FASHION IN POLITICS

Hipster Hitler

2010-11-16T00:22:00.000Z

Welcome to Hipster Hitler, the website that's mixed two awful things into one... it's wrong to say they're equally bad, it's wrong to say he looks better in fake Ray Bans than German khakis and it's wrong to want one of their Eastside - Westside - Genocide T-shirts. Heck, there's nothing right with Hitler... It's a tough job to come up with positive things to say about him, and why should you? Nevertheless, you have to laugh at this website; it's clearly so wrong it's right. Almost.

Sebastián Piñera - The Spin - AnOther Mag

2010-11-15T23:36:00.001Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/588/Sebastián_Piñera

The Spin | Sebastián Piñera

— November 2, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Everyone else jumped on the bandwagon so why shouldn’t The Spin be allowed? The Chilean mine crisis might be over but President Sebastián Piñera has just returned from a European tour, during which both the Queen and Prime Minister David Cameron were given rocks from the San Jose mine – so the 60-year-old millionaire is still very much in the worldwide spotlight. Piñera is groundbreaking in recent Chilean history since he is the first Conservative leader to be elected after the fall of military dictator Augusto Pinochet.

This ideological fact made Piñera’s support and emotional welcome to the 33 miners even more heartfelt. After all, Chile's mining corps live and work on modest levels and standards. Meanwhile, the Harvard-educated professor in economy is one of Chile’s wealthiest people; his broad smile, year-round tan, silver grey hair and robust body frame might be a bit too close to the facial features of Robert Kilroy-Silk’s for his own good, but no one is perfect!

The heavy burden weighing on Piñera’s shoulder is how to re-brand Chile through losing the morbid associations of Pinochet and take the South American country head first into the 21st century. Of course, the happy ending to the “trapped miners” saga helped a great deal. “I hope that from now on when people around the world hear the word Chile, they will not remember the coup d'etat or the dictatorship, they will remember what we had done, all the Chileans together,” Piñera said. But it could have been different.

On the day of Piñera’s inauguration in March 2010, Chile was the victim of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the centre of the country, killing over 500 people and making 1,000s homeless. After the quake came the tsunami warning… Nevertheless, Sebastián Piñera’s ratings are soaring; he is now one of the people! The mining crisis saw 33 hairy men in Oakley wraparound glasses go free and one man becoming the star, both in his home country and on the worldwide stage. Everyone's a winner…

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir - The Spin - AnOther Mag

2010-11-15T23:34:00.000Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/537/Jóhanna_Sigurðardóttir

CULTURE

The Spin | Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir

— October 12, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

When Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir lost the Icelandic Social Demcocrat party’s leadership election in 1994 she famously said “Minn tími mun koma”, meaning “my time will come”. In January 2009 that went from being an empty threat to a prophecy, because that’s when Sigurðardóttir finally took command of both her party and country. As Iceland’s prime minister she not only became the island’s first female PM, but also the world’s only openly gay leader.

This social, political, sexual and cultural breakthrough, though, is of course not the only thing that Iceland is well known for these days, and the other fame factors are unfortunately not as positive. Only a year ago ill-managed Icelandic banks nearly caused irreparable financial damage in mainland Europe. And then there was that infernal ash cloud…

Crises aside, Iceland has many talented and aesthetically refined aspects to it as well. In terms of music, art and fashion, proportionally Iceland competes successfully with its stylish northern neighbours Scandinavia. And, as far as politicians go, Sigurðardóttir is doing her bit to help out. Her biggest asset is her silver white hair. When paired with a white coat, she looks like an ice princess. Add to that a bold and strong use of red lipstick and you’ll have a lady politician not afraid of standing out. A penchant for over sized necklaces and eye-catching glasses makes for a fairly full-on silhouette.

The former air hostess, with two children from her estranged husband, entered a civil union with author and playwright Jónína Leósdóttir in 2002. The partnership was then upgraded to a same sex marriage when that was legalised in Iceland earlier this year. The 67-year-old Prime Minister might not be on the forefront of a fashionable revolution – not many world leaders are – but it is safe to say that her election revolutionised a few other things, perhaps more important to mention than her choice of lipstick and ice-cold hair colour.

