US president Trump's eldest daughter and top White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, is shutting down her namesake fashion brand more than a year after stepping away from the company, as reported by Page Six. Sources say that it will be shuttered 'ASAP' and that staff have been informed that they're being laid off. The brand's 18 employees were informed Tuesday that the business would be ending for good.

As per media reports, Ivanka said she was hoping to avoid any potential conflicts of interest in the future and focus on her role in Washington, instead. In an emailed statement to CNBC, Ivanka said, "When we first started this brand, no one could have predicted the success that we would achieve. After 17 months in Washington, I do not know when or if I will ever return to the business, but I do know that my focus for the foreseeable future will be the work I am doing here in Washington, so making this decision now is the only fair outcome for my team and partners."

With President Trump in the White House, critics of her father's politics have put Ivanka's brand at center of boycotts and other protests. The Ivanka Trump brand - which sells accessories like handbags, perfume and high heels - has been dropped by stores including Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus and most recently by Canadian chain Hudson's Bay. Nordstorm parted ways with the brand citing 'brand performance' as the reason.

Ivanka became an official White House staffer in April 2017. The company's president, Abigail Klem said, "I know that this was a very difficult decision for Ivanka and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have led such a talended and committed team. When faced with the most unique circumstances, the team displayed strength and optimism." Ivanka also added that was 'beyond grateful for the work of our incredible team who has inspired so many women'.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2018 11:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).