Hello everyone, I can see from my comment that I regretfully opened a Pandora’s Box. Firstly, I am sorry for bringing the Trump family into the conversation. That is a line that should never ever be crossed. Family, especially children no matter the age, should always be off limits…..However, I stand by my comments about Trump…..Nowhere in my statement did I mention or refer to Republicans or Democrats. Many members of my family including my brother, SIL and their adult children are Republican. We respect each other, and respect each others views. There are positions that the Republicans take that I do agree with, likewise their are positions the Democrats take that I oppose. I do not walk any political line blindly……Be clear this is not about Republicans or Democrats…..It is only about Trump…..From day one when he boasted his inauguration had the biggest crowd ever which was an total exaggeration, and quickly proven wrong, then to his vile comment to Billy Bush about touching women….I knew this man did not deserve to be sitting in the Oval office as the head of this country. It always astonished me how so many women gave him a pass. Over the four years he has given us a litany of lies which have all been proven to be such. Has he done things that I agree with, yes. I do think illegal immigration has gotten way out of hand, but do I agree with his methods, absolutely no. Children taken away from their parents [many are still lost, and have not been reunited with their parents] just to scare others from entering this country was wrong and heartless. This is not the way America should behave or be seen as a nation. His constant goading right supremacists, and telling them to be on the ready is unconscionable to me…….Where is the dignity that this office deserves? Have other presidents done wrong things, for sure, but this president has taken it over the top. If he could he would be the next Putin. He behaves like a dictator, not the leader of the free world………There are those, most of which I have never seen posting on my website before,who have taken this opening, this opportunity to blow my statement totally out of context, and to use my website to expound their views…….Let me be clear….I said nothing about Republicans or Democrats…..my comments were directed totally about Trump. Has he done good things or bad things, I will let historians decide. I only speak about the character of the man, which I firmly believe is such that he should never ever be the spokes person, the leader, the head of this country. You may agree with me or not about Trump, but again let me me clear….my statement was not political….it was strictly about the individual. I hope this puts an end to this conversation and we can go on to enjoy 2021.
A MESSAGE
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Will you still be designing? Will you be offering your wonderful line of clothing (especially the whisper knit products) again? Perhaps under a different name?
No Eileen…the apparel line is finished. My manufacturer, Elaine closed her company when QVC discontinued my apparel line…..so that is done.
Amen
I too come here for absolutely no politics which would include what some THINK about what Trump is or does. 🙂 Til now this has been my peaceful place to come. I desire that to continue and am happily wearing all Linea as I type this :)! Happy New Year to all!!!
I agree Nancy!
Happy New Year everyone!!
Well said Louis! Here’s to a New Year, hopefully a kinder and more ethical one!
It always amazes me that the larger public are surprised when prominent men and women have strong views about the welfare of our country. They are Americans just like all the rest of us. Back in the Civil Rights era, Stanley Marcus in Dallas of Neiman-Marcus fame came out very publicly about his opposition to segregation as well as discrimination against Jews. He also strongly opposed Red-Baiting, which was very prevalent in conservative Dallas at that time. Did some Dallas socialites angrily cut up their Neiman’s credit cards? YES! Was “Mr. Stanley” as we called him deterred? NO! He felt very strongly about these matters and felt morally compelled to speak up and very publicly take a stand. He saw all of these as issues of morality, not political ones. Several other prominent Dallasites joined him, and through their efforts probably were able to deter and avoid race riots which were threatening the city. I was a teen/young woman at that time and vividly remember all of this. I also appreciated the courage shown by these prominent Dallasites, as I also appreciate Louis’s courage in speaking up. I completely agree with him BTW.
I don’t normally chime in on these topics but I have to ask you, Louis, what compelled you to comment on Trump now as opposed to the last 4 years? My gut reaction tells me that since your relationship with QVC is ending, perhaps you were concerned that your sales would be adversely affected by Linea customers that were supporters of Trump the man and/or the President. Your comments set off a firestorm with so many people. Personally, I don’t care whether you like him or not. I read your Blog because I love your clothing and have for so many years and enjoy seeing how you style your designs. With everything going on in the world and with everyone trying to enjoy what they could of the holiday season, this whole topic was really bad timing and in poor taste, in my opinion. However, this is your Blog and you can say whatever you want. I know December is a very difficult month for you but I hope you have a peaceful and healthy New Year!
