WaPo gives the thumbs-down to Melania Trump's coat in the White House Christmas decor video: 'The coat looks ridiculous'
The outfit first lady Melania Trump wore as she unveiled the White House's Christmas decorations for the year has been slammed by Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan, who labeled her jacket "ridiculous" and a "distraction."
Melania revealed the primarily-white decorations for this year on December 2 with a one-minute video which highlighted the Christmas tree in all its glory and showed her sprinkling faux snow on a tree, adjusting roses on a cozy fireplace, and fixing a miniature wreath on the traditional gingerbread White House in the State Dining Room.
"'The Spirit of America' is shining in the @WhiteHouse!" the accompanying post read. "I am delighted to share this beautiful exhibit of patriotism for all to see, and excited for everyone to experience the beauty of the #Christmas season!"
Givhan conceded that the decorations were "lovely," but went on to criticize the first lady's attire. "Mrs. Trump wears all white: a dress with a simple jewel neckline, white stiletto-heeled pumps, and a white coat," she wrote. "The coat is draped over her shoulders as she strolls through the White House. The coat looks ridiculous."
She went on to suggest that it was "distracting" and "a discomforting affectation taken to a ludicrous extreme," adding that "in a video that is intended to celebrate the warmth and welcoming spirit of the holiday season, that simple flourish exudes cold, dismissive aloofness."
The critic said Melania's dressing style was contradictory to the notion that she was an "engaged hostess who sweats the details and frets about her guests' comfort" and that "she looks like the sort of host who greets her guests at the front door, tells them to remove their shoes and warns them not to sit on the Lalanne sheep."
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham slammed the Washington Post and claimed there wouldn't have been such scathing criticism of the first lady in the outlet if she was a Democrat.
"It has become an annual holiday tradition for the media to attack all that the First Lady does," she said in a statement to Fox News. "If this was a Democratic Administration, I suspect Mrs. Trump and her work would be featured positively in every mainstream news outlet."