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Hu Jintao - The Spin - AnOther Mag

2010-11-15T23:30:00.000Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/498/Hu_Jintao_Chinese_General_Secretary_of_the_Communist_Party

The Spin | Hu Jintao, Chinese General Secretary of the Communist Party

— September 28, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Any Chinese General Secretary of the Communist Party will always live, work and dress in the shadow of Mao Zedong. Let’s say it like it is. The current leader, Hu Jintao, is no exception. In power since 2002, Hu Jintao functions under different statesmanship rules compared to most other politicians; the Communist way of doing things is “slightly” less democratic than elsewhere, enabling Hu a higher degree of political freedom.

But Hu isn’t a one-man-party machine. As a member of the nine man strong Politburo Standing Committee, Hu shares ideas, ideology, power and responsibility with a handful of other high-fliers. Nevertheless, it is with Hu that the buck stops. Once considered a liberal softie, Hu has since showed his true side and is rumoured to have had a hand in the cruel and violent handling of the protesters on Tiananmen Square in 1989.

Hu entered politics in 1964, at the height of Mao’s cultural revolution. If he was equally inspired by Mao’s characteristic clothing habits as his firm political beliefs he’s not showing that today. Chinese politicians stopped wearing the Zhongshan suit long ago, which was designed by Sun Yat-sen just after Mao’s takeover. Instead, Hu prefers a non-descript dark suit and anonymously coloured, often red, ties. Like most communist states, China favours a clothing pattern that prevents individuality: it’s about being one of the people, and that seems to go for the leadership as well, whether they wear khaki green uniforms or dull suits.

Say what you want about Mao, but there’s no denying both his political and sartorial impact. That’s never likely to be said of Hu, a man who allegedly counts table tennis and ballroom dancing as his hobbies. It is quite telling then, that one of the few of his recorded sayings is as dry as the man himself appears to be: “Success in life requires resolve, attention to concrete matters and courage in making decisions.”

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - The Spin - AnOther Mag

2010-11-15T23:27:00.000Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/422/Luiz_Inácio_Lula_da_Silva_the_President_of_Brazil

The Spin | Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil

— September 7, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: don’t you just want to snuggle him? And they call him Lula! Politicians aren’t meant to be cuddly, they’re supposed to look like Dick Cheney and have steely, unforgiving names like Helmut Kohl. No wonder Brazil has re-elected Da Silva twice as its president since he took power in 2002. Riding on the same wave of unquestioning goodwill as Chavez in Venezuela and the Kirchners in Argentina, Lula has even had his electability confirmed by POTUS Barack Obama, who famously pointed at him during the April 2009 G20 meeting in London and said, "That's my man right there – the most popular politician on earth."

I suppose Obama, too, was referring to the general cuteness and pleasantness of Lula’s facial features. He’s got kind eyes to start with, and a friendly smile. But it’s the silver-grey beard that ticks the last box. Doesn’t he remind you of your grandpa? Or is it just mine he looks like? It doesn’t matter who you think of, you just want to feed him Werther’s Orginals…

Like many of his leftwing comrades in South America (all hail Fidel Castro), Lula has been in for a fair amount of criticism. Throughout his presidency, corruption charges have been hurled at the government. During the 2005 Mensalão scandal, the attorney general pressed charges against 40 Brazilian politicians, but nothing was ever been pinned on Lula. His popularity has gained him – aside from Obama’s admiration and utterly ridiculous commentary – several awards, including the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. For some reason.

Unlike his fellow Socialists, Lula does not subscribe to the leftwing uniform of Chavez (red) and the Castro brothers (khaki). The tone is sombre, the suits dark. The only real colour that Lula allows himself is the yellow Brazilian football shirt he is sometimes seen waving. Finally, a politician who knows how to play his best asset in order to win the game…

Owain Thomas is a freelance illustrator who works in the area of illustrative journalism. He has been commissioned in The Guardian Newspaper as well as magazines and books such as Arc Magazine, Amelia's Magazine, Notes from the Underground, Indian journalists and Filament Publishers

Hamid Karzai - The Spin - AnOther Mag

2010-11-15T23:24:00.000Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/393/Hamid_Karzai_Afghan_President

The Spin | Hamid Karzai, Afghan President

— August 24, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Once labelled “the most chic man in the world” by Tom Ford, Afghan president Hamid Karzai has a lot to live up to. Since taking power shortly after the US-led invasion in 2001, Karzai has of course had many pressing matters to attend to that are more important than his early morning wardrobe decisions. But there’s no doubt that Mr Karzai is very effective at pursuing and entertaining an image of himself, something that – intentionally or not – is strong enough to grant him coverage in The New Statesman, as well as GQ magazine.

