Malia Obama, 25, debuted a new moniker as she began her Hollywood career

Growing up in front of the eyes of the public isn’t something Malia Obama is not familiar with. Being the daughter of the former president of the United States, Barak Obama, she has spent her life under the limelight, and even today, the media is interested in her every move.

The 25-year-old just presented her directorial debut, The Heart, at the Sundance Film Festival. In the Sundance Institute’s “Meet the Artist” spotlight video, Malia Obama revealed she was going by the name Malia Ann, thus ditching her moniker.

Malia, who was born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, has her middle name honoring her paternal grandmother, who died from ovarian cancer at the age of 52 in 1995, and now, she has dropped her last name in favor of her middle name.

Speaking of the short film for which she served as both director and screenwriter, Malia said. “This is an odd little story, somewhat of fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request in her will.” Further, in the YouTube clip of the short film, she wrote, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things.”

The Heat isn’t her first attempt into the profession. Previously, the Harvard grad worked in the writers’ room on Donald’s Amazon Prime show Swarm, co-writing the fifth episode, “Girl, Bye.”

“She’s a very professional person,” Swarm‘s co-creator Janine Nabers said Malia in a January 2023 Vanity Fair interview. “She’s an incredible writer and artist. She made significant contributions… She’s very, truly committed to her craft.”

Swarm‘s executive producer Stephen Glover also spoke of Malia. “We can’t be easy on her just because she’s the [former] President’s daughter,” he told Vanity Fair. “No, she is really down-to-earth and cool. So it’s not an issue at all.”

Malia Obama isn’t the first celebrity who made the decision to ditch their family name. Other celebs have done that before, including Nicolas Cage, who changed his last name from Coppola, and Angelina Jolie, who dropped her surname, Voight.

For her directorial debut, Malia looked cozy, with minimal makeup, her curly hair down with small braids scattered throughout.

‘Classic and Chic’: Fans Gush Over the ‘Best Dressed’ Lady at Donald Trump’s Inauguration – Photos

Aside from a pivotal figure dazzling netizens with the widely praised ensemble she wore at Donald Trump’s inauguration, other esteemed women attended the prestigious event in eye-catching outfits.

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States during his second inauguration in Washington, DC. Amid the elite and elegantly dressed people in attendance was a certain First Lady who garnered swoon-worthy compliments from social media users, dubbing her the best dressed.

Fan comment about a woman who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: X/@hikingatrail

Fan comment about a woman who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: X/@hikingatrail

The public figure who stole the show at the inauguration was none other than First Lady of the US (FLOTUS) Melania Trump. Her outfit — a sleek, double-breasted navy coat with sharp lapels and a structured silhouette — exuded sophistication and timeless elegance.

Melania Trump during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC on January 20, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Melania paired her ensemble with black closed-toe heels and gloves. Topping off her look was a bold, wide-brimmed navy hat with a white band, adding a modern yet classic flair to her appearance.

Melania Trump with her hand on her chest and Donald Trump saluting during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump with her hand on her chest and Donald Trump saluting during the Reviewing the Troops Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

The designer behind her stunning outfit, Adam Lippes, boasted about his creation on Instagram with a heartfelt post.

Alongside a photo of Melania standing beside a soldier in uniform, Adam wrote, “The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor to dress our First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”

Equally noteworthy was Melania’s striking hat, designed by Eric Javits, who shared his enthusiasm on Instagram through a carousel of images showcasing the item from various angles.

A close-up view of Melania Trump’s hat, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

A close-up view of Melania Trump’s hat, posted on January 21, 2025. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

The carousel also included an intimate behind-the-scenes video of Eric meticulously crafting the piece from scratch.

Eric Javits crafting Melania Trump’s hat from scratch. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

Eric Javits crafting Melania Trump’s hat from scratch. | Source: Instagram/ericjavits

In his caption, he revealed his admiration for the First Lady, writing, “It was my great honor and privilege to create the hat our First Lady, Melania Trump, wore for the inaugural swearing-in of our 47th President! She has the inner grace, beauty, and presence to transform what was really a very simple, restrained hat style into what became a ‘wow’ moment. The First Lady’s hat was made with love.”

