22012025-LSTC-01.qxd 1/21/2025 11:51 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Melania Trump wore an ensemble by New York-based designer Adam Lippes Sing along Life Country music star Carrie Underwood delivered a stunning performance as she sang America the Beautiful during Trump’s presidential inauguration on Monday. When the background music stopped due to a technical issue, she handled the moment gracefully. CHANDIGARH | WEDNESDAY | 22 JANUARY 2025 TRUMPED Mona A LL eyes were on the United States presidential inaugural on Monday, not just the political pundits but also fashion brigade. The FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States) aced her sartorial game, while the Second Lady won hearts. The sartorial gala was enhanced by the President Donald Trump, who called his Vice President JD Vance ‘a great senator and a very, very smart one’, going ahead to compliment his spouse, Usha Vance, ‘The only one smarter is his wife. I would have chosen her but somehow the line of succession didn’t work that way, right,’ Trump looked at his second-in-command, who duly nodded in agreement! MELANIA IN NAVY BLUE On a cold January morning, the first couple walked in matching ensembles in navy blue. On her second outing as the First lady of the United States, Melania Trump wore not just patriotic colours—navy blue with a hint of white—but both the designers putting together her sharp look were Americans. New York-based Adam Lippes designed her custom double-breasted navy silk wool coat and pencil skirt with an ivory silk crepe blouse. The matching hat was designed by another New Yorker, Eric Javits. Melania styled it with navy pumps. The Slovenia-born former model, FLOTUS At the US presidential inaugural, fashion was at its best as Melania Trump shone in a strapless white, floor-length gown, while Usha Vance made heads turn in a Oscar de la Renta ensemble has faced flak for her love for European designers. She ensured to get it right this time around, even if it meant her fancy boater style topper was to be redone at the last minute! SECOND IN COMMAND The Second Lady of the US, Usha Vance, turned heads in an Oscar de la Renta ensemble. A peony cashmere coat, she styled it with scarf wrap and a complementing dress. She kept it all warm on the cold January day with blushtoned suede boots by Manolo Blahnik Lina. She also wore statement floral earrings. BALL OF A TIME The matching outfits weren’t limited to the oath-taking though. The Commander-In-Chief Ball, at the 60th Presidential Inauguration, saw the ‘firsts’ choosing classics black and white. Melania opted for strapless white, floor-length gown. She paired it with white heels and a standout black choker. The dress is reportedly designed her long-time favourite Hervé Pierre! Indian-origin Usha Vance picked up a delicate, shimmery blue, floor-length gown, complementing the look with a statement ring, diamond ear-studs and midnight blue pumps. INDIA SHINING Usha Vance gave a nod to her Indian heritage by choosing a stunning strapless purplish gown by Indian designer Gaurav Gupta. Usha, with roots in Andhra Pradesh, was born in San Diego, and met her future husband JD Vance while at Yale Law School. The couple has three children together. She opted for the Gaurav Gupta gown for the candlelight dinner hosted by Trump at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Gupta, a red carpet favourite, has dressed global celebs like Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Cardi B and Priyanka Chopra. Usha is not just being lauded for sartorial choices, but also her salt and pepper hair, which she flaunts with grace. Amongst those who stood out with their fashion game were Jill Biden. In the blues and black, she stood out with a pop of colour—teaming her purple Ralph Lauren wrap coat with a matching dress underneath. She went monochrome, accessorising her look with purple suede high heels and matching gloves. Ivanka Trump shone in emerald green, a pencil skirt and blazer top, which she paired with a green hat and matching purse. (Clockwise from top) US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melanie Trump; Ivanka Trump; Usha Vance with her daughter and husband, Vice President JD Vance Strength of a woman Diljit Dosanjh-starrer biopic Punjab 95 not to release on Feb 7 Postponed! Kritika Kamra consciously lets go of work that glorifies dependent women The release of Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated biopic, Punjab 95, has been postponed. The film, which was originally scheduled to hit the theatres on February 7, is based on the life of Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who disappeared in 1995. On Instagram, Diljit shared a note along with an image of Khalra. “We are very sorry, and it pains us to inform you that the movie Punjab 95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our control,” read the note. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, tells the story of Khalra, who was known for uncovering human rights violations during Punjab’s militancy era. — ANI From portraying a tough spy in For Your Eyes Only or a sharp-witted cop in Gyaarah Gyaarah, actress Kritika Kamra has shared that she is drawn to roles that break stereotypes and that she consciously lets go of work that glorifies weak, dependent women. She wants to tell stories that show women in a stronger light. “I want to tell stories that reflect strong, multi-dimensional women who stand their ground and challenge societal expectations. It’s not just about playing different roles; it’s about representing characters with purpose and depth that inspire audiences,” said the actress. Highlighting her approach, she stated, “I’ve consciously let go of work that glorifies weak, dependent women. My characters stand on their own terms. They have agency, resilience, and a voice that demands to be heard. As an actor, I feel a responsibility to portray women who embody strength and individuality,” said Kritika. On the work front, Kritika will next be seen in ‘Matka King’. It delves into the intricate world of Matka gambling that started in Mumbai. — IANS c m y b