Anyone – politician or otherwise – who cultivates a trademark look is anxious to be associated with a certain aesthetic, and this – as we know – is more often than not a good thing in politics. In Karzai’s case it is, of course, his astrakhan hat that has gained him attention. Headwear in general is unusual on the political stage, bar Castro’s army cap and Boris Yeltsin’s giant Russian fur hats. But that makes his sartorial stance even stronger: the Karakul sheepskin hat – even though it’s probably a national staple piece – has gained him international admirers and fashion icon status, as Tom Ford’s statement proves.

Add to that Karzai’s silver-grey hair and beard, a subtle colour palette of stylish khakis and blue-grey tones, and a seemingly endless collection of Nehru-collar shirts. The latter and his general state of tie-lessness is a by-product of anti-western dress customs in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, but it provides an excellent platform to build and develop a forward-thinking and unique wardrobe befitting a statesman. The only downside to Hamid Karzai’s hat, and indirectly his whole look, is that the karakul wool comes from aborted lamb foetuses… The price we pay for fashion, eh!

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

The Spin - Fredrik Reinfeldt - AnOther Mag

2010-11-15T23:21:00.000Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/373/Fredrik_Reinfeldt_The_Swedish_Prime_Minister

The Spin | Fredrik Reinfeldt, The Swedish Prime Minister

— August 11, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Who is David Cameron’s political role model? Some might say Margaret Thatcher, or even Tony Blair. But the truth is that Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt is the actual architect of the neo-conservative governmental system Britain has today. Not following? Well, think about it. After years on the opposition bench under the rule of old school Conservative leaders, a new, fresh, vigorous and forward thinking leader is elected. He spends years changing the image of the party: in with the new, out with the old.

The government has been in power for ten years and people are tired of the same old faces. All of a sudden the once-hated and moderate party has become a positive force to reckoned with. Less right, more centre; less selfish, more considerate. All of a sudden there’s an alternative. An election approaches and the old and boring party is ahead in the polls. But an absolute majority is not reached, and a centre-right coalition is formed. Britain in 2010? Yes, but the same happened in Sweden over four years ago.

Fredrik Reinfeldt is an exact political copy of Cameron. Or, rather, it’s the other way around! Young, “cool” and energetic, Reinfeldt has reinvigorated Swedish politics. The first thing he did was appoint a Chancellor of the Exchequer with a ponytail and earring. Sure, there were a few unavoidable setbacks and mistakes have been made, but with a new election looming in September, Reinfeldt’s Moderate party (and its fellow coalition bedfellows) is currently set for another victory.

Encroaching baldness has led to Reinfeldt shaving his head. His looks are quite far from your traditional politician, and that’s partly why he was so successful in re-branding his dying party. Like Cameron, Reinfeldt doesn’t miss an opportunity to take off his jacket, loosen the tie and roll up the shirtsleeves: “I’m a man of the people, I’m just like you. And you. And you!” Yeah, right. But the fact remains: Reinfeldt isn’t just popular for his policies. A recent “best dressed” poll by Swedish men’s lifestyle magazine King put him ahead with 56% of the votes. It’s clear that individuality is high up on Reinfeld’s agenda: in an interview with newspaper Dagens Nyheter, Reinfeldt claimed that the fashion trend that he never wanted to se again was “party uniforms,” and that the politician he admired most, sartorially speaking, was the Russian prime minister, Vladimir Putin.

