When we look at politicians and spouses of political leaders do will really care about their style? The truth is both men and women are judged daily by their appearances. When you step out the door to head off to your morning job you’re expected to play the part of the working man and woman. What does this mean? You’re expected to dress in appropriate attire according to your workplace & job profession. If for example you work in an office it goes without saying that females should opt for a knee length skirt, dress or wear trousers paired with an unrevealing top & scarf. Men should either go for the regular suit with or without the tie and a light colored button shirt or a pair of cotton or woolen trousers paired with a button shirt & a woolen jumper or vest.
Now back to the question, do we really care what politician’s, spouses and political leaders really look like? Whether these people like it or not they’re the center of the public eye and yes, indeed, they will be photographed 24/7 leaving us to wonder what their agenda holds for them according to their appearance. Politicians or partners to political figures are very well aware of this and have been often seen to use their exterior appearances or image to polish their icon when their principles or policies have been scrutinized.
The highest ranking woman in Greek politics listed in Forbes Most 100 Powerful Woman of the World Dora Bakoganni has not only been recognized for her power in politics but has also has been seen as a woman who understands the new generation via her refined sense of style. We have seen her wear grey pants suits paired with an oval cut top. There has also been the excellent ensemble of black trousers worn with her classic oval top paired with a red jacket and a black scarf which hung loosely around the neck. In 2006 we had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Bakogianni in the November issue of Vogue magazine where she wore haute couture John Galliano gowns revealing a most womanly side to herself which proved that this woman is not only the epitome of woman power but also of style.
First Lady Carla Bruni never seizes to impress, from her days on the catwalk to her daring photos and sensual poses. Today, in a whole different role, she has been praised for her fashion awareness and trendsetting styles. Although this First Lady always seemed to intimidate other woman she indeed found her match in Spain when she and President Sarkozy traveled to the Mediterranean in April 2009 to meet with Prince Felipe and the ever so lovely Princess Letizia. Both women were spotted in snug fitting dresses; Frances First Lady opted for a cobalt blue designed by Christian Dior while Princess Letizia wore an intense plum color designed by one of her favorite Spanish designers, Felipe Varela.
The shoe however was the show stopper for the Princess for she indulged in a pair of luscious lilac platforms giving her the height needed to stand tall, which she rightly does even without heels! Whereas, Madam Bruni selected a subtle pair of kitten heels which we are left to assume that she will be wearing more often due to the inches that the French President seems to lack.
Whether fashion and politics go hand in hand is really a mater of everyone’s own personal judgment. Whether we wonder what’s scratched in these people’s personal agenda’s or not or whether we care about their fashion sense all boils down to one thing; in our subconscious we want to see people in leading places go with the flow, be part of change and reflect today and not yesterdays political culture. An image today goes a long way, from one’s hairstyle to their dress sense or choice of shoes all which indicate who we are and how we want to be viewed by others. An entire ensemble is strong enough to polish any image. Whether a leading person or not the manner in which we carry style indicates what we are trying to say about ourselves to others; and remember, each and everyone one of us is in fact scrutinized by the exterior first.
Therefore, I assume it would be safe to say that electorate and fashion have equal votes in the house of parliamentary style!
