Michelle Obama has been a magnet for fashion designers, having raised the profiles of many, including Jason Wu, Thakoon Panichgul and Bibhu Mohapatra. But at least one designer isn’t feeling that same love for soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump.
Sophie Theallet, the New York-based French designer who has dressed FLOTUS several times, sent out a news release late Thursday reading in part, “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.”
Theallet, who could not be reached for further comment, urged other designers to follow her lead, though several, clearly uncomfortable with the subject, chose not to comment. But Carmen Marc Valvo, a brand that Melania Trump has worn in the past, was clear. “Under the circumstances, and from a political perspective I have no desire to dress the incoming first lady. It’s not something I would pursue.”
On the other hand, Mohapatra, a favorite of Obama’s who won high praise for his graphic floral ensemble she wore for her state visit to India last year, is not counting it out. “I am totally opposite of (Melania Trump’s) husband’s politics, but if the opportunity came to me I would consider it.”
