Is Melania Trump’s Wedding Dress Now Selling on eBay?

Palm Beach, Florida — A strapless designer wedding gown reminiscent of Melania Trump‘s own is reportedly listed for sale on eBay, stirring speculation about the authenticity of the garment. The listing claims that the white satin dress, designed by John Galliano for Dior couture, is the same gown Trump wore during her wedding to Donald Trump in January 2005, and it has attracted bids starting at $45,000.

The seller, using the username Svjabc1, asserts that she purchased the dress for her own wedding in 2011 for $70,000 through a mutual friend of Trump. The eBay listing includes multiple images that showcase the gown’s voluminous skirt and ornate embroidery, which is said to feature over 1,500 Swarovski crystals. Fashion writer Liana Satenstein noted the dress weighs around 60 pounds, similar to Trump’s original gown.

While social media and the public are curious about the dress’s origins, authenticity remains in question. New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman mentioned that the seller has not provided any formal proof of authenticity, such as labels or provenance documentation. Furthermore, sources close to Trump indicate that the original gown is safely stored at the Trump residence, Mar-a-Lago. Hervé Pierre, Trump’s stylist, confirmed that he secured the dress two years ago.

The intrigue surrounding the eBay listing taps into broader narratives about Melania Trump and her family’s transactional reputation. Critics point out that the Trumps often brand themselves, applying commercial strategies to personal items and relationships. From jewelry and skincare on QVC, to limited-edition NFTs sold through her website, Melania has demonstrated a business-savvy side rarely seen in past First Ladies.

Notably, Melania’s wedding dress could hold significant historical value, akin to garments worn by other First Ladies or Hollywood legends, leading some to question why she would let such a cherished item be sold online. Unlike her predecessors who donated memorable clothing to the National Archives or auctioned them for charity, Melania has chosen to commercialize pieces like her iconic broad-brimmed hat from a state visit to France in 2022.

As the auction continues on eBay, the online platform, while lacking specific authentication measures for couture gowns, does offer a money-back guarantee for buyers who may receive an item that is defective or not as described. This lack of stringent verification may contribute to ongoing skepticism around the eBay dress.

As the story evolves, public interest in do sell the gown continues to fluctuate, with many maintaining a cautious enthusiasm regarding its possible link to the former FLOTUS’s celebrated wedding.