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu Guest Designer at Lutz & Patmos

2010-07-31T14:18:00.001+01:00

South African arch bishop Desmond Tutu recently bowed out of public life as one of Christianiaty's most recognisable humble servants. It appears he had another career path in mind when doing so. The 78-year-old priest has, believe it or not, teamed up with the luxury cashmere and knitwear label Lutz & Patmos as a guest designer. The result is a short sleeved scoop neck top with a detachable bead necklace, as seen below. In a time when everyone and everything has to have its own perfume and clothing line, I suppose it was only a question of time before this happened. God Help Us!

King Magazine determines Best Dressed Swedish Politician

2010-07-30T16:26:00.001+01:00

Sorry guys, this is in Swedish so only a few of you will be able to enjoy this fairly insightful TV4 conversation about Swedish politicians and their dress sense. King, a Swedish fashion magazine, have polled the readers to find out who's the Best Dressed politician. Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt was the clear winner. You be the judge...

Julia Gillard - The Spin - Another Mag.com

2010-07-30T10:30:00.001+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/348/Australian_President_Julia_Gillard

The Spin | Australian President, Julia Gillard

It’s an elite group, but to Argentina, Germany, Finland and the seven other countries that have female presidents or prime ministers, we can now add Australia. At the end of June, after predecessor Kevin Rudd stood down, 48-year-old Julia Gillard became the leader of the Labour party and took over the reins down under. But Gillard’s political honeymoon could be a short one: since she was elected to her post by the Aussie parliament, and not by the people, the PM has called an August election, opening the door for the opposition to take back power.

Whatever happens, this is a first for Australia. Even if the Welsh-born Gillard’s time in charge is short-lived, from an equality point of view, anything is better than nothing. Also, Gillard has acknowledged the uncertainty of her position and her unlikely road to it, claiming that she had a bigger chance to be recruited as an Australian rules football player than taking over after Rudd. Apparently she’s tougher than most thought!

Aesthetically, the only thing that’s more eye-catching than Gillard’s pinstriped suits and white Anne Fontaine shirts is her glowing red hair. Is her temperament as fierce, one wonders? But her sense of style hasn’t gone down all that well in Australia. The press has gone all out for the politician’s wardrobe. Her first week in office saw Gillard sport a patterned coat, which an anonymous local “fashion expert” likened to a “cheap motel bedspread.” Press reports have indicated that the new PM went on a shopping spree, buying 12 new suits, shortly after landing her new job. Maybe she should call up Angela Merkel to get some advice on power dressing, or talk to Hillary Clinton about brooches.

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Nicolas Sarkozy - The Spin - Another Mag

2010-07-05T21:58:00.000+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/289/Nicolas_Sarkozy

CULTURE
The Spin | Nicolas Sarkozy
— June 22, 2010—
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni at Pittsburgh G20 Summit Courtesy of The White House, Photography by Pete Souza
“A world where there is an election every six months – I feel for you: horrible, horrible, horrible!” So French president Nicolas Sarkozy is reported to have told Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld after awarding him the Legion of Honour. And he’s spot on – in fashion, you’re only as good as your last collection. The same applies to Sarkozy and his political colleagues – if they don’t please the electorate, they’re out. But Sarkozy has done all right for himself since sweeping to power in 2007.

More than anything, of course, he’s sorted himself out with a proper French beauty. Carla Bruni, ex-girlfriend of Mick Jagger, is not only a successful recording artist but also a former model. And fashion icon, too – no one pulls off deep purple quite like her. Sarkozy himself also looks pretty smart, but then again he lives in the unofficial fashion capital of the world, Paris.

The president’s most striking physical feature – or lack of it, perhaps – is his height. Sarkozy is reported to be only 5ft 5in tall, preferring shoes with a slight heel. And, allegedly, Bruni must wear flat shoes when seen in his company. A recent example of Sarkozy’s sensitivity on this issue was made public when he was photographed standing on a box behind a speaking pulpit, just after taking over from the tall US president, Barack Obama.

