Citing the 'rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia' of Melania's husband's campaign she said she would never dress her, even if asked

It comes after Sophie Theallet, who has dressed the current First Lady multiple times, spoke out against the president-elect Donald Trump

He said designers should not 'become political' about dressing a First Lady

The 65-year-old American praised Melania as 'a very beautiful woman' and claimed her step-daughter Ivanka is 'beautiful and smart'

Tommy Hilfiger said 'any designer should be proud' to dress Melania Trump after another designer ruled out ever working with the incoming First Lady on political grounds.

The 65-year-old American designer praised Melania, 46, as 'a very beautiful woman' and said her step-daughter Ivanka, 35, is 'beautiful and smart'.

Speaking at the Angel Ball at Cipriani Wall Street in New York on Monday, he told Women's Wear Daily: 'I don't think people should become political about it.'

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Praise: Tommy Hilfiger, pictured with his wife Dee Ocleppo, 46, at the Angel Ball in New York on Monday, said designers 'should be proud' to dress Melania Trump

Resolute: It comes after designer Sophie Theallet vowed never to work with Melania Trump, pictured left in Roksanda Ilincic and right wearing Gucci at the second presidential debate

Trump fan: He praised Melania as 'a very beautiful woman' and said her step-daughter Ivanka, pictured on Tuesday, is 'beautiful and smart'

It comes after New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet spoke out against president-elect Donald Trump in a damning open letter in which she said she would never work with his wife and urged others to follow her example.

Tommy said: 'I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her.

'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.'

Opposing views: In contrast to the comments of Sophie, pictured, Tommy said designers should not 'become political' about dressing a First Lady

Loyal: New York-based French designer Sophie has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, pictured in one of Sophie's creations with President Barack Obama, numerous times

He added: 'You’re not going to get much more beautiful than Ivanka or Melania.'

Last week, Sophie tweeted a letter in which she said they 'will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady'.

Citing the 'rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia' of the president-elect's campaign, she ruled out ever working with Melania - despite not having been asked.

While she is not a household name, Sophie has dressed Michelle Obama numerous times over the last eight years as well as celebrities including singer Alicia Keys and reality star Kim Kardashian.

Moral stance: Citing the 'rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia' of Melania's husband's campaign she said she will never work with the new First Lady in the letter, pictured

Call to action: She also encouraged other designers to refuse to dress Melania, pictured left in Ralph Lauren after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton and right at a rally in Pennsylvania

Despite admitting that 'it is not wise to get involved in politics,' the designer said that as an independent fashion brand the 'bottom line is not just about money'.

In a letter dated Thursday 17 November, she wrote: 'As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady.

'The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.

'I encourage my fellow designers to do the same. Integrity is our only true currency.'

Appeal: As well as Michelle, pictured left wearing one of Sophie's designs in 2009, the designer's fans also include Kim Kardashian, pictured right in one of her dresses last year

Fashion fan: During the election campaign, Melania, pictured in October with Donald, has worn outfits by Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana

During the election campaign, Melania's outfits have included designs by Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana.

Sophie, whose clothes are stocked by online store Farfetch, said working with the current First Lady was 'a highlight and an honor'.

'She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide. Her values, actions and grace have always resonated deeply within me,' she added.