No Nancy, that wasn’t my reason. It has taken the last 4 years, and the build up of his constant actions and remarks for me to finally have had enough and felt compelled to speak. How much of the diatribe that he spews can one stand. I thought him flaying his arms and contorting his face in front of thousands of people making fun of a man with an affliction would change peoples minds about the man, but no. I thought him saying that Senator McCain wasn’t a hero because he was captured and tortured for 4 years would change peoples minds, but no. I thought after all the suffering Americans are now going through, and the Republicans and Democrats finally came to an agreement to get people money, and him almost putting a stop to it by grandstanding and saying the people should be getting $2000. Where was he when all the negotiations were going on for months. He knew he would pass it. He couldn’t have a government shut down just before his termination. He couldn’t help himself but to be in the limelight one more time. That was the final straw for me. For me it was about the American people he was hurting….all American people. The business was the furthest thing from my mind when I wrote what I wrote. As I said parities had zero to do with it. It was all about the character of the man.
Sure
Louis stated his view clearly and without political motivation. It IS about Trump, the man, his total lack of character and the harm he continues to cause people in this country. The end of his reign of terror can’t come soon enough. And, those of you who disagree are apparently able to overlook Trump’s obvious cruelties, incompetence and corruption. So, please spare us all your outrage and disappointment that decent, caring human beings are speaking up here. If you don’t like what you’re reading, all you “anonymous” posters, then don’t read it. Move on.
So well said, Louis. I applaud your convictions and taking a public stand!
Uh oh. Politics on this site? It’s not why I come here.
Agree with Louis completely!
Peace and happiness to everyone!
I agree that it is humanitarian and not political. The 1930’s Germany comparison is spot on. I am a Christian and do not identify with any political party. Louis, you have always been so kind hearted and I know this comes from a place of love and concern. I join you in this and am praying for healing for our country and the world. Love and hugs to all, and a much better new year to everyone.
Louis, I think you stated your view about Trump with clarity and without political partisanship. You continue to be a real gentleman.
Hi, I am the conservative here. I’d like to add one point. If you were to hire someone to clean your septic tank, you would not hire a Pastor or a great orator. You would hire someone who can dig in the dirt, and clean the sewer. That’s exactly what we did. We hired a street fighter/construction worker to clean the DC sewer. I guess what I will never understand is that people see the DC creatures as better than the NY street fighter.
” It’s better to leave one in his own opinion than to enter into arguments ”
Looking forward to welcoming the new year in a pretty Linea outfit .
Best wishes to you Louis & all the Linea ladies for peace & good health in the new year !
Louis,
What an unexpected way to end this year!
I was around in 2016 for the first go round with political comments. At that time, in response to several requests (including mine) to cease political discussions, I thought you handled it well and it ended quickly. Because I was surprised at some responses from the older Linea ladies, I eventually stopped participating and just read the blog entries. As you have stated, you had your business interests in mind at that time. Now you feel its time to open that Pandora’s Box. The problem being, once it’s open, it changes everything.
I spent an uncomfortable day yesterday coming here several times to see how you were handling things. I was waiting for you to apologize for starting down this path and thought, once that happened, things would return to fashion discussions and I could overlook the back and forth comments. Today, I see you can’t let it go and, by doing so, you are encouraging other posters to keep the discussion going.
I do not care to listen to anyone’s political opinions on a fashion blog So, it is with a heavy heart that I tell you I will no longer be coming here to visit. Please don’t use my comments as an excuse to continue your rant.
maryinct
Long time reader (& shopper), first time commenter.
