Michelle Obama teams up with Disney

(Disney)

Read Politico's take here

Leibovitz, Sarkozy, Bruni

I still love these photographs of French President Nicholas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni taken from the Vanity Fair Style Issue in 2008. Leibovitz's images capture the magic of Paris and the relationship between husband and wife.

(Annie Leibovitz)

Speaker Pelosi in Puerto Rico

(AP) 

Speaker Pelosi travelled to San Juan, Puerto Rico yesterday for a discussion on the panel on Federal Economic Recovery and Health Reform Initiatives.

Wellies for Washington (and Wales!)

Grieg, Piano Concerto No.1

A piece of pure bliss...

16th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

(AP)

The Vice President and Dr Biden held a reception at the Naval Observatory on 22nd September honoring the 16th Anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, legislation which the then Senator Biden played a leading role in creating.

Fashion Focus... Alexander McQueen Skull Print

Jacqueline Kennedy: The Artist

(Digital Hit/Corbis)

Whilst searching for images of Jackie Kennedy for autumn style inspiration I came across this painting which I had not seen before. I've seen many other images which Jackie created for family and friends, but this one immediately caught my eye. It depicts John F. Kennedy returning from the Democratic Convention in 1960 where he gained the party's nomination for the Presidential candidate. If you look closely, JFK is pictured in the boat wearing a somewhat French military hat, and Jackie and daughter Caroline on the pier waving their arms. The Kennedy family's Hyannisport compound is pictured to the far right. It is disappointing that the only image we have of this is in black and white as I am sure that in its original colour, the scenes would be even more vivid. 

This Autumn: The First Ladies

Whilst many of the First Ladies are as recognisable as their Presidential husbands, there is often more to learn behind the public persona. Starting later this week, Political Style will profile each of the nation's First Spouse, beginning with Jacqueline Kennedy and ending with our current First Lady, Michelle Obama.

I'll be selecting books, audio, video, and images to provide an insight in to each of the women and their achievements. I'd also like you, the reader to be involved. If you have met, worked with or simply admire any of the First Ladies and would like your story to feature on Political Style then get in touch with us at: politicalstyle@gmail.com

Currently Reading...

Whilst in the USA over the summer I spent an awful lot of money on books- both purchasing them, and paying to transport them home! As well as the trunk full that I brought back, there were several new items waiting for me already on my bedside table.

I've started to tackle the pile and am currently reading 'Speaker Pelosi and the new American Politics,' and 'The Third Man' by Peter Mandelson.

Speaker Pelosi and the new American Politics (more info available here) analyses Pelosi's rise to power amongst the backdrop of a changing American political, social and institutional landscape. I've only read a few pages but I am already hooked.

The Third Man is the eagerly awaited memoir from former Labour spin doctor, Cabinet minister and peer Peter Mandelson and documents his time in the Labour Party and his thoughts on the 2010 UK General Election. Having read Chapter One so far, I find the tone and writing style of the book to be different to what I expected, it is certainly 'gossipy' in parts but does provide a fascinating insight in to the Labour government.

The New Labour Leader

Ed Miliband becomes the new Leader of the Labour Party.

(Getty/Reuters)

After a tense four months of waiting the new leader of the Labour Party was announced today. Ed Miliband, the outsiders favourite, won the vote taking 50.65% in the fourth and final round. His brother, David Miliband came second. The move marks a new progressive chapter in the history of the Labour Party. Former Prime Minister and Labour Leader Gordon Brown made a passionate speech before the vote was announced, and he was accompanied by wife Sarah Brown.

For detailed coverage, breakdown and video click here.

Win or Lose: Pelosi is one for the ages

(Getty)

Interesting article by Martin F. Nolan of the Boston Globe on why Speaker Pelosi is one of the most effective Speakers in history. Read it here.

Political Style Redesign

Political Style is going through a redesign and reorganization in order to make the site better to navigate and enjoy.

I'd love to know what you think of the new look- please leave a comment or email us at politicalstyle@gmail.com

This Week on the Hill...

TUESDAY 21ST: US Marine Corps Gen. James Amos and Senator Hagan attend his confirmation hearing at the Senate Armed Services Committee.

WEDNESDAY 22ND: Secretary Napolitano speaks at the Senate Homeland and Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing. 

THURSDAY 23RD: Secretary Sebelius and Senators Cantwell and Harkin attend a news conference announcing the implementation of provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

THURSDAY 23RD: The scene before the signing of the Small Business Jobs Act in the Speaker's Balcony.

