Michelle Obama’s Designer Refuses To Dress Melania Trump As First Lady, Says ‘Integrity Is Our Only True Currency’
Michelle Obama’s designer, Sophie Theallet, is refusing to ever work with incoming first lady Melania Trump. The French designer who lives in New York has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama on several occasions in the past eight years and has also dressed big-name celebrities that include Kim Kardashian and Alicia Keys. In spite of her high-profile client list, she’s not interested in working with Mrs. Trump.
Theallet tweeted an open letter sharing where she stands when it comes to the president-elect.
One of Michelle Obama’s most trusted designers posted the letter dated November 17 to social media to express her feelings about the prospect of dressing Melania Trump.
“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,” she writes.
Atten Trumpsters with $$$: BOYCOTT Michelle Obama’s designer Sophie Theallet who vows NEVER to work with Melania https://t.co/z31X4BMXgA
— StrongWomenLoveTrump (@mcgilh) November 18, 2016
Michelle Obama’s designer cites the extreme views espoused by Melania Trump’s husband during his presidential campaign. She continues that the “rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.”
Theallet has said “it is not wise to get involved in politics,” but broke her own rules by voicing her straightforward opinion of the Trumps. She insists that the “bottom line is not just about money.” The independent fashion designer touts that “integrity is our only true currency.”
Sophie Theallet calls on fellow designers “to do the same.”
And she’s not the only designer who’s said they won’t work with Melania https://t.co/JrdC5btSNR
— Teen Vogue (@TeenVogue) November 18, 2016
Michelle Obama’s designer demonstrates her gratitude in becoming a success in the United States after moving here as an immigrant herself. She resonates with the first lady’s “values, actions, and grace” and credits her for the recognition that she’s received in the fashion industry. Theallet embraces diversity and touches on the role it’s played in ad campaigns, runways, and her own experience dressing celebrities. She believes it’s a reflection of what the nation represents and doesn’t feel the new president embraces it.
Theallet vows to never design a piece of clothing for Melania Trump if she were to request it.
Open letter | Sophie Theallet | November 17th, 2016 pic.twitter.com/g1hIAyBmdF
— sophie theallet (@sophietheallet) November 17, 2016
A source tells People magazine that even though Michelle Obama’s fashion designer is the first to openly refuse working with Melania Trump, other designers in the industry have declined working with women in the Trump family for months.
“This has already been going on for months. Designers wouldn’t lend to Melania, Ivanka or Tiffany, so they either bought the items themselves or wore Ivanka’s brand,” the source said. “There was a lot of shopping their own closets.”
Carolina Herrera, a fashion designer who’s also created pieces for Michelle Obama, doesn’t foresee Melania having any problems attracting a steady stream of professionals ready to dress her. She told Business of Fashion that the designers will be showing up in droves.
“I think that in two or three months [designers will] reach out, because it’s fashion,” Herrera said. “You’ll see everyone dressing Melania. She’s representing the United States.”
Melania Trump is known to wear designs by Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her fashion choices are closely observed and were equally reported on during her husband’s debates and her own speeches prior to his election.
Will others in the fashion industry support Michelle Obama’s designer and follow her lead?
[Featured Image by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images]
