Read What 18 Fashion Designers Has To Say About Dressing Melania Trump

Published: January 4, 2017 Last Updated 2 weeks ago by FPN SEO

 

Since Donald Trump officially became America’s new President-Elect, dressing the future first lady, Melania Trump, seems the hottest topic amongst designers. Although there have been thousands of protesters taking to the streets in major capitals of the United States and on social media protesting against Mr. Trump as president, but why dressing the wife of the president-elect, who will officially become the next FLOTUS come 20th January be a major debate?

Since designer Sophie Theallet wrote in her open letter posted on her Twitter account in November, that “the rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by [Melania’s] husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by,” a slew of other designers like —  Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford and more are taking sides with her, while designers such as — Thom Browne, Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone, Carolina Herrera and many more will be proud to dress the future FLOTUS, others are still indecisive.

Ahead, the debate continues as 18 designers give different views on dressing Melania Trump. Keep reading by clicking through:

Marc Jacobs

“I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump. I didn’t see [Sophie Theallet’s] letter. Personally, I’d rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters.” — he told WWD

Sophie Theallet

“As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom, and respect for all lifestyles. I will not participate in dressing or associate myself in any way with the next First Lady. The rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.” — she said on Twitter

Carolina Herrera

“I think that in two or three months they’ll reach out because it’s fashion. You’ll see everyone dressing Melania. She’s representing the United States.” — she told Business of Fashion

“Out of respect for the position of the first lady of our United States, I would be honored to be considered to design for any first lady of the United States.” —to WWD

Christian Siriano

“I probably wouldn’t as of right now, but you know, we’ll see how it goes in the next four years” — CBS News

Tommy Hilfiger

“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.” —to WWD

Diane von Furstenberg

“Donald Trump was elected and he will be our president. Melania deserves the respect of any first lady before her. Our role as part of the fashion industry is to promote beauty, inclusiveness, diversity. We should each be the best we can be and influence by our example.” —she told WWD

Tom Ford

“I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago and I declined. She’s not necessarily my image. And, you know, the first lady—other than the fact that I’m a Democrat and voted for Hillary and I’m very sad and disappointed that she’s not in office—but other than that, even had Hillary won, she shouldn’t be wearing my clothes. They’re too expensive. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. They’re not artificially expensive. It’s how much it costs to make these things.” —on The View

Humberto Leon

“No one should and if she buys your clothes, tell people you don’t support it. You know who you are!” —on Facebook

 

Tracy Reese

“I don’t believe in a negative approach. I’ll put it that way. It’s easy enough to abstain or whatever, but I don’t believe in taking a negative approach. It’s a free country—or it used to be.” — she told Elle

Naeem Khan

“I’m not a politician, I’m a fashion designer—but I do have a point of view and I do have loyalty. I really care for the values of our country and I feel like there’s something missing in the new administration. I am very skeptical and I’m afraid of where it’s going. But, I think we have to see.” he told Elle.

Joseph Altuzarra

Joseph Altuzarra

“I don’t want to not dress people I disagree with.” — he told The New York Times

Phillip Lim

“It’s been such an emotional roller coaster of an election process. The result has only confirmed my belief that we must stand for what we represent as a brand, so my sentiment is still the same. As a global brand, we are always looking to partner with individuals that we have authentic relationships with—ultimately, women and men that share similar set of values, desires and ideologies: inclusion, diversity, justice, consciousness, innovation…. With that said, we do not have a current relationship with Mrs. Trump and I don’t foresee a relationship developing under the Trump administration.” —to WWD

Derek Lam

“I’ve been slammed on social media when expressing an opinion about the election outcome. I was warned by people that I should not make an opinion which could alienate a client. Having been duly warned, my response is, while I have incredible respect for our country’s political institutions, I find it challenging to be personally involved in dressing the new first lady. I would rather concentrate my energies on efforts towards a more just, honorable and a mutually respectful world. I don’t know Melania Trump personally, so I don’t wish my comments to seem I am prejudging her personal values, but I really don’t see myself getting involved with the Trump presidency.” —to WWD

Vera Wang

“We have not been contacted by the Trump campaign or administration thus far. But the first lady-elect should support American fashion, as did her predecessors.” —to WWD

Marcus Wainwright

“It would be hypocritical to say no to dressing a Trump. If we say we are about inclusivity and making American manufacturing great again, then we have to put that before personal political beliefs.” — he to told The New York Times

 Tanya Taylor

“Well, when we have an opportunity to dress anyone, we’re selective. I tend to like to support women that I personally support—even when it comes to actresses or musicians. I think there needs to be a reason why you are dressing them outside of their title. That’s really why Michelle Obama was really exciting, so I think that I want to give it some time. I feel like they’re not in office yet, maybe […] she will do something that is really meaningful and then you can reevaluate it. I think right now it’s a little bit too soon to call.” she told Elle

Cynthia Rowley

“In the midst of this heated debate, the question actually seems somewhat irrelevant. She can simply purchase whatever she wants, so how can we control it? Just because she’s shown wearing a designer does not mean that designer is endorsing her, her husband or any of their beliefs. Checking someone’s ethical beliefs before they’re allowed to purchase sets up an exclusionary dynamic that feeds into the exact mentality that is preventing us from moving forward in a positive direction. Some people say fashion and politics should never mix, but when given the choice, I think you should address and dress your conscience.” — she told WWD