But Sarkozy’s status as a style icon is somewhat undecided. In the past he has been voted both one of the “best dressed” in Vanity Fair and placed at the bottom of a similar list by GQ magazine. Bruni, on the other hand, is of course universally lauded for her sense of style, and is only matched on the worldwide political (spouse) stage by Michelle Obama. Mind you, of the two associated gents Sarkozy is the more stylish, his 2007 inauguration suit rumoured to have been Prada. But you can own as many fancy suits as you like, Nicolas – you’re merely stealing Kim Jong-il’s look when you wear those platform shoes…

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Vladimir Putin - The Spin - Another Mag

2010-07-05T21:55:00.000+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/269/Vlads_Castle

CULTURE
The Spin | Vlad's Castle
— June 8, 2010—
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his column The Spin

Vladimir Putin in combat Courtesy of The Kremlin
Vladimir, oh Vladimir, where have you been for the last few years? What was that? You had to resign as president of Russia and become the country’s prime minister because your time at the top was up, but you will return to the top job as soon as you are constitutionally allowed? Oh OK, good – things haven’t been the same without you.

In 2008, after having been twice elected as president, Putin stood down and became PM. Ever since, his critics have claimed Putin only supported Dmitry Medvedev’s presidential candidacy so that he could control and manipulate him, and it’s true that Medvedev hasn’t been as strong and popular as Putin. But succeeding Putin cannot be an easy task; the man has charisma and a well-trained torso.

Putin isn’t really famous for what he’s wearing, more what his wardrobe leaves out. Often that’s a top or a shirt. He seems to have affection for outdoors activities – hiking, hunting, riding, etc – where he can pose topless with wraparound sunglasses and army fatigue trousers. His predilection for military accessories probably comes from a long and successful career within the Soviet secret police, the KGB.

Another interesting detail in the curious case of Vladimir Putin is his fondness for martial arts. When he looks at you with the dark eyes of a communist spy and says, “I can kill you with my bare hands,” remember this: he isn’t kidding. A 6th dan in Judo, Putin would kick Obama’s skinny ass in a minute or two.

Because of Putin’s affiliation with the army and KGB, it’s considered OK for him to don uniforms and pose in fighter plane cockpits (flying a MiG jet is probably just like another hobby to him, next to bear hunting and torture…) – unlike George W Bush who never did military service and just looked like a twerp when he wore a flying jacket.

There’s no doubt Putin is here to stay; he will surely try to run for the presidency again, or maybe just puppeteer Medvedev into doing it Putin-style. His leadership has of course attracted positive, as well as negative, feedback. Former president Mikhail Gorbachev, for example, has credited Putin with saving Russia from chaos, and Time magazine crowned him Man of the Year in 2007. But, as one of his critics pointed out, that esteemed publication gave Hitler the same title in 1938…

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Fashion Icon: Yukio Hatoyama

2010-05-26T21:17:00.002+01:00

A while back I did a piece on the ANC sanctioned leather jackets that the South African party was selling, and now the turn has come to Japan's Prime Minister and his shirt. The difference is that it isn't Yukio Hatoyama who is flogging his own wardrobe. No, it's the Shanghai based shirt company ShirtsMyWay.com that's manufacturing the check and multi coloured piece, which is yours for a mere $500. You'll find it under the sub heading of 'Prime Minister of Japan & Fashion Hero' on the website. Funnily enough, this seems to be Japanese political fashion week as the Spin post shows below! A Guardian piece quote the designer Don Konishi saying, "Is anyone able to stop him wearing such a thing?" - which I think makes the shirt even more loveable...

Yukio Hatoyama - The Spin - Another Mag

2010-05-26T21:01:00.000+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/253/Yukio_Hatoyama

CULTURE
The Spin | Yukio Hatoyama
— May 25, 2010—
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

Today, the topic of discussion is Japan’s Prime Minister – known to many as old, you know, whatshisname. But while Yukio Hatoyama might not be the most prolific statesmen on the scene just yet, to his credit he’s only been in power since September last year. Hatoyama-san represents the Democratic Party of Japan, which is a great name since it kind of infers that the opposition is not democratic, but totalitarian, fascist or another unpleasant form of government.

