In a letter posted to social media on Thursday, designer Sophie Theallet said she will not dress the incoming first lady Melania Trump and she’s asking other designers to follow suit.
Theallet, who has dressed FLOTUS Michelle Obama for the past eight years, wrote that she is aware delving into politics isn’t always wise, but as an immigrant she has “been blessed to pursue [her] dreams.” “As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating 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 wrote. “I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.” A spokeswoman for Melania Trump did not respond immediately for a request for comment, according to The Los Angeles Times. Trump reportedly purchased her pre-election night dresses on line or in New York City boutiques, donning Lauren, Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors.
Open letter | Sophie Theallet | November 17th, 2016 pic.twitter.com/g1hIAyBmdF
— sophie theallet (@sophietheallet) November 17, 2016
