Designers Weigh In on Dressing Melania Trump

It’s the hot-button fashion question of the moment: Which designers would dress future First Lady Melania Trump if asked? In an industry that swung heavily and vocally Hillary Clinton’s way during the presidential election, many are avoiding the question like the plague. But not all. Here, several designers offer thoughtful assessments on where they stand.

Diane von Furstenberg  Joe Russo/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

Diane von Furstenberg: Donald Trump was elected and he will be our president. Melania deserves the respect of any first lady before her. Our role as part of the fashion industry is to promote beauty, inclusiveness, diversity. We should each be the best we can be and influence by our example.

Tommy Hilfiger  H. Walker/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

Tommy Hilfiger: Yes I would dress Melania. I think she is a beautiful woman who would make any designer’s clothes look great.

Marc Jacobs  Abel Fermin/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

Marc Jacobs: I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump. I didn’t see [Sophie Theallet’s] letter. Personally, I’d rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters.”

Cynthia Rowley  Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock

Cynthia Rowley: In the midst of this heated debate, the question actually seems somewhat irrelevant. She can simply purchase whatever she wants, so how can we control it? Just because she’s shown wearing a designer does not mean that designer is endorsing her, her husband or any of their beliefs. Checking someone’s ethical beliefs before they’re allowed to purchase, sets up an exclusionary dynamic that feeds into the exact mentality that is preventing us from moving forward in a positive direction. Some people say fashion and politics should never mix, but when given the choice, I think you should address and dress your conscience.

Thom Browne  H. Walker/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

Thom Browne: Out of respect for the position of the first lady of our United States, I would be honored to be considered to design for any first lady of the United States.

Derek Lam  Zach Hilty/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

Derek Lam: What a tough question to answer now that the election has been decided! I’ve been slammed on social media when expressing an opinion about the election outcome. I was warned by people that I should not make an opinion which could alienate a client. Having been duly warned, my response is, while I have incredible respect for our country’s political institutions, I find it challenging to be personally involved in dressing the new first lady. I would rather concentrate my energies on efforts towards a more just, honorable and a mutually respectful world. I don’t know Melania Trump personally, so I don’t wish my comments to seem I am prejudging her personal values, but I really don’t see myself getting involved with the Trump presidency.

Phillip Lim  Justen/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

Phillip Lim: It’s been such an emotional roller coaster of an election process. The result has only confirmed my belief that we must stand for what we represent as a brand, so my sentiment is still the same. As a global brand, we are always looking to partner with individuals that we have authentic relationships with — ultimately, women and men that share similar set of values, desires and ideologies: inclusion, diversity, justice, consciousness, innovation…. With that said, we do not have a current relationship with Mrs. Trump and I don’t foresee a relationship developing under the Trump administration.

Vera Wang  Prandoni/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

Vera Wang: We have not been contacted by the Trump campaign or administration thus far. But the first lady-elect should support American fashion, as did her predecessors.

More: Diplomacy à la Mode: Will Designers Dress Melania Trump?