FRIDAY 24TH: Speaker Pelosi holds her weekly news conference.

FRIDAY 24TH: Comedian Stephen Colbert testifies before the Subcommittee on Immigration.

(Reuters/Getty/AP)

Michelle Obama at the UN + Clinton Global Initiative

(Getty/AP)

Michelle Obama attended the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday, as well as addressing delegates at the annual Clinton Global Initiative. Mrs O wore a blue and white print dress by Peter Som in the morning; and a red and pink patterned dress by Moschino for the CGI event.

Jewels of Wallis Simpson up for auction

The jewels of Wallis Simpson are up for auction at Sotheby's on November 30th. The collection of 20 pieces are some of her most glamourous items from the Cartier vaults, as well as the most personal. One which is especially poignant is a gold and diamond necessaire du soir engraved with 'Wallis, from Edward.' 

A story about Wallis and her jewels can be found here.

Diamond Cartier panther bracelet (1952); Estimate: £1,000,000-£1,500,000

Diamond Cartier flamingo pin (1940); Estimate: £1,000,000-£1,500,000

Gold and diamond engraved necessaire du soir (1947); Estimate: £50,000-£70,000

Emerald, ruby and diamond brooch (1957); Estimate: £100,000-£150,000

Gold and gem cigarette case (1935); £150,000-£200,000

Diamond cross bracelet (1935); Estimate: £350,000-£450,000

The lady herself, 1938, Cabana (Corbis)

DNC Fundraiser, New York

(Getty/Reuters)

Speaker Pelosi introduces President Obama at a DNC Fundraiser at the Roosevelt Hotel, New York last night. The President is on a three day visit to the UN where he will address delegates later today.

Pretty in Print

(Reuters)

The President and First Lady posthumously honoured US Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger with the Medal of Freedom for his bravery in March 1968 in Laos. It was received by his sons.

For the event, Mrs O wore a blue and green dress by Barbara Tfank from her Fall 2010 collection. Pastel pink pumps completed the outfit.

La Bete: The Trailer

I saw La Bete in the West End, London in July and it was truly one of the best plays I have ever seen. Here is the trailer starring its three lead cast members- Joanna Lumley, David Hyde Pierce and Mark Rylands. Previews of the play open on September 23rd at the Musicbox Theatre, New York. I'll be profiling the play, its cast and the reviews over the coming months and if you have seen or will be seeing the production I'd love to hear and spotlight your views. 

(Author's Own)

100 Days of Active Resistance with Vivienne Westwood

(Reuters)

'The principal idea of Active Resistance is that you get out of life what you put in and that real experience of the world involves thinking' - Vivienne Westwood.

100 days of positive thought, active change, speaking up and being heard. From small personal actions to larger collective moments of change, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Lee Jeans encourage communication and individuality through an online installation, sharing interpretations of Vivienne Westwood's Active Resistance. 

'It is not enough to follow world politics, see films and read the prize-winning best seller. This is superficial, you need to go deep in order to understand who you are, what the world is and how things could be better. This involves culture which can only be acquired by self-education: human beings should mirror the world.'

Every day for one hundred days, one image representing your ideas of Active Resistance in the world will be selected from submissions and shared online. At the close of 100 days, the 100 chosen images will become a part of an itinerant exhibition dedicated to the project. So stand up and speak out! Take a photo, write a slogan, create an image or an artwork and show us your Active Resistance!

The installation will commence on September 28th 2010, with the 100 days coming to a close on January 5th 2011. For more information on Active Resistance please visit www.activeresistance.co.uk

The Special Relationship

(IMDB)

The BBC broadcast the final part of Michael Sheen's trilogy of Tony Blair performances, his role as the British PM from 1997 to 2000 with the spotlight on his relationship with then US President Bill Clinton.

I had heard about the drama when in the US, and was keen to see it. As with all Peter Morgan created projects it didn't disappoint. I particularly loved The Queen and The Deal and the performance that Sheen portrays. The narrative in The Special Relationship begins with President Clinton meeting the then Leader of Opposition, and chronicles his election to Prime Minister, the war in Kosovo and the Lewinsky scandal.

Whilst Sheen is believable as Blair, I found Dennis Quaid to be unconvincing as Clinton. I'm not sure if it was the make-up, the hair or the accent, but something just didn't click. On the other hand, Helen McCrory as Cherie Blair and Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton were fantastic, amusing and provided a realistic portrayal of two strong professional women.

The DVD has been released, so make sure you pick up a copy!