Melania’s inauguration ensemble sparked a whirlwind of online admiration, as netizens flooded social media with praise for her impeccable style.

“Jaw-dropping high fashion returns to DC. Melania Trump was born for this moment. Magnificent!” exclaimed a fan, whose comment was accompanied by a striking photo of Melania in her iconic hat.

Melania Trump at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Another declared, “She was the best dressed [sic] lady at the inauguration,” while a fellow admirer added, “Melania Trump is always the BEST dressed woman in any room. I adore her style & grace 😍.”

Melania Trump looks on during the inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump looks on during the inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

“Melania’s Outfit and Hat stole the show at the Trump Inauguration! STYLE POINTS! #melania #melaniatrump #firstlady #firstladymelania #melaniahat #melaniaoutfit #melaniafashion #FashionoftheFirstLady #TrumpInauguration2025” penned a supporter.

Donald and Melania Trump looking on during his inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Donald and Melania Trump looking on during his inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Admiration for Melania’s elegance was unanimous, with fans raving about her poise and timeless fashion sense. Yet another supporter enthusiastically declared, “Classy as always!”

Someone else echoed, “Melania looked very chic,” while an admirer swooned, “Absolutely, beautiful and elegant!” “Very regal! 👸 ❤️🤍💙,” gushed another.

Melania Trump at a luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump at a luncheon following Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

One fan expressed heartfelt relief and joy at Melania’s return to the public eye, sharing, “Elegance, grace, and beauty. I am so relived [sic] and happy that First Lady Melania is back. Her outfits have been a pleasure to witness thus far.” Another summarized the online consensus perfectly, writing, “Classic and chic. Stunning.”

Melania Trump smiling at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump smiling at her husband’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

While Melania Trump appeared to be the belle of the ball, other prominent women also stood out with their stunning ensembles, including the Second Lady and wife of Vice President JD Vance, Usha Vance.

Making her entrance with effortless grace, Usha captivated onlookers in a custom-designed outfit by Oscar de la Renta.

Second Lady Usha Vance standing with Vice President JD Vance during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Second Lady Usha Vance standing with Vice President JD Vance during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

The ensemble featured a soft peony cashmere coat with a built-in scarf wrap, paired elegantly with a complementing tea-length dress.

She completed the look with suede knee-high boots and a delicate clutch, creating a polished and feminine aesthetic. The fashion house celebrated the moment on Instagram by sharing photos of Usha’s look.

Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the newly inaugurated president, also stood out in her outfit, as she made a striking entrance alongside her husband, Jared Kushner, and their son.

She donned a forest green ensemble featuring a cinched-waist peplum jacket that accentuated her figure, and paired this with a matching pencil skirt. The monochromatic look was completed with a beret, sleek black heels, black leather gloves, and a structured handbag.

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their son Joseph departing from the East Front of the United States Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their son Joseph departing from the East Front of the United States Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Tiffany Trump, Donald’s youngest daughter, turned heads in a striking navy velvet coat. The floor-length design featured a double-breasted silhouette and a cinched waist. She paired the look with black, heeled boots.

Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos after her dad’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos after her dad’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Lauren Sanchez, partner of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made a chic statement at the inauguration in a tailored white blazer. Her sophisticated outfit was complemented by a sheer top underneath and sparkling drop earrings.

Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez at the US Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Priscilla Chan, Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez at the US Capitol. | Source: Getty Images

Priscilla Chan, wife of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, opted for a cozy yet polished look. She wore a light blue cardigan with delicate gold buttons and accessorized with stunning pearls.

Priscilla Chan looking at Mark Zuckerberg’s phone as they stand next to each other during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Priscilla Chan looking at Mark Zuckerberg’s phone as they stand next to each other during Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump, donned a sophisticated yet bold outfit. She wore a navy textured coat with fringe detailing at the hem and sparkling silver buttons running down the front.

Lara and Eric Trump leaving after Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

Lara and Eric Trump leaving after Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: Getty Images

The outfit highlighted her sleek silhouette, while the thigh-high slit added a touch of modernity. Completing the look, Lara paired the ensemble with black heels.

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