The election of Donald Trump as the new president of the United States divided the fashion industry into two opposing camps: some categorically refuse to dress the future first lady, while others, on the contrary, agree to do it. Harper's Bazaar reports.
The first to speak was the French fashion designer Sophie Tele, who sewed clothes for Michelle Obama. She refused to cooperate with Melania Trump and urged her colleagues to follow her example.
Kenzo designers Umberto Leona and Carol Lee also have a critical opinion about the wife of the future head of state. “If she buys your stuff, tell people you don’t support it,” Leon announced.
An American and founder of his own clothing brand, Tomi Hilfiger, stood up for Melania. In his opinion, the wife of the president-elect is a very beautiful woman. “It would be an honor for any designer to wear it,” he said, stressing that fashion lies outside of politics.
A similar point of view was expressed by the fashion designer from New York, Joseph Altuzarra. “I don’t want my political views to influence whether I agree to dress someone or not,” he announced.
Rag & Bone fashion designer Marcus Wainwright also took the side of the future first lady. “It would be hypocritical not to dress Trump,” he announced, adding that fashion designers must push aside personal political beliefs in order to promote American manufacturing.
Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott spoke neutrally: “I don't know what kind of person Melania is, so I can't draw conclusions about her. None of us know her."
And according to fashion designer Carolina Herrera, eventually all fashion designers will agree to work with Trump. “I think in two or three months it will reach everyone that it’s actually about fashion,” she said.
The US presidential election was held on November 8. Republican Donald Trump defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. The voting procedure for the electors who formally elect the head of state will take place on December 19. The inauguration of the President-elect is scheduled for January 20, 2017.