Tommy Hilfiger has taken a swipe at Sophie Theallet, the French fashion designer who is squawking that she won't make clothes for Melania Trump to protest the "racism, sexism and xenophobia" she says was rampant in Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
The American fashion czar — asked about French-born Theallet's snub of the former model and future first lady — told Women's Wear Daily:
"I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her. Ivanka is equally as beautiful and smart, although she wears her own clothes.
"I don't think people should become political about it. Everyone was very happy to dress Michelle [Obama] as well. I think they look great in the clothes. You're not gonna get much more beautiful than Ivanka or Melania."
Theallet, who has designed for first lady Michelle Obama, caused a stir when posted an open letter on Twitter, declaring that "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. I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.
"The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband's presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by. I encourage my fellow designers to do the same."
While none of the world's top designers has responded to Theallet's missive or Hilfiger's response, Angela Guitard, owner of Angela's, a designer boutique in the New York City suburb of Rye, fired off an email to Theallet, slamming her Melania snub as a "a slap in the face," Women's Wear Daily says.
"Clearly you are now inflicting your impudent political opinions on others and using social media for promotion. It is disrespectful and unprofessional on many fronts," added Guitard, who said she won't sell Theallet's collection in her shop.
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