First Lady Melania Trump made a quiet yet unmistakable fashion statement at the White House Easter Egg Roll this week — and it’s one that has people talking on both sides of the border.

On Monday, Melania stepped out in a sleek, cream-colored trench coat that some observers found surprising — not because of the style, but because of the label. Instead of choosing an American designer, the First Lady opted for a luxury piece from Canadian outerwear brand Mackage, a company headquartered in Montreal.

The coat, known as the Gael-V leather trench, features a belted waist and a double-breasted button design. Retailing at $1,890, the item is listed on Mackage’s website as part of their high-end collection. The fashion house is owned by the Montreal-based APP Group, which also markets accessories and handbags internationally.

Melania matching the designer coat with grey patent leather pumps from the Paris-based label Roger Vivier. Her husband, President Donald Trump, kept to his signature look — a red tie paired with a classic navy suit and white shirt. No word yet on the suit’s brand.

What caught the attention of political and fashion watchers alike wasn’t just Melania’s wardrobe choice — it was the timing. The appearance comes amid years of tense trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada, including tariff battles initiated during the Trump administration. Some are wondering whether the Canadian-made coat was simply a fashion pick or a subtle political message.

Eric Ham, a Washington-based political analyst, offered one explanation: Melania may have been signaling that her fashion choices operate independently of her husband’s policies. “It’s possible she’s separating herself from the administration’s trade agenda through her wardrobe,” he told Canadian media.

But not everyone is convinced the decision was even hers. Fashion professor Henry Navarro Delgado of Toronto Metropolitan University said celebrities frequently leave the styling to professionals. “It could be the stylist’s call,” he explained. He also noted Mackage is popular among progressive fashion icons like Madonna and Meghan Markle, suggesting the coat could carry a deeper social tone — whether intended or not.

This isn’t the first time Melania’s wardrobe has drawn scrutiny. Her 2018 visit to a migrant detention center ignited controversy when she wore a jacket emblazoned with the phrase “I really don’t care, do u?” — a fashion moment that still sparks debate.

In past Easter appearances, Melania leaned into more traditional choices, often favoring American and British designers. In 2017, she wore a soft pink dress by Hervé Pierre. The succeeding year, she chose a baby blue Burberry jacket, and in 2019, a classic blue Michael Kors dress.

As for Monday’s outfit, neither the White House nor Mackage responded to questions about the selection. But the message, whether intentional or not, was heard loud and clear: Melania Trump continues to make headlines with fashion choices that blend elegance and intrigue — and sometimes, controversy.

Sources: CTV News