Melania Trump's 'optical illusion' dress at royal state banquet sparks fashion debate

All eyes were on Melania Trump's dress as she attended the state banquet alongside her husband and US President, Donald Trump on September 17, but her 'optical illusion' dress has sparked an online debate. Melania wore a canary yellow strapless, long-sleeved dress, which was floor-length by the designer Caroline Herrera.

The First Lady paired with nude pumps and a pair of green earrings but it was her choice of belt that caused an internet meltdown as people are divided on whether it was pink or purple and no one can decide which one is correct.

One user wrote on X: "Not to go all 2015 and start a dress drama, but is Melania's belt pink or purple?" Another wrote: "Still trying to figure out the intention behind making this piece a 'scandalous' type of illusion.

Others saw both colours as one person said, as reported in the Mirror: "When I saw it during the live coverage it did not look pink. Now that I see this I love it!"

One social media user thought the belt looked pink: "The pink belt is a nice touch. Pink & yellow look wonderful together."

Another user on X started a poll on Melania's belt with 66 percent of votes (at the time of writing) believing it was a purple belt.

Melania's dress was in stark contrast to Princess Kate's Phillipa Lepley full-length hand-embroidered gold lace evening coat worn over a silk crepe gown.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, opted for a floor-length royal blue Fiona Clare gown, adorned with a sapphire and diamond tiara, and a diamond necklace. Even though all three women wore floor-sweeping dresses, Melania's off-the-shoulder number stood out from the crowd.

The Royal Family also posted a group photograph on Instagram displaying Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and the First Lady lined up for a picture during the spectacular event.

President Trump, as the guest of honour, was placed between King Charles and the Princess of Wales. Donald Trump said being the first US president to enjoy a second British state visit was "one of the highest honours of my life".

There were the usual politicians, dignitaries, businessmen and women, and members of the Royal Family at the state banquet, but other well-known attendees were Apple CEO Tim Cook, professional golfer Nick Faldo, media magnate Rupert Murdoch, and GB rower Dame Katherine Grainger.