Ivanka Trump and Usha Vance's choice of Oscar de la Renta dresses at recent pre-inauguration events has sparked a fiery debate and calls for a boycott of the esteemed fashion brand.
According to the Daily Mail, Some liberals have initiated a boycott against Oscar de la Renta after Ivanka Trump and Usha Vance were spotted wearing the brand's dresses, citing an alleged association with GOP values.
The controversy began when Ivanka Trump appeared in an exquisitely designed off-shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown at a candlelight dinner held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Her dress featured intricate crystal and pearl floral embroidery with a complementing silver stole, highlighting the luxurious craftsmanship of the brand.
This high-profile appearance alongside significant figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, where Ivanka also embraced Lauren Sanchez, Bezos' fiancée, did not go unnoticed. Social media widely shared images of her gown, drawing both admiration for its style and criticism for its political implications.
At a different venue, Usha Vance, set to become the Second Lady, also chose Oscar de la Renta, wearing the brand's creation to a Vice Presidential dinner. Her selection solidified the brand's prominent visibility at pre-inauguration celebrations, further fueling debates online.
The fashion house, named after its late founder, a celebrated Dominican designer, has historically catered to numerous First Ladies, making political figures' patronage of the brand not uncommon. However, current criticisms primarily focus on the brand's perceived alignment with controversial political figures.
Accusations have escalated on platforms such as Instagram, where users flooded Oscar de la Renta’s official page with numerous negative comments immediately after the post showcasing Ivanka's dress. Some social media users expressed discontent, accusing the fashion brand of supporting what they termed "fascist influences."
Many users expressed deep disappointment, with one stating, “Bye Oscar de la Renta. I know you won't be cancelled but you are to me, for having no f***ing morals.” Others echoed this sentiment, feeling the brand should not engage, even indirectly, with political figures they disagree with.
One poignant comment read, "Fascism - but make it Fashion," suggesting that the brand's actions had stylized controversial political ideologies. Others drew historical parallels, commenting, “Just like it happened during the rise of Nazis, the big brands once again support the evil in the name of higher profits.”
Discontent spread across the comments as users expressed their personal decisions to depart from the brand. “Always have loved. Sad to be done with [Oscar de la Renta]. I don't support brands that support fascists,” another user mentioned, revealing a stark divide between brand loyalty and political affiliations.
Furthermore, some overtly criticized the brand for what they called “boot licking,” using the colloquial term to describe subservience or undue obedience. They suggested that the designer label compromised its values for profit and visibility.
