There has been a lot of push back on Donald Trump’s presidency, not only because he lost the popular vote by close to three million votes, but also because of the vile things he has said about minority groups during the campaign. As such, many members (Sophie Theallet, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Phillip Lim, Derek Lam, among others) of the fashion community have declared they won’t dress Melania Trump for either the inauguration or any time thereafter.
In a disappointing development, it’s been revealed today that U.S. brand Ralph Lauren will likely provide Trump with a dress for the inauguration. Known for supporting Hillary Clinton with her famous campaign pantsuits, the designer has decided to take a bipartisan approach.
According to WWD, “[Ralph Lauren] is believed to be working on a gown and an Inauguration Day ensemble for the Slovenian-born former model. With multiple black-tie events scheduled for this week, Trump could be wearing the Ralph Lauren gown to a Trump family-hosted candlelight dinner for 1,500 Thursday night at Union Station.”
Trump is known to have worn a one-shoulder Ralph Lauren jumpsuit the night of the election for her husband’s acceptance speech, and according to the article, she purchased the outfit at the designer’s Madison Avenue store.
The source who provided the tip to WWD couldn’t say whether Trump or the label initiated the plan for the inauguration dress.
Despite the widespread admiration among streetwear aficionados for Ralph Lauren’s Polo brand as popularized by New York’s Lo-Life crew, the brand has struggled in recent years to connect with a youthful customer, and this can’t be viewed as a decision that will help build bridges with a millennial shopper.
