When asked about Theallet’s comments at Monday evening’s Angel Ball in New York City, Hilfiger told WWD: “I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her.”
Hilfiger went on to compliment Ivanka Trump, as well, saying:
IVANKA IS EQUALLY AS BEAUTIFUL AND SMART, ALTHOUGH SHE WEARS HER OWN CLOTHES. I DON’T THINK PEOPLE SHOULD BECOME POLITICAL ABOUT IT. EVERYONE WAS VERY HAPPY TO DRESS MICHELLE [OBAMA] AS WELL. I THINK THEY LOOK GREAT IN THE CLOTHES. YOU’RE NOT GONNA GET MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN IVANKA OR MELANIA.
When asked for further comment, a rep for Hilfiger said only that the company had nothing to add beyond what the designer told WWD. Since the election, few designers have stated whether or not they intend to dress the incoming First Lady, while some have offered vague, diplomatic statements that could be interpreted either way.
Hilfiger is the first, as far as we’re aware, to express his support outright.
In a tidbit that may or may not be relevant, last week, the Daily Mail published a report that showed Hilfiger entering Trump Tower within an hour of Sen. Ted Cruz, though the intent of the designer’s visit was not known. Hilfiger also never came out in support of Hillary Clinton, as many other American designers did, before the election.