I appreciate Mr. Dell’Olio’s comments. The person in office, thankfully on his way out, transcends (or descends!) politics and goes into the worst of human nature. I am a graduate of a well-regarded university, hold terminal degrees in my field of higher education, and never in my life have I been so disparaged in the past four years by fans and admirers of this current president. I’ve been told at a family reunion I have “too much education” simply because I cannot support a person who has enabled and encouraged violence and hatred in our country. I can understand people come to this blog to get away from politics but some things cannot be ignored. This is beyond politics. History informs us that the current social atmosphere is horribly similar to that of 1930s Germany. It’s time each American analyzes why or why not they support a person who brings out the worst in others.
To bring this back to fashion: I will be happily wearing my Linea tuxedo jacket and sequin trousers inside my home on 01/21/21.
It’s your blog Louis so of course you can say whatever you want. And most of the people here are in agreement with you.
But I remember Dolly Parton moving up a notch in my view when she wouldn’t give her opinion on Trump because she said she had fans on both sides & didn’t want to offend anyone. I thought that was classy & I’m not even a fan & don’t care for country music.
It was fun coming on here & reading your blog, but I’m not part of the echo chamber so guess that’s it for me. I am thankful for all of your beautiful creations but feel sad that your legacy will be tainted for many of us.
Julie, I’m sorry you feel that way. For 4 years I have held back my strong opinion about the man, but when he almost stopped the bill at the 11th hour just to keep in the lime light at the end of his presidency was IMHO pathetic, and hurtful to all of the people who were at risk of getting nothing after months of tough negotiating. Then for him to come in and grandstand by dangling $2000 out of nowhere, and put the brakes on money that is desperately needed was the last straw for me…..Where was he with his $2000 all of those months that the negotiations were going on???…Maybe when Dolly said what her opinion was I would have said the same thing, but that was a long time ago and much has happened since. I’m sure she also worried about her fans leaving her on either side of the isle no matter what she said. I want you to know I do respect your opinion and you are always welcome here.
Hi Louis,
You’re right. It is all about Trump.
Are your Republican relatives also anti Trump? To find out why we 74 million Americans love Trump, you should maybe stop watching CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, PBS, ABC ( all anti Trump networks) and listen to his supporters on FOX for another viewpoint about what’s going on in this country.
Louis, I read your earlier post and completely understood that your comments came from a place of deep concern for the people and small businesses in your community. It was obvious that the human cost and suffering that have been caused by the overwhelming egotism of Trump brought you to the point of making a statement. I admire and respect you for that. Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Speaking out, as you did, stating that what is happening is unacceptable, achieves something important. It is the first step toward healing our country. It is a rejection of the “us vs them” rhetoric that has created such a terrible division. Over all the years reading your blog, I have never read anything political from you. I believe that is still true. This is not political. It is humanitarian, a rejection of harmful and distorting ego, and a move toward the honesty and honor we will all need going forward. Thank you. I admire you tremendously.
Every president prior to this one, I have had respect for, irregardless if I supported him or not. They were all men of honor.
I can not say that about the man who was president the last 4 years.
Nonetheless HE was elected by a majority.
No, he wasn’t elected by a majority. He lost the popular vote & will be the 1st president in history to lose the popular twice. The Electoral College he won with more EC votes in 2016.
Those of us from New York and surrounding states have known what Trump is and has been for decades. The problem was that the Republicans running in 2016 never took him seriously. They should have investigated him as thoroughly as they investigated Hillary’s e-mails, and knocked him out of the primaries. But, they did not and left the country with the hell this “man” has wrought upon us. So, yes, it is political. But, no it isn’t when thousands of our fellow Americans have died, thousands are hungry, and the rule of law and our democracy is at stake. Shame on him, but shame on them.
Louis- I have enjoyed reading your blog over the years. Although you have the right of free speech like the rest of us, your blog is the wrong place for your damning views on political figures. I read (past tense) this blog as a way to AVOID politics- there are plenty of other places for that. Now that you have opened up this Pandora’s box, your true colors emerge. I never wanted to know your personal views on our President. You are in the business of designing clothing and have done well with it. I’m sure you have reaped the financial benefits along the way to support your elitist lifestyle. You should have thought twice- did you forget “All you have to be is wonderful”?
