, with hashtags like #AudreyHepburn and #IvankaTrump trending across platforms. Memes and comparisons flooded the internet—some mocking Ivanka’s attempt to channel Hepburn’s grace, while others hailed the look as a modern triumph of glamour. The dress became a cultural flashpoint, embodying the intersection of fashion, politics, and public perception.

A viral tweet featuring side-by-side images of Audrey Hepburn in the original Sabrina gown and Ivanka Trump in her replica challenged viewers to “spot the difference,” igniting a flurry of reactions. While some praised the recreation’s meticulous attention to detail, others decried it as an inappropriate use of Hepburn’s iconic image.

The debate intensified with input from high-profile celebrities. Actress and activist Susan Sarandon criticized the choice, calling the dress a “mistake” and asserting that Hepburn’s legacy should remain untangled from political events. Conversely, Ivanka’s bold fashion statement reportedly earned praise from fashion icon Anna Wintour. “The dress bridged the gap between Hollywood and high politics,” Wintour remarked, suggesting it was a daring move that blended style and symbolism.

The contrasting opinions highlighted the polarizing impact of Ivanka’s look, as discussions about its cultural and political implications continued to dominate social media and beyond.

At the heart of the controversy lies Audrey Hepburn’s enduring legacy, an icon whose image has transcended generations. Celebrated for her roles in classics like My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Hepburn became synonymous with elegance, kindness, and humanitarianism.

Ivanka Trump’s tribute underscores the powerful connection between fashion and cultural memory, sparking debates about the ownership and appropriation of such symbols. Who has the right to invoke these iconic legacies, and for what purpose?

Whether viewed as a heartfelt homage or a tone-deaf misstep, Ivanka’s gown has undeniably ignited conversations about the intersection of fashion, politics, and legacy. It serves as a reminder of how powerful imagery can shape public discourse—and how easily it can polarize opinion.

Ivanka Trump’s appearance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball will be remembered not only for the tribute it aimed to pay but also for the controversy it ignited, cementing its place as a defining moment in the intersection of fashion, politics, and cultural discourse.