After a clear yet shocking statement from the American electorate on November 8th, many are struggling to come to terms with what a Donald Trump victory, informs businessoffashion.com.

Business of Fashion polled leading industry figures — and scanned social media — to glean their immediate reactions and better understand what they think a Donald Trump presidency might mean for the future of fashion in the US and beyond. 

Alex Bolen, CEO, Oscar de la Renta: "Fashion is an expression of the here-and-now, not yesterday, not tomorrow. Our fundamental job as designers is to suggest a way to dress that is an appropriate reflection our times, of the world in which we live right now. Last night, the American people expressed their strong desire for change. Fashion will need to react, in a likewise strong way, to that new mood. We look forward to the challenge."

Steven Kolb, president and CEO, the Council of Fashion Designers of America: "I worry about his position on immigration and how it will impact the workforce of our industry from garment workers to design students who come here to study and want to stay. I worry about the image of American brands abroad. I worry about his position on trade and how it will impact the supply chain. And I hope with all my heart that he can put aside his ugly rhetoric and bring the country together so all Americans can live their lives freely as they choose."

Diane von Furstenberg, designer and founder, Diane von Furstenberg: "Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.... We must believe that our future is in our hands . More than ever we must believe in good and the good of people. More than ever we must study, learn, be open minded, be generous and have compassion."

Julie Gilhart, creative business consultant: "It's a shock but its now obvious that Trump’s election is an unmistakable rejection of a system that simply isn’t working for most people. Bill Cunningham use to say 'fashion is just a reflection of our times.' We have been seeing intimately in the fashion business the need for massive change and we will have to deal. It's all a guess what the future will be for American fashion and the country as a whole but there are a couple of things to remember -- first, it's only four years and secondly, a setback is just a set up for a comeback."

Stephen Gan, editor-in-chief of V Magazine and US Harper’s Bazaar: "We need to be strong, and continue what Hillary started. We at V have always believed in fashion as a force for affecting change, and making a difference in the world. We need to use this as a reason to work harder for the values we believe in, to be braver, and push ourselves even further creatively. With this election, we’ve seen some the ugliest behavior that this country has to offer. It’s our job now to remind people of how beautiful it can be."

Hari Nef, model, via Twitter: "I would never run for public office in a country so full of hatred for people like me."

Jennifer Hyman, CEO, Rent the Runway, via Twitter: "This shows that this race isn't about economic disempowerment- it's about racism."