The Gown Diplomacy

  Jackie Kennedy. She was the first one to impose a style, to use fashion as an ally in politics; the first one to marry elegance and personality to better her own image and give another dimension to the role of first lady. Today, the lesson has become a custom and her successors can be proud of what they have accomplished. Michelle Obama, Rania of Jordania, Carla Bruni, Cristina Kirchner and their colleagues play according to their rules.

  When men have to stick to tuxedos, the duty of the woman as regards elegance is more complicated. Being distinguished by avoiding any error of taste becomes an integrant part of the feminine politics. The outfits of the powerful women have an international impact and this allows the fashion industry to broaden its power. Oscar de la Renta, Sarah Burton, Elie Saab, Chanel, Dior… all those big names now have an impact on politics and diplomacy through their designs.

The Kennedys meeting the Queen of England

 But why do they attach so much importance to outfits when supposedly, only the acts count? It is probably because in politics, a woman stays a woman. The display she offers is way different from the one a man offers. Every detail counts, from the outfit to the hair and make up. Everything has to be perfect in order to emphasize the taste and the elegance a woman of that stature is supposed to have, according to the public opinion. Indeed, the first lady is the glamour side of the presidential couple. Her role is to support the president by representing with grace the country he is running. The first lady is a great ally during diplomatic visits; that is why her clothes are selected with care. From the nationality of the designer to the symbolic evocation of the country she is visiting, there can be no mistake.

  It is also because in politics, a woman has to develop culture which fashion is a part of. Fashion is a symbol of international opening, like a link between nations with heterogeneous cultures, like an emphasis on women and what they mean to the world, whatever their style, their way to express it or whatever their taste may be. And if a woman manages to achieve these three goals by the only mean of her dress, what comes out of it can only be positive.

Follow me in the world of the diplomat gowns. 

Blondyn_Bubble

(translated from french by Absolute B.)

The Kennedys for the inauguration ball

Ball in Paris

The elegant sleeveless and fitted dress is very representative of Jackie Kennedy's style

Jackie Kennedy in a casual  but still stylish outfit (pull over with pocket, cigarette pants and ballet shoes)