Fashion in Politics

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Clothes do not just make a person; they make a statement. “Do not judge a book by its cover”- well, this could be the least followed adage to have even been made. Say what you want, but the first impression is, more often than not, based on how one is dressed, and while appearances may be illusory, they sure do a number on latent prejudice. Fashion is a silent yet the loudest force that possesses the power to connect with one’s audience. And who needs more connection with their audience than politicians. Politics is a perception play, and how one presents themselves matters. Though fashion does not take the forefront in politics, it certainly has an underlying drive. Some politicians understand the notion, and others follow it to a T. Without further ado, let’s count our picks for the most fashionable statespeople of all time from around the world.

1)  Narendra Modi:

Known to pay significant notice to what he wears, Narendra Damodardas Modi is the 14 th and current Prime Minister of India. Shouldering his journey in 2014, Modi has been the subject of fashion news with his spot-on clothing at every event. Modi’s monogrammed ensemble was one such outfit that made it to the highlights; the customized tailored pantsuit had his name embroidered on it in striped form and auctioned for Rs 4.31crores. From accessories such as Ikkat stole, headgears including Assamese Japi and Dumuluk, Bvlgari spectacles, and Maybach sunglasses to evergreen Kurta-pajamas and Nehru Jackets, T-shirts, monochromatic ensembles, and trench-coats, his wardrobe extends to great lengths.

2) Yingluck Shinawatra:

Nicknamed Pou, Yingluck Shinawatra is a Thai politician, a businesswoman, and a former Prime Minister of Thailand. With a master’s degree from Kentucky University, she became a business executive and, following the 2011 elections, the youngest and the first female Prime Minister of the country in 60 years. Naturally, she remained in the spotlight during her premier term; her fashion choices also became the news subject much too often. Shinawatra’s business background and her family’s silk manufacturing heritage, evidently reflected through her style. From monochromatic knee- length skirt-suits in navy or black wool to embroidered, metallic, ruffled, or kimono-style blazers in Thai silk, Yingluck balances traditional and modern high-end brands remarkably.

3) Barack Obama:

Barack ObamaThe 44 th president of the United States, Obama is a member of the Democratic party who served as the first African-American Commander-in-Chief for the States from 2009 to 2017. Winning hearts everywhere when sitting in his Oval Office, he is also known for his impeccable fashion sense, even though there isn't much choice in the wardrobe. Apart from the staple formals, i.e., oxford shirts, tailored black suits, bright ties, and tuxedos, he has aced the casuals like polo shirts, khaki pants, leather jackets, sweaters, dad jeans, baseball caps, and tennis shoes with equal effortlessness. His fashion evolution throughout the years is something to behold.

4) Nancy Pelosi:

Commanding attention and respect, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has been a fashion sensation for a long time, reigniting the sparks, especially following the pandemic. If pantsuits or skirt suits could have an ultimate possessor, it would be her. Every time she steps outside, donning the tailored fits, she garners applause for both the designer and the stylist. Her wide-shoulder jackets, trimmed down waists, wide-leg pants, colorful pumps, multi-colored pearl necklaces, fabulous silk scarves, and matching masks- all contribute to making her the power-suit boss.

5) Imelda Marcos:

Fashion in PoliticsEnveloped in controversy, Imelda is a Filipina politician and a former first lady of the Philippines as the wife and now widower of president Ferdinand Marcos. Accused and convicted of graft, she and her husband stole billions from the Filipino population. Known for her lavish lifestyle, she is believed to have left behind 508 gowns, 15 mink coats, up to 3,000 pairs of shoes, and 888 handbags, when she fled the country in 1986. Aside from her sketchy rep, Imelda was notably one of the few, most stylish first ladies. Pointy and exaggerated shoulders made for her signature style. Packing some of the most expensive designers like Givenchy, Christian Dior, Ferragamo, and Chanel in her closet, she opened a museum in Manila to house her massive shoe collection.

6) Cristina Kirchner:

Often referred to as CFK, Kirchner is an Argentinian politician and lawyer. The current Vice President of the country, she served as the second female president of Argentina from 2007 to 2015 and as the first lady during her husband, Néstor Kirchner presidency. Often compared to Imelda, in reference to her shoe collection, Kirchner spent a whopping $100K during her Louboutin shoe-shopping spree in Paris in 2011. A huge fan of Louis Vuitton bags, Hermѐs Birkin and Kelly bag purses, Cristina often dons silk, patterned dresses, and lace gowns at formal events, pairing them with elegant jewelry. She remained a common subject for the fashion news after her husband’s passing as she sported only all-black outfits for three years.

7) Jackie Kennedy:

Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis, better known as Jackie O, was the former First Lady of the U.S. as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. Noted for her style and elegance, Jackie was a powerhouse in her own right. Notably one of the most powerful women of her time, she was also among the most influential fashion icons. Demonstrating her simple yet chic style, Onassis generally wore playful patterns and pastel shades. An admirer of pink, she often donned sleek shift dresses and elbow-length gloves. Setting a bar for an entire generation, she shaped the ‘Jakie Look’ with her monochromatic ensembles, wrap dresses, strapless gowns, tailored coats, pillbox hats, and the bouffant hairdo.

8) Justin Trudeau:

Undoubtedly one of the sharpest male dressers in politics, Justin Trudeau is the Prime Minister of Canada. Be it tailored suits, slim-lined trousers, rolled up sleeves, tuxedos, colorful socks with funky motifs, T-shirts, faded dad jeans, or his ‘Bollywood wardrobe,’ he knows how to keep his wardrobe modern and classy. The bilingual, feminist leader knows how to bring his A-game everywhere he goes.

Other politicians with notable sartorial ante-
1. Aung San Suu Kyi
2. Theresa May
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger
4. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
5. Enrique Peña Nieto

By: Yashika Nandwani

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