Designer Sophie Theallet Calls on Fashion Industry to Shun Melania Trump

Many of Michelle Obama’s stunning dresses have been the work of fashion designer Sophie Theallet.

But the luxury fashion designer won’t be dressing the next First Lady – and she is encouraging other designers not to as well.

In an open letter shared to her Twitter page, Theallet said she would not dress Melania Trump, citing a matter of “integrity.”

She said that integrity was her brand’s “only true currency.”

“I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics,” Theallet wrote. “That said, as a family-owned company, our bottom line is not just about money. We value our artistic freedom and always humbly seek to contribute to a more humane, conscious and ethical way to create in this world.”

Clearly, like many others, her vision isn’t aligned with that of Donald Trump.

Theallet continues, “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 ended her letter by stating, “I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.”

While Theallet is 100 per cent entitled to her own opinion and career choices, to encourage other designers online to do the same seems a little like bullying to us – something her much-loathed husband has been slammed for doing. Sure, Melania may come across as a little clueless and there more for decoration than anything (yeah, we said it). And no, it wasn’t exactly empowering or clever to watch her rip off Michelle Obama’s speech.

But in all of the Donald Trump circus, Melania has been a target for her husband’s erratic behaviour, rants, and viewpoints. All the while she has remained composed, classy and inoffensive (minus her famous GIF-inspiring speech).

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Image: The Week

Most recently, her son with Donald, 10-year-old Barron, has come under intense social media scrutiny by many claiming that the child has autism.

There’s even a video circulating on the web – which has been tweeted by Rosie O’Donnell – that captures the boy in a variety of shots that supposedly prove he is indeed autistic.

Whether he is or isn’t, Melania – who reportedly doesn’t rely on nannies – clearly has a lot to deal with.

While Melania is an easy target for many Trump haters – who point to everything from her old racy modelling pictures to the fact that she lacks an Ivy League university degree – we may want to consider giving her a break. For the most part, we know very little about her and she at least deserves the opportunity to prove herself.

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In the meantime, don’t expect all of the top designers to boycott Melania altogether.

Since Theallet’s Tweet, Tommy Hilfiger has declared that he is with the next First Lady, saying, “I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her. Ivanka is equally beautiful and smart, although she wears her own clothes. I don’t think people should be political about it.”

Let’s be honest; can you imagine actually being married to Trump – isn’t that punishment in itself?

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