Dear Dixie, I respect your opinion, but you must also respect mine. Political figures? No, I haven’t discussed political figures….just one. This man is not “wonderful” and never was. He doesn’t deserve that mantle. What he said about Sen. McCain, also a Republican, is unforgivable. He is the one who constantly attacks other politicians….no matter if they are Democrats or Republican if they don’t dance to his music they are targeted unmercifully by him.
Sorry Louis, she was not referring to Trump being wonderful. It is the quote inside your anniversary bracelet. The quote Jac told you before every show. Yes Louis, Trump has a big mouth. We as Republicans know that, we also know the media and tv stations are Democrats in majority. We also, are more afraid of becoming a socialistic country. And this blog is about Republicans and Democrats. When you attack Trump, you attack every Republican. He is our President and we know he has done amazing things for this Country. And you can go ahead and delete this post.
Justina, when people attack Clinton or Obama, I don’t think they are attacking all democrats, at least I hope not. If I don’t like Trump does that mean everyone who does automatically doesn’t like me? I don’t dislike people who like Trump. That would mean I don’t like half of my family which is the furthest from the truth.
I don’t dislike you. I think you are a kind, loving, caring human being. No matter what YOU want to call this discussion, IT IS WHAT IT IS. You are losing a lot of women by not stopping this discussion. We all know how you feel and you have every right to feel as you do. But there is nothing positive coming from this now. It is a new year, you have a new president, and you should be happy. We all want to best for you.
Sorry this anonymous, came from me. Justina
I will not say another word about it…the end…..on to 2021
Louis- the quote,” All you have to be is wonderful” was directed at you- i.e. you should have thought twice about posting your comments about our President. It was not meant to refer to our President.
thank you Dixie
There is a way to disagree without being cruel. Wow. I never thought I would read a post like this directed at Louis. Anonymous posted a comment on Louis’ blog. In my opinion, he was right to comment. Otherwise, it would seem he agreed with her. He deserves better.
I totally agree! Louis was right to comment and deserves better. I admire him for so many reasons, but especially now when he’s standing up against dishonesty and cruelty.
Well stated Louis! The man was a loser, is a loser and always will be a loser. He has no morals at all. He is a soulless person.
Only 22 more days left.
You are so right, JustJazzmom.
I am an independent and I don’t usually comment about anything political but I have to say that was well stated. I could not agree more.
DiAnne
Louis, I agree with you 💯. January 20th can not come soon enough.
Ginny
Thank you, Louis, your words are perfectly put. You stated in the original post It has nothing to do with political affiliation. This so called leader is corrupt, amoral, abusive, narcissistic…plain and simple- evil. I knew from the time he came down his escalator and used abusive wording about Latinos, his Mexican wall, etc.
I commend you for standing up to the vicious posters who found their way to your blog and are not familiar to any of us.
Onward to a New Year!
Judi
I’m anonymous.
Beryl
you read my mind. Perfectly said. I’m saving it. He’s a spoiled brat.
Amen! On to 2021
One word….AMEN!!
Thank you ,Louis, for stating so clearly the views and perspective that so many of us share and for being brave enough to be a truth teller that the emperor has no clothes! Raise a glass to the class and integrity that will be returned to the White House on January 20, 2021!
Perfectly said. That man in a horrible human being and I still cant believe he was ever elected.
Louis, for me it was very clear that it was about character, not politics. As someone who lived and worked in Manhattan, it was obvious as to who he was as a person. I, too, was shocked by the support he has received from women. I was extremely upset by the attacks that were very pointed and very personal and filled with such anger toward you as well as others who were called out and made very effort to turn this into a political garbage can. A moral compass is a foundation we all need. It seems that is no longer important to some as it is to others. I applaud your courage……….your heart for caring and your voice as well as your empathy for and toward others. My feelings are the same as yours regarding the character, morals and the person who Trump is. Thank you, Louis………..as always, Cat