UK politics has experienced a seismic shift over the past month. The decision to leave the EU in the referendum caused a change of Government and our second female Prime Minister- Theresa May.
The new Prime Minister has been in office a little over a week. She's picked her new Cabinet, visited Scotland, Wales, Germany and France as well as answering her first Prime Minister's Questions. I was in the gallery in the Commons Chamber for the latter, and believe me, it was as explosive in real life as it looked on the TV.
I was asked by German news outlet
Deustche Welle to comment on Theresa May's sense of style, a question which I have been asked quite alot recently. A common response from people is 'Oh, that's a sexist thing to be asking,' or 'You wouldn't be commenting if the Prime Minister was a man.' Maybe we wouldn't, but there would still be an interest in their personality, what they enjoy to do in their private time and with much probability, an interest in what clothes their spouse or partner was wearing.
Personality forms a big part of our modern political environment. The dominance of the 24 hour news cycle, social media and blogs like this one have all pushed this interest, and consequently, we all want to know everything about our elected officials and their families.
Take Theresa May. She's interesting because we don't know too much about her. In her campaign launch speech she said she is a 'hard worker, [who] doesn't tour Parliament's bars and doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve.' We heard a little about her family and more about her record as Home Secretary. During her time as Conservative Party Chair and Home Secretary what we did find out was her love of fashion, and in particular shoes. She's partial to a bit of leopard, a good handbag and oversized necklaces.
Russell & Bromley is one of her favourite places to shop and a Conservative Party donor once paid £17,500 to go on a shoe shopping trip with her. So lucky! Her choice of an
Amanda Wakeley outfit as she entered No 10 will be iconic for many reasons, with the pop of neon sunshine yellow on a traditional navy dress and coat a sign of optimistic change.
Theresa May will be expected to and will deliver on the commitment to British fashion during her premiership. Attention on this side of her role will be greater than her female predecessor Margaret Thatcher, who was known to wear her now iconic suits and pussy bow blouses from British designers such as Burberry and Aquascutum. May has already shown her love of UK fashion, with her Black Watch tartan two piece Vivienne Westwood making
many headlines. Similarly, her choice of sparkly Russell & Bromley loafers (of which I own a pair,) has demonstrated her playful side and reconfirms that you can be a powerful, professional woman and have fun at the same time.
Whether they freely admit it or not, many working women will be closely watching what Theresa May wears. Her choices will be scrutinised more than ever, and there will be a demand to know what she's wearing and who it is by. This change brings great opportunity for bloggers like myself, and you can expect regular posts and analysis throughout May's time in office as well as exploring the sartorial choices of other female members of the Prime Minister's government.
There's not been a more exciting time to follow the powerful and stylish worlds of politics and fashion. With Theresa May as Prime Minister in the UK, Angela Merkel as Chancellor in Germany and the possibility of Hillary Rodham Clinton as President in the USA, women are truly in charge.
Here's what the Prime Minister wore this week...
Scotland: navy cardigan coat and trousers; white cami top; patent red shoes from LK Bennett.
Prime Minister's Questions and Germany: navy tailored skirt suit; white cami top; LK Bennett leopard pumps.
France: black dress and tailored jacket; oversized chain necklace, LK Bennett x Issa Parrot pumps.
