Donald Trump says 'buy American' during Congress address while Ivanka wears $1868 dress by French designer

Donald Trump might have used his first congress address to tout his mantra of “buy American and hire American” but this did not stop his daughter wearing an exorbitant French designer dress to the event.

Ivanka Trump, the President’s second child who is said to be his “favourite”, wore a fuchsia dress by French designer Roland Mouret which cost $1868 (£1772) to the prestigious event which saw her father promise a “new chapter of American greatness” and launch barbed attacks on illegal immigrants.

A representative for the acclaimed designer, Roland Mouret, told The Independent the Rawlings Dress which was worn by the first daughter was produced in the UK.

Ms Trump shared a photo of herself and Jared Kushner, her husband who is a senior advisor to the President, before the pair set off for the congress speech.

“Getting ready to leave The White House with @realdonaldtrump as he prepares to address Congress #JointSession,” Ms Trump, a former executive of the Trump Organisation, wrote.

Ms Trump’s choice of dress sparked some controversy on Twitter, with people criticising her for not wearing an American brand and for wearing a “cocktail dress” to the formal affair. Others argued it was unfair the first daughter was able to flaunt her arms without controversy whereas former first lady Michelle Obama was criticised for doing the same.

"Dad said Buy American so Ivanka wore a French designer's dress #hypocrisy," said one person on Twitter.

"Remember all that crap about Michelle Obama showing her arms and if it was appropriate? Well, behold Ivanka and her shoulders," added another.

Giving his first address to senators and members of congress, the billionaire property developer claimed he would ask congress to approve legislation that “produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the US”.

Mr Trump said it would be financed through both public and private capital creating millions of new jobs, adding: “This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American and Hire American.”

This is by no means the first time Ms Trump has prompted controversy for her choice of dress. In January, she came under fire for sharing a photo of her “date night” with Mr Kushner while humanitarian chaos erupted in airports around the world in the wake of her father’s hard-line immigration ban. Critics accused her of “extreme insensitivity” and labelled the photo “wildly offensive”, “inappropriate” and “tone deaf”.

What’s more, a number of memes surfaced juxtaposing the glamorous photo of her silver metallic dress with an image of a refugee in a foil survival bag.

Mr Trump’s daughter's penchant for fashion has frequently made her the centre of controversy. In November, her jewellery company used an interview appearance to promote a $10,800 diamond bracelet from her fashion line. The company later apologised for promoting the jewellery.

Ms Trump’s brand, which she has stepped down from, has taken a hit since increasing numbers of Trump critics have boycotted her clothing and accessories line. A recent report by the Wall Street Journal said her brand’s sales fell by nearly a third in the past financial year, with a sharp decline in the weeks running up to Mr Trump’s win.

The Grab Your Wallet boycott campaign (a reference to the President’s leaked sexually aggressive 2005 “pussy-grabbing” comments) emerged last autumn and urges consumers to boycott shops which sell products affiliated with Mr Trump’s family businesses.

A representative for Roland Mouret declined to comment on the matter to The Independent.