Following the Inauguration, Social Media Is Calling to #BoycottRalphLauren
As a number of designers made statements refusing to dress the first lady during President Trump’s campaign for office, the subject of Melania Trump’s inaugural wear became a much-talked-about topic. The first lady looked stunning for the occasion, wearing a powder blue ensemble from American designer Ralph Lauren at the 58th presidential inauguration on Friday.
Some pointed out that Melania’s style statement could be seen as a reference to former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s famous blue look on Inauguration Day back in 1961. Meanwhile, others noticed that Ralph Lauren’s company stock jumped just before President Trump took the oath of office — possibly due to the buzz surrounding Melania’s outfit.
Heightened interest in the dress of the first lady brought about criticism as well. The hashtag #BoycottRalphLauren was recently used on Twitter, with many Americans writing they would no longer associate with the brand because of its connection to the White House.
#boycottralphlauren Can't support you anymore. Shame on you Ralph Lauren.
— Stacey harris (@harris_staceym) January 23, 2017
Hope all the #women who attended yesterday's #WomensMarch are going to #boycottRalphLauren @RalphLauren
— Muse ✨ (@flamboyance20) January 22, 2017
@RalphLauren sorry love your stuff but will pause while @realDonaldTrump is the #FakePresident #boycottralphlauren #GrabYourWallet
— Natalie Catin (@Ncatin80) January 23, 2017
However, Trump supporters are using the hashtag as well to hit back at the critics and show support for Ralph Lauren.
#boycottralphlauren I am not oppressed. I own a business, control my assets, vote, run my life as I see fit#buyRLsupportAmericanfashion
— GardenGurl (@hummingbbakers) January 23, 2017
#BoycottRalphLauren Shame on you all you. You are all bullying a man of culture and talent. I am proud and Love his design for 1st Lady
— Thelma R Marker (@trmarker22) January 23, 2017
I will buy more of Ralph Lauren and support this great man. Thank you for standing up #boycottralphlauren
— Tina Manross (@tina_manross) January 23, 2017
Despite the criticism, the bipartisan American designer said on dressing the first lady, “It was important to us to uphold and celebrate the tradition of creating iconic American style for this moment.”
This isn’t the first call for a boycott on products and establishments associated with the Trump family. A marketing professional, Shannon Coulter, started a viral hashtag, #GrabYourWallet, in November 2016 that called for people nationwide to ban all Trump products. The movement grew, and a website was created to house an updated spreadsheet that lists which retailers to boycott, how to contact the retailers, and alternate stores to patronize.
Like the #BoycottRalphLauren movement, #GrabYourWallet has gained critics from both sides as well.
Related: Did Melania Trump Send Ralph Lauren Stock Soaring During Inauguration?
Related: Melania Trump Helped Hervé Pierre Design Her Inaugural Ball Gown
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