Melania Trump's Inaugural Ball Gown Will Be Donated

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History (NMAH) in Washington D.C. will become the new owner of First Lady Melania Trump's Inaugural Ball gown, according to reports. The first lady's contribution, which will join the museum's "The First Ladies" collection, is a part of a tradition more than 100 years old.

"Mrs. Trump had a passion for design starting at very young age, and had a very precise idea of what she wanted to wear for the historic evening," Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's communications director, told CNN Wednesday. "She is honored to be able to donate her couture piece to such an iconic exhibit at the Smithsonian."

The vanilla-colored, off-the-shoulder silk gown was designed by Hervé Pierre in collaboration with the first lady. The dress also boasts a slit skirt paired with a ruffled accent. President Donald Trump's wife is expected to make an appearance at the ceremony alongside Pierre, who will serve as her "date."

"As a foreigner who became an American, to have your gown put in the Smithsonian Museum is a big huge honor," Pierre told Women's Wear Daily (WWD) Monday. "I got chills. I know how in the designer world, there are lots of big egos. I have always tried to manage my ego for many, many years. But in this case, there is nothing to be ashamed of — it's a big ego thing. I’m really really proud of it."

Pierre added, "My name will be in the museum forever... That will be the only thing I have in the museum but it is part of American history."

Melania Trump's dress will be included in an exhibition that has 26 dresses from many first lady alums on display. Former presidential wives like Laura Bush and Jackie Kennedy have dresses featured in the collection. The exhibit also boasts more than 160 other historical objects.

"The First Ladies" collection launched with donations from Helen Taft in 1912 through the help of its founders Cassie Mason Myers, Julian-James and Rose Gouverneur Hoes. The Smithsonian Institution asks all first ladies to donate a dress that will represent her presence in the collection for years to come. The collection's increase in popularity has also drawn more attention to the ceremony, as it has become a publicized media event.

"'The First Ladies' encourages visitors to consider the changing role played by the First Lady and American women over the past 200 years," the museum's representative wrote in a press release Monday.

Michelle Obama, Melania Trump's predecessor, had donated several items to the museum's exhibit. Obama's Inaugural Ball gown was gifted to the museum by its designer Jason Wu in 2009, alongside the Jimmy Choo shoes and Loree Rodkin jewelry she paired with it.

A representative of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History did not immediately return International Business Times' request for comment.