Tommy Hilfiger said any designer should be “proud” to dress Melania Trump after French designer Sophie Theallet, a Michelle Obama favorite, announced she was boycotting the incoming first lady.

Mr. Hilfiger spoke highly of President-elect Donald Trump’s wife on Monday at the 2016 Angel Ball held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

“I think Melania is a very beautiful woman, and I think any designer should be proud to dress her,” the 65-year-old designer told Women’s Wear Daily. “Ivanka is equally as beautiful and smart, although she wears her own clothes.

“I don’t think people should become political about it,” he added. “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.”

Mr. Hilfiger’s comments came four days after Ms. Theallet penned a letter announcing her brand was taking a stand against the “rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed” by Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign.

“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,” she wrote. “I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.”

Mr. Hilfiger is one of the first designers to speak out about Ms. Theallet’s letter, WWD reported.

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