Melania Trump Documentary to Spotlight Fashion

Fashion, not surprisingly, will have a leading role in Melania Trump’s documentary.

In what is reportedly a $40 million deal, Amazon and MGM secured the license for the film “Melania” that is set to hit theaters internationally on Jan. 30. “Melania” chronicles the 20 days leading up to the 2025 inauguration. A premiere is being planned for New York and possibly Washington, D.C.

There are shots of FLOTUS wearing the strapless white and black gown that her stylist Hervé Pierre designed for the inaugural balls in January, and a behind-the-scenes look of her official White House portrait shoot with Régine Mahaux in the Yellow Oval Room. The former model chose a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo with satin lapels, a white shirt and a Ralph Lauren cummerbund for that occasion.

Adam Lippes, who designed the navy and white ensemble that the first lady wore for her husband’s second swearing-in ceremony in January, is also said to be featured in the film. The designer was hosting an event Wednesday and was unavailable to comment. Viewers will see footage of the first lady getting ready at Blair House, the official guest residence of the U.S. president, very early on the morning of President Trump’s second inauguration. Millions remember her structured and refined Inaugural Day outfit for the accessory that topped off the look — a navy and white hat that Eric Javits designed. Javits could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The new flick’s trailer shows Pierre’s hands feverishly sketching the 2025 inauguration night gown. Although he has not seen the movie yet, Pierre said, “The choice of clothes were made like we have always worked with Mrs. Trump for any event. She is always filmed and photographed anyway. So for me, it was business as usual.”

Reportedly outbidding Disney, Netflix and Paramount, Amazon and MGM secured the winning one, which is said to be the largest documentary deal ever. Amazon did not respond to a request for comment. Melania Trump serves as executive producer of the film with RatPac Entertainment’s Brett Ratner and New Element Media’s Fernando Sulichin. Neither company responded to media requests Wednesday.

DMA United’s Marc Beckman reportedly brokered the deal. Media requests to his company were unreturned Wednesday.

Describing Ratner as “a great director,” Pierre said he was intrigued and “very impressed” watching him and his team. They need to be fast “and catch the right image immediately” without many takes, he said. “They didn’t have a safety net like they do with a regular movie,” he added. “They were filming in a motorcade. There you cannot say, ‘Cut? Redo it again.’”

Event planner Bryan Rafanelli makes a cameo — sharing an invitation with FLOTUS for her approval in the documentary’s trailer. His more than 27 years of experience has involved work for Democrats and Republicans, including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and President Joe Biden’s 2023 state dinner at the White House for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife. Media requests to Rafanelli Events were not returned Wednesday.

In the film, Barron Trump holds his own in the fashion department. Wearing a dark custom suit from Bespoke Pearce, the NYU student is seen escorting his mother in the U.S. Capitol. Barron Trump connected with Bespoke Pearce’s founder Nathan Pearce through the social media influencer and entrepreneur Justin Waller, who is one of Bespoke Pearce’s top customers. The trailer for “Melania” wasn’t the only family-related news that the Trumps shared this week. President Trump announced Monday that his son Don Jr. is engaged to Bettina Anderson, a model and socialite — who is also a fashion devotee.