First ladies, in general, have always been a source of marketing for designers worldwide, and by first ladies we don’t just mean the President’s wife. Women who lead this country, and other countries, have been revered as fashion icons throughout history, even though their work is widely ignored.
For President-elect Donald Trump’s wife, Melania, the only thing the public has to focus on, besides her plagiarized speeches, is the fact that fashion icons across the globe have stood either for or against dressing this fascist dictator’s wife.
It has been difficult to keep up with who will and won’t be offering their services to Melania, even though it seems she won’t be fulfilling many of the First Lady-elect duties, so here is a more comprehensive list of who will, won’t, and who haven’t decided on whether to dress the Trump Queen come January 21st.
Acceptance
Thom Browne
The American fashion designer, based out of Trump’s hometown, New York City, took a very broad approach stating:
“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.”
Sam and Libby Edelman
The veteran shoe designers took a less classy approach, and both smothered the Trumps in compliments, and shamelessly marketed their products in an interview with The Cut. Libby Edelman stated:
“Oh, I would love to dress her. There is nothing that would make me happier. And I would love her to wear Sam Edelman’s shoes. Beautiful lady. She is going to be First Lady and represent our country throughout the world, and she should wear Sam Edelman shoes. And she is beautiful.”
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger also wasted no time turning to flattery regardless of the Trump family views and said:
“Yes, I would dress Melania. I think she is a beautiful woman who would make any designer’s clothes look great.”
Diane von Furstenberg
The Belgian-American fashion designer, who’s historical fashion contribution would be the wrap-dress stated:
“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.”
Marcus Wainwright
Marcus Wainwright, the CEO of Rag & Bone, threw moral under the bus in a shrouded attempt to seem political stated:
“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.”
Denial
Marc Jacobs
The fashion icon for both the wealthy and the everyday person, as well as the former creative designer for Louis Vuitton, refuses the opportunity to dress Melania and states:
“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.”
Phillip Lim
The co-founder and CEO of the fashion house 3.1, refuses the opportunity saying:
“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.”
Humberto Leon
Humberto Leon, the American fashion designer, co-founder of Opening Ceremony, and co-creative director of Kenzo made a clear statement on Facebook explaining how he felt.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford, American fashion designer and former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, took a slightly more conceded approach to refusing Melania during an interview on The View.
Tim Weiland
The American born and raised fashion designer, creative director, and co-founder of the clothing brand, Timo Weiland, told The Cut:
“I in no way want to support a lot of the changes that are happening and the appointments that have been made … I just, I can’t. I was 110 percent behind the other candidate for very, very specific reasons, was brokenhearted about the results, and am no less brokenhearted now than I was then. Voluntarily, I will not.”
Derek Lam
The American fashion designer known for his sleek looks and sensible designs refused even the thought of dressing the First Lady-elect stating:
“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.”
On The Fence
From statements such as, “That’s none of my business,” to considering giving Melania the benefit of the doubt this list of designers is either not making a statement about dressing the Trump Queen or positioning themselves right in the middle, a pretty good business tactic.
Michael Kors
Jeremy Scott
Cynthia Rowley
Carolina Herrera
John Varvatos
Vera Wang
Waris Ahluwalia
Rebecca Minkoff
Joseph Altuzarra
Donna Karen
So far Mrs. Trump has not shown any interest in supporting the fashion industry as her predecessors have done and has chosen her outfits herself or with the help of a stylist. Really, if she chooses to send Ivanka to do her job, maybe designers should be focusing on her instead. Only time will tell.
Featured image via Facebook.