Sophie Theallet vows never to dress Melania Trump

London - New York-based French fashion designer Sophie Theallet, who has dressed Michelle Obama on many occasions, has issued an open letter vowing never to dress the future First Lady, Melania Trump due to her husband, president-elect Donald Trump’s “racist, sexist and xenophobic” campaign.

In the letter, the designer states: “As an independent fashion brand, we consider our voice an expression of our artistic and philosophical ideas. The Sophie Theallet brand stands against all discrimination and prejudice. Our runway shows, ad campaigns and celebrity dressing have always been a celebration of diversity and a reflection of the world we live in.”

Theallet continues: “I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics. 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.

“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 honour. She has contributed to having our name recognised and respected worldwide. Her values, actions and grace have always resonated deeply within me.”

Theallet also called on other designers to follow her lead and not dress or associate with Melania Trump as a backlash to Donald Trump.

Sophie Theallet calls on designers not to dress future First Lady 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.”

The French designer, who launched her label in 2007 and was a winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, ended her letter with: “I encourage my fellow designers to do the same. Integrity is our only true currency.”

Melania Trump, who has not yet responded, wore numerous designers during the campaign, including a Gucci pussy-bow blouse, Dolce and Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, and Fendi, all of which she purchased.

It will be interesting to see if any other designers follow suit, however, as Carolina Herrera, who recently dressed Michelle Obama for her recent America Vogue cover, stated in an interview earlier this month with Business of Fashion that she predicts designers will come around to dressing Melania Trump.

"I think that in two or three months they'll reach out, because it's fashion," Herrera told the website. “You'll see everyone dressing Melania. She's representing the United States.”

Images: Sophie Theallet AW16 campaign