Just days into her historic appointment as the youngest-ever White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt has already become a lightning rod for public fascination and controversy, thanks to her eye-catching taste in luxury fashion. At just 27, Leavitt isn’t just navigating the corridors of power – she’s also making bold strides on the style front, stepping into a spotlight once held by the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama. But unlike her predecessors, her love for labels is colliding head-on with a politically polarised and economically fraught moment in America.
The latest accessory to ignite headlines? A $4,800 Louis Vuitton Monogram Messenger bag, casually slung over her shoulder as she made her way into the West Wing. The designer piece, a staple in the wardrobes of international fashionistas, may be on-trend but it’s also come under fire, especially amid growing concerns over inflation, the burden of tariffs, and a widening economic divide exacerbated by policies championed by the very administration she represents.
The image, first amplified by the watchdog X account Patriot Takes, drew immediate reactions online. Some critics questioned how a public servant with a government salary could afford such an extravagant item, while others pointed to her marriage to millionaire real estate developer Nicholas Riccio as the answer. “She didn’t get rich on my dime,” one commenter retorted. “Why not enjoy her wealth?” Others shot back, “How does someone barely making six figures afford it?” and “This is a bad look when working Americans are worried about grocery prices.”
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Indeed, optics matter especially when Leavitt is one of the most visible faces of the Trump administration, which is currently navigating controversy over proposed tariffs that could raise costs on consumer goods for everyday Americans. While Leavitt’s handbag may not be policy, it certainly speaks to priorities or at least perceptions of them.
Still, this isn’t her first brush with luxury. Leavitt’s wardrobe is already a curated blend of high-low pieces, but her flair for elevated labels is unmistakable. For her swearing-in, she wore the elegant $498 Giovanna Coat by LPA, a full-length piece with plush baby blue faux-fur cuffs and a cinched waist reminiscent of old-school Hollywood glamour. A few weeks later, she stepped out in a $730 pair of Jimmy Choo pumps and an oversized cross necklace, completing an ensemble that, while politically formal, echoed the aspirational look of a fashion influencer more than a civil servant.
Off-duty, Leavitt’s style doesn’t lose its edge. In a now-viral Instagram mirror selfie, she styled cream knee-high boots with flared jeans and a Lady D-Lite bag by Dior, retailing for a steep $5,300. Her fashion feed is peppered with curated shots that wouldn’t be out of place in Vogue: neon tanks at NBA games, tailored magenta suits, and the unmistakable glint of luxury accessories that suggest this press secretary is just as comfortable in a boardroom as she is front-row at Fashion Week.
With an estimated net worth of around $6 million and a husband reportedly worth $45 million, Leavitt certainly has the financial means to indulge in high fashion. But in today’s politically charged landscape, the question isn’t whether she can afford it, it’s whether she should be flaunting it.
In the current political climate, where everyday Americans are grappling with economic insecurity and the potential fallout from tariffs, Leavitt’s designer duds have become a lightning rod for criticism. For some, her image feels out of step with the populist messaging that has come to define Trump’s base. As one critic put it: “It’s hard to take populism seriously when your spokesperson is rocking $5K handbags.”
Yet for her supporters, Leavitt represents something aspirational – a young, stylish, confident woman with brains, beauty, and ambition, navigating the brutal world of Washington with polish and poise. “Why shouldn’t a woman in power dress well?” one follower tweeted. “If she were a Democrat, she’d be on the cover of Elle.”
And maybe that’s part of the problem or the power of Leavitt’s fashion choices. In a political landscape increasingly dictated by image, where social media magnifies every heel, bag, and brooch, Leavitt’s style is more than just wardrobe, it’s branding. Whether that branding helps or hurts her message remains to be seen.
One thing’s certain: Karoline Leavitt isn’t dialling down her glamour anytime soon. In her short time behind the White House podium, she has made it clear that she intends to deliver policy and panache, designer bag in hand.
