Renowned fashion creator and prior Project Runway All Stars judge Isaac Mizrahi delivered a harsh critique of Melania Trump’s style during a recent guest appearance on The Daily Beast Podcast. Co-host Joanna Coles—a fellow Project Runway graduate—suggested that “regardless of your opinion on (Melania), she consistently looks amazing,” to which Mizrahi sharply responded: “I don’t believe she looks that amazing.”
Mizrahi pointed out that the concern lies not so much with Melania’s choices, but rather how her outfits seem to overpower her. “It appears she hasn’t taken a seat from the moment they dressed her to the moment she poses for a photograph,” he remarked, labeling Melania as “styled” but not “stylish.”
At former president Jimmy Carter’s memorial service in Washington D.C. earlier today, Melania was seen in a black Valentino trench coat adorned with a large white collar, its refined silhouette reminiscent of an oversized paper airplane. (The collar also showcased an illustration of a couple embracing, accompanied by floral motifs and butterflies.) The striking outfit ignited numerous inquiries—and “pilgrim Adams Family ensemble” jokes—across social media, reinforcing Mizrahi’s observations.
“She does not embody her garments,” Mizrahi remarked about Melania. “It seems she doesn’t truly engage with her clothing. She disembarks from a plane and enters a car… but she does not lead a life, nor does she invite us into [it]. And honestly, I have no further curiosity about her.”
Mizrahi contrasted Melania’s “excessively polished” appearance with Michelle Obama’s effortless fashion sense. “Michelle Obama just woke up. She was prepared, darling. She never had to ‘get ready,’” he stated. In sharp contrast, Melania appears “afraid of her position,” depending on a team “to assemble her just to stand there for a brief moment.”
When Coles inquired about how he would style Melania for her husband Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, Mizrahi didn’t hold back: “I would recommend she stay home,” he replied. “It’s clear she doesn’t enjoy this. So it’s quite uncomfortable to witness her in any situation.”