Diane von Furstenberg was attempting fashion diplomacy.
The legendary fashion designer and Hillary Clinton supporter said in an interview that soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump deserved to be "respected like any first lady," weighing in on one of the hottest debates engulfing the fashion world.
![Diane von Furstenberg attends the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom on June 6, 2016 in New York City.](/web/20161218015711im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/e/1/9/f/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtd6sg.png/1481928336369.jpg)
"I tried to be diplomatic," explained von Furstenberg during a December 15 interview with Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan. "But it was funny, I got all kinds of feedback. Clearly, it wasn't that diplomatic."
Clinton supporters may have expected von Furstenberg, who stumped for Clinton on occasion, to have taken a tougher stance (designer Sophie Theallet has said she would not dress Mrs. Trump), but despite her disappointment in the election results, the designer is taking the loss in stride.
"I used to say, if she won... every woman in the world would feel three inches taller. And it didn't happen," she said about Clinton. "But it's not about whining, it's not about complaining."
In return, von Furstenberg expects Melania Trump to support American designers.
![Melania Trump donned a Gucci pussy bow blouse for the second presidential debate. She rarely wore US designers over her ...](/web/20161218015711im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/y/n/r/g/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtd6sg.png/1481928336369.jpg)
"I think if you are the first lady, you represent America," von Furstenberg said.
Washington Post