Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Hartig, Secretary Bunch. Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to join you at the Smithsonian today. The Smithsonian Museum is an important cultural jewel. It is my great honor to be surrounded by so many special people to celebrate this momentous occasion. Human nature resides in the discipline of detail.
Everything is in the detail. This is not a dress. This is more than 50 years of education, experience and wisdom, realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge. The meticulously formed black shape Z on the front bodies comes decades of my early memories, life experiences and influences. And all of these stories attacked deep within its crisp, strong seams forever.
Mr. Herve Pierre's sophisticated knowledge of couture design has solidified his position as a fearlessly independent visionary. Thank you, Herve. Harry Winston, one of America's most consequential jewelers designed the diamond brooch in 1955. Mr. Winston's headline-grabbing historic piece was loaned to me, especially for the inauguration.
The minimal black neck piece framed the radiant floral diamond cluster, creating harmony with my overall look. The beautiful contrast between black and white sets, the mood rich with emotion. American imagination appears in different creative forums across all types of canvases and often serves up a clear perspective.
This dress speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette, bold and dignified and ruthlessly chic. It is not easy feat to construct such a complex garment. Behind every true couture piece stands a superior team of pattern makers, seamstresses and artisans who transform a creative idea into reality.
My team of experts who constructed this gown have obsessed to master their discipline. I'm proud to collaborate with each of them. The human condition is captured within every stitch, the idea to endure and rise above mediocrity to reach the highest level, America's destiny. This black and white masterpiece showcases America's pure spirit of originality, superior engineering and boundless creativity.
It's a statement as to why America's fashion industry can lead the rest of the world. Personally, I relish the entire design process from start to finish. It takes time. It's slow, but the end result is always magical. If you had the chance to see my new film, Melania, you are well aware of what it took to bring this technical marvel to life.
We must take pride not only in the small rituals of self-care, but in the courageous act of self-expression. Our outward appearance to the world, the art of presenting oneself can be cultivated over a lifetime. Yet even the young girl who can -- who takes care of herself from inside out with precision every morning, leaves for school with a more confident step and a steady gaze, confident to claim her place in the world.
This speak -- spark pays dividends and stays with her for a lifetime. I'm honored to have our creative vision on display here once again within the walls of this institution indefinitely. Thank you.