White House Press Secretary's Luxury Shoe Collection Draws Public Attention
Karoline Leavitt, who made history as the youngest Press Secretary in White House history, has found herself under intense public scrutiny not only for her role as spokesperson for President Donald Trump but also for her personal style and fashion choices. The 28-year-old, currently expecting her second child, has been frequently labelled as a 'MAGA Barbie' due to her penchant for expensive designer outfits from brands such as Self-Portrait, Maje, and Sandro, alongside an enviable handbag collection featuring Louis Vuitton and Chanel pieces.
Professional Image Through Designer Footwear
Leavitt, who earns an annual salary of $195,200 according to Fox News, consistently appears at White House press briefings wearing glamorous tweed dresses, high heels, tailored suits, and colourful coats. However, it is her extensive shoe collection that has captured significant attention, featuring luxury brands like Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Chanel, and even the trendy athleticwear brand Hoka. California-based personal stylist and image consultant Cynthia Kennedy suggests that Leavitt's shoe selections indicate a deliberate effort to project a 'smart and professional' image rather than following fleeting fashion trends.
'Karoline Leavitt choosing brands like Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Chanel signals that she leans into polished, recognizable luxury,' Kennedy told the Daily Mail. 'I find it interesting that she's going for heritage brands with serious pedigree rather than trendy, buzzy labels. She's not wearing Bottega Veneta, Khaite, Jacquemus, or The Row (which are more "quiet luxury"). She's wearing brands with big, identifiable logos and silhouettes.'
Detailed Analysis of Key Shoe Choices
Kennedy elaborated that these designer choices help Leavitt appear polished and authoritative in the high-stakes, conservative political environment of the White House. 'She is young, and these brands allow her to look trendy and fashionable while still looking like she belongs in a high-stakes, conservative political environment,' Kennedy explained. 'She appears to want to give off a "smart and professional" image, though some people think her style is more "socialite than professional."'
The Daily Mail has conducted a thorough examination of Leavitt's shoe collection, highlighting several notable pieces. During her debut as Press Secretary in January 2025, Leavitt wore $1,150 black patent-leather heels from Jimmy Choo, featuring a pointed toe and a chic crystal strap. She paired these with a berry-coloured two-piece set from Zara, demonstrating her ability to mix high-end and affordable fashion. Kennedy described these pumps as creating an 'ultra-polished, feminine, aspirational image,' adding, 'They're elegant, expensive, and uncompromising. They say "I belong in this room" and "I take this seriously."'
Affinity for Gucci and Bold Heel Statements
Leavitt also shows a strong preference for Gucci, owning multiple items from the Italian fashion house. In May, she showcased a pair of $990 cream-coloured Princetown slippers from Gucci during a weekend in Palm Beach with her family, including her 60-year-old husband Nicholas Riccio. These backless shoes, featuring the designer's signature silver buckle, appear to be reserved for casual settings, as she has not worn them in the briefing room. Additionally, she owns several Gucci handbags, such as the $3,200 Gucci Web Dionysus Medium and Dionysus in black.
Leavitt frequently wears high heels to press briefings and official travels, a choice Kennedy attributes to her desire to be taken seriously as a young woman in power. 'Being the youngest press secretary ever, I suspect the heels are part of her plan to seem in charge and to be taken seriously,' Kennedy noted. 'There's a tendency for young women in positions of power to feel they have to "dress up" more to be seen as important.' The heels not only add height but also create an 'elongated silhouette' that aligns with a traditional 'professional woman' uniform.
Among her boldest footwear choices are 3.5-inch hot pink patent leather shoes by Le Silla, retailing for $732, which she paired with a dark pink tweed wrap dress by Maje for a monochromatic look. For more conservative outfits, she often opts for neutral-coloured heels, such as the patent leather Stuart Weitzman Power 100 Pumps in black and tan, which retail for nearly $500. She has worn these classic pointed-toe shoes on numerous occasions, including during President Trump's visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in May.
Chanel Additions and Stylist Insights
Kennedy observed that wearing high heels to work is becoming somewhat of a 'throwback' in modern professional settings, where comfortable options like kitten heels, block heels, and stylish flats are increasingly common. 'So her commitment to those sky-high stilettos feels very intentional and almost like she's embracing a more old-school, overtly feminine power aesthetic,' Kennedy remarked.
Recently, Leavitt has added Chanel flats to her collection, spotted during her travels to the Middle East with President Trump in May. She wore black Mary Jane-style ballet flats with ruched detailing at the toe and the brand's classic interlocking 'C' logo, pairing them with various outfits including a long-sleeve black dress and a tiger-print blouse with skinny black pants. Similar Chanel flats retail for over $1,500, a choice Kennedy believes is strategic. 'Everything from her cross necklace to her bouclé suits looks very coordinated and intentional,' Kennedy said. 'She wants to be taken seriously by an older, more conservative audience. Plus, these are brands your grandmother would recognize and respect. It's safe, aspirational luxury that reinforces status, credibility, and polish.'
