The election of President Trump has certainly left its mark on the world, even creating division within the fashion world. Many iconic designers have spoken out against the US President’s policies and refused to dress his wife, the First Lady Melania Trump.
The latest to do so is iconic fashion designer Zac Posen. Posen has spoken out about the fact that he will no longer dress members of the First Family, such as Ivanka and Melania Trump. He spoke about his distaste for the current turmoil in the US.
“I’m very upset with the state of affairs right now,” Posen said. “I always try to be optimistic. I think that freedom will prevail. And I don’t dictate who buys my clothing in a store.”
However, Posen has made it clear that he is using his voice and position as an influential designer to keep his brand away from the political turbulence.
“Right now, I’m staying away from bringing my brand into politics. There are issues that are being questioned that are fundamentally upsetting to me—deeply: LGBT rights, immigration, funding for the arts, Planned Parenthood, and women’s rights. These are just issues that are very close to my heart, and I use my own private voice and funds to fight for them and in support of them. I think it’s important to use your voice. I think that every brand and person has a right to be vocal,” Posen told The Daily Beast.
Zac Posen isn’t the only designer to stay away from the new First Family. Other notable designers have come forward, such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and Sophie Theallet, with their decision to not dress the pair.
Sophie Theallet made her decision clear in an open letter shared on social media.
Open letter | Sophie Theallet | November 17th, 2016 pic.twitter.com/g1hIAyBmdF
— sophie theallet (@sophietheallet) November 17, 2016
Posen is the latest designer to follow the current trend in the fashion world of making brand choices based on considered ethical stances. The fashion industry has increasingly been using its influence to encourage ethical choices in fashion and in other areas of life. It is evident in the number of designers refusing to dress the First Lady that the fashion industry is considering the lasting impact that their brand decisions can make on a wider lasting context.
“It’s important that I support the amazing women that I’m able to work with. It’s a message about creativity and process. And being able to self-create is the message I want to share to the generation of young people being born now,” he said of his decision and the impact he envisions.
It will be interesting to which designer does end up dressing Melania and Ivanka Trump.
