Fashion Designer Pens Open Letter Urging Industry Not to Dress Melania Trump

First ladies are often looked at for their style, and Michelle Obama was certainly no exception. The first lady has worn clothes by many different designers throughout her eight years in the role, including Sophia Theallet, who is now encouraging the fashion world to treat our next first lady differently.

In an open letter Theallet posted to Twitter, Theallet explained that she won’t be designing any clothes for Melania Trump, and she encouraged other fashion designers to follow suit in an act of protest against president-elect Donald Trump.

“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,” the letter explains. “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.” Theallet, herself an immigrant born in France, rejects the “racism, sexism, and xenophobia” that was rampant in the Trump campaign.

Theallet is one of several designers who have taken action following Trump’s victory. Kaelen has put their clothes on sale and promised to donate the proceeds to one of 15 charities that may be under assault during a Trump administration, including Planned Parenthood and Black Lives Matter, and The Outrage has also given its proceeds to Planned Parenthood.

Read Theallet’s open letter below.

Open letter | Sophie Theallet | November 17th, 2016 pic.twitter.com/g1hIAyBmdF

— sophie theallet (@sophietheallet) November 17, 2016