The “pussy bow,” which refers to the late-1800s trend of tying bows around cats’ necks, was used to soften tailoring later favored by Nancy Reagan.
“That style projected a conservative, age-appropriate look,” says Rush Jenkins, a curator who worked with the first lady’s wardrobe. Recently, Chloe and Gucci made versions, the latter of which adorned Melania Trump during the second presidential debate — a misstep, considering she wore the style amid a discussion about her husband Donald’s vulgar use of the term’s first word in 2005.
But will she make the look more or less popular? “I don’t think she has that power,” says Jenkins. Stylist Jamie Mizrahi (her clients include Katy Perry) wasn’t amused, captioning an Instagram of the top: “Melania’s stylist should be fired.”
Jenkins gets in a last meow: “It’s interesting that Melania would wear what a former first lady known for style and class wore. I don’t know if that reflects who Melania really is. In my opinion, it is more of an attempt to be something she is not.”
This story first appeared in the Nov. 4 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
