Melania Trump Brings Somber Shoes to Jimmy Carter’s Funeral at Washington National Cathedral

Melania Trump dressed up for a solemn occasion on Jan. 9: the state funeral at Washington National Cathedral for President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024. All living presidents attended the event on Thursday, which was declared a national day of mourning by President Joe Biden.

Black is known as the go-to color for funerals, and Melania Trump’s outfit mostly aligned with that popular choice. She wore a long black coat with a large white collar featuring a gray design. Donald Trump, meanwhile, wore a dark suit with a blue tie and black lace-up dress shoes.

Melania’s shoes were a pair of classic black pumps, seemingly from luxury brand Manolo Blahnik. The label’s popular BB silhouette, featuring a pointed toe and a stiletto heel, comes in multiple fabrics and colors. Black, of course, was a fitting choice for this occasion. The brand reveals designer Manolo Blahnik’s story behind the shoe on its website: “Every season I explore and aim to achieve the perfect shape and cut for my court shoe. I first designed the ‘BB’, which is named after Brigitte Bardot, one of my greatest inspirations, in 2008 and it became a classic. It’s a good shoe for every occasion.” The company sells a black suede version of the shoe for $825.

Melania often opts for a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes; she recently wore a gray pair of pumps from the brand, for example, to the New York Stock Exchange in December.

Current first lady Jill Biden was also in attendance at Jimmy Carter’s funeral; she opted for a formal black ensemble accented by Dior slingback pumps, a footwear style she’s worn in the past.

The list of anticipated speakers at Jimmy Carter’s state funeral includes Steve Ford, Ted Mondale, Stu Eizenstat, Jason Carter and President Joe Biden.