Tom Ford on Dressing Melania Trump: 'She's Not Necessarily My Image'
In the fallout of the election, one key question that the fashion industry keeps returning to is whether or not designers who disagree with President-elect Donald Trump’s politics will refuse to dress his wife, future first lady Melania Trump.
During an appearance Wednesday morning on The View, Tom Ford stated that he will join Sophie Theallet as one of the designers who will not be outfitting Melania. However, his reasoning differs from that of Theallet, who cited Donald’s “racism, sexism and xenophobia” as the root of her decision.
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“She’s not necessarily my image,” explained Ford. “I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago. I declined.”
However, the designer – who identified himself as a Democrat who voted for Clinton and is “sad and disappointed” with the election results – noted that it wasn’t necessarily Melania so much as her position as the first lady that factored into his decision.
“Even had Hillary won, she shouldn’t be wearing my clothes,” said Ford. “They’re too expensive. And I don’t mean that in a bad way – they’re not artificially expensive, it’s the cost to make these things.” When asked if Melania should steer clear of expensive pieces altogether, he added, “I’m going to leave that to Melania.” (Based on Melania’s campaign trail wardrobe, which included pieces by Roksanda Ilincic, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, we have a feeling that she won’t give up her luxury habit.)
Read more: Fashion Designer Sophie Theallet Refuses to Dress Melania Trump
During her time in the White House, Michelle Obama was known for wearing more affordable pieces from J. Crew and Talbots, as well as her fair share of pricier designer pieces by the likes of Brandon Maxwell, Jason Wu and Naeem Khan. In 2011, she even donned a Tom Ford gown.
“Michelle I dressed once when she was going to Buckingham Palace for dinner with the Queen, and I thought it was appropriate,” said the Nocturnal Animals director of the occasion, adding, “I live in London, so that made sense.”
