Ivanka Trump recently made an order with Lady Grey Jewelry that got her a personal “Thank You” card from the company, or as the brand’s Instagram tagged it: a #thanksbutnothanks card.
“Dear Ivanka,
Thank you so much for your web order! We’re happy to let you know that the proceeds of your sale have been generously donated to the American Immigration Council, the Everytown for Gun Safety organization, and the Hillary Clinton campaign. We hope you enjoy your new Lady Grey #helixearcuff.
Best,
Jill + Sabine.”
Although it’s cloaked in amicable language, there’s no mistaking the sharp insult delivered to Ivanka by Lady Grey designers Jill Martinelli and Sabine Le Guyader. As the jewelers told the Cut , Trump’s political campaign is so at odds with their own belief system that they immediately wanted to reject any kind of financial benefit they could receive from the man behind it.
“While we were flattered to receive an order from Ivanka Trump, our social and political views couldn’t be further from those of the Trump campaign. When we received her order, we instantly felt compelled to take the money and donate it to a few organizations that were more aligned with our ideals.”
Instead of just refusing the order, which would have totaled about $172 if Ivanka bought the ear cuffs in a set, Jill and Sabine decided to pay it forward to the people fighting against the Trump campaign. Specifically, the woman battling against him for the White House: Hillary Clinton.
I liked a @YouTube video https://t.co/iuJu8JHcbV Ivanka Trump: A Real First Lady? | Republican National Convention | The New York
— Trinity. (@CrashingMeteor) July 25, 2016
It’s still unsure whether the action will drive up the popularity of the 14K gold-plated, bronze ear cuffs , but social media reaction to the act of political PR was split. Though there was a lot of support for Lady Grey, perhaps just as many were appalled that the company would violate the client-customer relationship with Ivanka. Trump or not, some said, she was still deserving of respect.
. @realDonaldTrump @IvankaTrump Lady Grey chose to put their political opinions ahead of sound business practices. pic.twitter.com/qtH9Sj1PYO
— Desert Dancer (@zavie8) August 17, 2016
No More Lady Grey Jewelry ladies!! This is how they treat customers???? BOYCOTT???? @LadyGreyJewelry ????????????????????BOYCOTT???? https://t.co/NqMbFsJsqR
— Scooter (@BobbyAnnF) August 17, 2016
@KassyDillon @LadyGreyJewelry @IvankaTrump @RedAlert In honor of you Lady Grey, I’ll be donating $100 dollars to the Trump campaign today????????
— Jo-anne (@JoanneF70422551) August 17, 2016
Talk about #BadBusiness . Shaming clients publicly because you don’t agree with something is never a smart move https://t.co/2c1XWpJ9sv
— Cat in Heels (@CatnHeels) August 17, 2016
Support for Ivanka hardly dominated the public’s feelings toward the pointed “Thank You” card. Serving as the face of her father’s campaign in lieu of her step-mother, many have come to closely associate her with the Trump campaign. As such, Lady Grey had a significant amount of voices cheering their boldness on Twitter, including fellow NYC jeweler Madyha Farooqui.
@LadyGreyJewelry has some smart and brave women behind their company!???????? #ballermove https://t.co/UGDk2aKkb2
— neyda melina (@neydamelina) August 17, 2016
· We would’ve done the same. Sorry not sorry. Brava heros Lady Grey <3
These ladies have a small costume… https://t.co/9wypiYRITL
— Madyha Farooqui NYC (@MadyhaFarooqui) August 17, 2016
Super proud of @LadyGreyJewelry rn! https://t.co/QXnP4xeTPF
— Elizabeth CareySmith (@theoriginalecs) August 17, 2016
Even though Lady Grey essentially rejected the money of the Republican presidential nominee’s daughter, it does appear that they made on good on Ivanka’s order for the ear cuffs. Who knows, Trump may still rep their merchandise if she isn’t soured on the jewelry by the “Thank You” card.
. @IvankaTrump says this is the one thing you should always do before firing someone https://t.co/y4yG8tDu72
— Business Insider (@businessinsider) August 17, 2016
Was Lady Grey Jewelry’s “Thank You” card to Ivanka Trump admirable or unprofessional?
[Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images]
