It has now been a few weeks since Trump was chosen to be the next President of the USA and people still aren’t any happier. There have been riots in the streets, not so friendly protests and a whole lot said on the internet and now, even members of the fashion community are getting involved in boycotting Trump.
Sophie Theallet, who designed several times for Michelle Obama in the eight years she was FLOTUS, has gone so far as to categorically refuse to dress the future First Lady Melania Trump, in an open letter posted on her twitter page. In a brave move from the independent designer, Theallet states that she is “well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics,” but that the “brand stands against all discrimination and prejudice” that Donald Trump, and therefore his wife, stands for. She urges her “fellow designers to do the same” in refusing to dress Melania- but will they follow?
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Dressing the First Lady of America, no matter who they, are brings a great amount of coverage and press to a brand and by publishing her letter, Theallet has made sure she will never again get that opportunity. Theallet’s public statement is the first of its kind in the fashion sphere and an extremely brave move that could potentially cost the brand thousands of dollars.
The sartorial choices of the First Lady are scrutinised and watched closely by all. When the First Lady wears it, it sells- and it seems Melania Trump has already begun to asset her influence over the fashion masses. For one of the presidential debates she sported a $1,100 hot pink Gucci ‘pussy-bow’ blouse (in ironic fashion statement in light of her husband’s recently surfaced comments on women) from Net-a-porter which sold out within hours of her wearing it, forcing the brand to restock. Whilst Theallet’s statement may be hazardous for her brand, with people emulating the style of public figures more than ever, there is no denying that her unwillingness to go against what her brand believes in is both galvanising and honourable. It will be interesting to see who else follows in her footsteps.
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One unlikely designer to jump on the Trump boycott and shy away from dressing Trump and his family is Tommy Hilfiger who prides his brand on their “All-American” values. Speaking recently to People Magazine, Hilfiger stated: “I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her. Ivanka is equally as beautiful and smart, although she wears her own clothes. I don’t think people should become political about it. Everyone was very happy to dress Michelle [Obama] as well. I think they look great in the clothes. You’re not gonna get much more beautiful than Ivanka or Melania.”
(Photo Credit: www.celebuzz.com)
Who is willing to dress the next First Lady is something we will have to wait and see. Dressing the FLOTUS is a great honour and responsibility- usually we have to see whether designers make the cut to dress the most powerful woman in the world- not the other way round. It looks like next year the table will turn and designers will have the power, having to decide if Melania is up to scratch to represent their brand.