Designer Sophie Thealet is simply not here for Melania Trump or what her husband, President-elect Donald Trump represents.
In a candid open letter posted to her Twitter page, Theallet vowed to never dress Melania and/or associate herself with the ideals that Donald Trump stands for.
“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,” wrote Theallet. “The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.”
The post, which was also shared via her Instagram is being met with an equal amount of praise and criticism. The polarizing stance has commenters commending her for taking a stand and accusing her of doing the very thing she denounces by discriminating.
Theallet, whose designs were worn by Michelle Obama several times, made it clear that she felt starkly different about her relationship with our current first family, calling the opportunity to work with FLOTUS a “highlight and an honor.”
Not only is the designer a go-to for Mrs. Obama but some of our favorite celebrities, including fashion icons like Iman and supermodels like Grace Bol.
Theallet admitted that taking such a strong political stance may not be well-received but implored her fellow designers to follow suit reasoning that “integrity is our only currency.”
Whether or not this statement turns out to be a good business decision, it was definitely a powerful move in solidarity.
And to that we say, “you go girl!”
To see Black women shining in Sophie Theallet’s designs, check out the gallery above!