Michelle Obama has always been well-dressed. Any gown she wears (we’re thinking of that Versace number she recently showcased!) is in high demand, with clothes flying off the racks. In the UK, Kate Middleton has a similar, if not more potent effect on clothes sales. You only have to see how many rip-offs of her engagement ring were around to know that women in power have power over fashion.
FLOTUS and fashion seem to go hand-in-hand. Think about Jackie Kennedy, for example. Dressing Melania Trump, one would think, would have the same effect. However, one fashion designer is decidedly against it and is calling on others to follow her lead.
Sophie Theallet released a letter on Twitter explaining why, even after dressing Michelle Obama on multiple occasions, she’d rather avoid association with 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. The rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by,” Theallet wrote.
The French designer went on to say: “As an immigrant myself in this country, I have been blessed with the opportunity to pursue my dreams in the USA. Dressing the First Lady Michelle Obama for the past 8 years has been a highlight and an honor. She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide. Her values, actions, and grace have always resonated deeply within me.”
Signing the letter with “Integrity is our only true currency.”
This is problematic, and yet, many other brands and influencers feel the same. The Obamas had a large celebrity following, many fashion editors and brands were more than happy to work with them. Michelle herself had been on the cover of Vogue three times.
Anna Wintour supported Hillary Clinton, as did many other celebrities. Can we expect fashion, celebrity, and politics to stay divided because the main influencers didn’t support Donald Trump?
On the one hand, I admire Sophie for standing by her beliefs, but on the other hand, can we really say fashion designers and brands will follow Sophie’s lead?
Outside of politics, there are controversial people in the world in high positions of power that still have brands and businesses working with them. I say this not in support of that fact, but just to point out that all eyes will be on the major fashion designers and magazines these coming weeks to see how they handle this.
Will people stand up for what they believe in like Sophie did? Will we see an uncoupling of Vogue and the First Lady? Also, on the other hand, should we judge Melania by the same standards that we judge her husband?
It’s tricky, I can almost hear the arguments in my head here, but it’s problematic to tell someone they can’t do something because we don’t like their choice of husband. Melania has overcome her own problems, but it is a good point that she has stood alongside while her husband has said abhorrent things! It’s a tricky issue.
I don’t know, but to me, it’s a bit problematic. I’d love to know what you think about all this?
Receive our latest tips into your inbox
