Donald Trump’s divisive presidential campaign and subsequent presidential era has caused many to withdraw their support of the reality star and anyone or anything that bears his name. Since the inauguration, several department stores have dropped Trump-branded items, celebrities have refused to stay in Trump hotels, and designers have refused to dress the First Lady to protest the Trump era.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, designer Zac Posen revealed the reason behind his refusal to dress Melania and Ivanka Trump, as he chooses to protect his “political responsibility” as a designer. Although Posen has dressed both women in the past, he has now decided not to, based on the views and policies of the Donald, joining Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford and Sophie Theallet.
“I think everybody has a political responsibility,” the designer, who has dressed several big-name fashionistas including Rihanna, Oprah, and Kim Kardashian, told the publication. “Everybody has a voice, whether in fashion or any field.”
“[I have] no current plans to dress members of the first family,” Posen said. “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,” he added.
“I’m very updated with the state of affairs right now. I always try to be optimistic. I think that freedom will prevail. And I don’t dictate who buys my clothing in a store,” Posen said.
