#PussyBowgate: Did Melania Trump’s blouse troll Clinton at the debate?
Melania Trump’s outfit choice at the presidential debate Sunday left many wondering whether it was a fashionable troll, an unintentional mistake, or a secret signal to Hillary.
Safe to say Melania is trolling us all https://t.co/UcENmCQW9U#pussybow
— The Cut (@TheCut) October 10, 2016
Just occurred to me… the neckline on Melania Trump’s beautiful outfit - I believe - is called a “pussy bow.” Interesting sartorial choice.
— MollyJoRosen (@MollyJoRosen) October 10, 2016
OMG: Melania's #debate fashion: Gucci's "pussy bow" shirt H/t @politiquettepic.twitter.com/VQ0LpQp7NW
— Jay Newton-Small (@JNSmall) October 10, 2016
Melania, wife of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, wore a ‘pussy bow’ blouse, a 1930s-style shirt which features two scarf-like pieces of material tied in a loose bow at the neck.
Dare I ask: Is Melanie wearing a pussy-bow blouse? #debates
— Derek Blasberg (@DerekBlasberg) October 10, 2016
Given the recent leaked recording of Trump boasting about being able to “grab” women “by the pussy,” in a conversation with TV host Billy Bush in 2005, the decision created a lot of excitement on social media.
Many believed she chose the ensemble just to annoy her husband’s critics, or his rival Hillary Clinton.
Bet you can't troll like me. - Melania #Debatehttps://t.co/HFKJbd2uPy
— Tiffany Flowers (@MsFlowersTweets) October 10, 2016
Am I the only one that thinks its ironic that Melania chose to wear a Pussy Bow blouse to the #Debate ?#FashionFactCheck#PussyBow 🎀#Guccipic.twitter.com/ZisSqZCAJS
— Evolution Vintage (@EvolutionVtg) October 10, 2016
As news of Mrs. Trump’s outfit spread across social media, many expressed surprise that pussy-bow shirts existed as a real piece of clothing.
Wow, I thought this was fake but it isn’t… https://t.co/QIJsxU3gAJhttps://t.co/3BUZ8y19i6
— Greg Burnham (@gburnham) October 10, 2016
Never more aware that I don't know fashion. Bows have different NAMES? #ribbondorks#pussybow
— PumpkinSpice Kashian (@jackiekashian) October 10, 2016
Others floated the idea that Melania’s choice of outfit was a secret signal that she had defected to Clinton’s camp, with one social media user pointing to the fact that she was wearing Clinton’s signature outfit, a pant suit.
It was a pant suit too, just like Hillary favors @JNSmall was she sending a message? @SheWhoVotes@politiquette
— ThinkBlueDownTicket (@AlwaysThinkHow) October 10, 2016
Lefty: @JNSmall@politiquette I think it’s @MELANIATRUMP calling for help from a team of fashion super heroes. A Fashion Signal!
— Trump's Tiny Hands (@TrumpsTinyHands) October 10, 2016
Melania is going to vote for HRC the #PussyBow and matching pants (suit) confirm that she is a double agent. pic.twitter.com/uUscYfEOOG
— Christen Clifford (@cd_clifford) October 10, 2016
Melania voiced her displeasure at her husband’s comments before the debate.
“The words my husband used are unacceptable and offensive to me,” she said. “This does not represent the man I know. He has the heart and mind of a leader. I hope people will accept his apology, as I have, and focus on the important issues facing our nation in the world.”
@SopanDeb@FreeBeacon is this her way of saying I'm still pissed at you Donald? Passive aggressive swag. #debates
— Tanya Phillips (@TanyaPhillips76) October 10, 2016
Others believed it was the work of Trump.
Melania Trump is wearing a fuchsia pussy bow blouse, which is either a fashion statement or an epic subtweet of her husband
— Ej Dickson (@ejdickson) October 10, 2016
@JNSmall@ClaraJeffery@politiquette Donald musta grabbed it for her. You know - in the store. (low-hanging joke)
— Josh Christian (@JoshChristian02) October 10, 2016
Melania’s blouse was Gucci and sells for $1,100. A campaign spokesperson reportedly said the fashion decision was “not intentional.”