Japan is a funny one. While far from geographically massive, it is a heavyweight member of the almighty G8 and as such helps set the agenda for the rest of the world. Since World War II the country has become synonymous with major car and electronic industries, but it is also a major fashion exporter. Imagine if all world leaders had to wear clothes from national designer treasures: Cameron in Gieves & Hawkes, Obama in Ralph Lauren, Sarkozy in Dior and Berlusconi decked out in Armani. That’s all fine but Hatoyama could be rocking Junya Watanabe brogues, wrinkly Issey Miyake cords and a light blue Comme des Garçons Homme Plus shirt under his khaki Yamamoto jacket with Nehru collar…

That, alas, is not his outfit of choice. Hatoyama is very traditional, and not even in an exciting Japanese way. His wife, however, is far from boring. A former actress, these days Miyuki Hatoyama categorises herself as a “life composer.” Because no one knows what that means, Miyuki is now a mainstay of the chat show circuit, repeatedly invited on to talk at length about her life and opinions. It was on one such show that Miyuki claimed to have been abducted by aliens, while on another occasion she let slip that she knows Tom Cruise since the actor used to be Japanese in a previous life! Miyuki Hatoyama for Prime Minister!

David Hellqvist is the Commissioning Editor of Dazed Digital, a freelance contributor to Men’s Vogue and GQ in China, AnOther Man, ZOO and i-D Magazines. He also writes the blog Fashion in Politics

Jacob Zuma / The Spin / AnOther Mag

2010-05-19T20:20:00.000+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/239/Jacob_Zuma

The Spin | Jacob Zuma
— May 11, 2010—
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

South Africa has a long tradition of charismatic and colourful leaders. Everyone knows Nelson Mandela; and FW de Klerk has also gone straight into the history books. But both men can learn a thing or two from the current South African President Jacob Zuma when it comes to making the most of an entrance.

The 68-year-old Zuma took power exactly a year ago and visited the UK only a few weeks ago. Zuma, like Mandela, represents the African National Congress (ANC) which not that long ago brought out their own line of fluorescent leather jackets. The collection brought on a fashionable media storm, that is until punters noticed the jackets were by ANC, not APC.

Zuma’s own personal style is best described as eclectic. When he got married in January – to his third wife – Zuma was pictured performing the ritual dance moves of his Zulu tribe, wearing a leopard skin, several animal tails as a skirt and a leopard head band. To enable the dancing, Zuma wore fresh-from-the-box Reebok trainers and Reactolite glasses.

The President is an avid believer in frequent reproduction, and has fathered 20 kids. Open about his polygamy, he says: “There are plenty of politicians who have mistresses and children who they hide so as to pretend they are monogamous. I prefer to be open. I love my wives and I am proud of my children.”

During his political career, Zuma has been accused of racketeering, corruption and rape. No charges have been pinned on him and he was acquitted in the rape case. In fact, the only thing Zuma has ever served time for was his attempt to overthrow apartheid, which in 1963 resulted in a 10-year prison sentence that he served on Robben Island, together with Mandela. Still, he should have been sent down for those leather jackets.

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D, ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

Labour's Own Balmain Bride

2010-05-08T15:00:00.000+01:00

A while ago I read a piece in a fashion mag where the writer was questioning the credentials of Balmain. 'How many seasons can you go on using big angular shoulders?', the person rightly asked. Margiela did it a few years back, Christophe Decarnin at Balmain continued the trend, made it big, exploded the brand and then....he continued doing the shoulders....again and again.

Surely this image, if nothing else, must be end of this trend. This is Margaret Hodge, Labour MP of Barking and Dagenham, who the other day beat the political crap out of BNP's Nick Griffin. Great, well done Hodge. But WTF are you wearing?

You are not standing one the command bridge of the USS Enterprise, even though it looks like SPOCK standing on your right. I know, I probably just confused two very different sci-fi series....but you know what? I don't give a shit, they're equally bad.

Anyway, back to the point; shoulders. A massive thanks to Margaret Hodge MP for beating the BNP and for single handily killing off the massive shoulder trend.

Nick Henman

2010-05-05T22:51:00.001+01:00

It's the night before the election and all three party leaders are still out campaigning. The whole country is of course at home, watching shit telly, so Gordy, Dave and Nicky are probably preaching to their PA. Anyway, we know that Tony Blair once was in a rock band (admittedly they were called Ugly Rumours, but still...), Cameron once dressed daft with his homo erotic band of brothers in the Bullingdon Club and Gordon he....well, never mind what he got up to as a youngster, because he probably doesn't know himself....but now we also know what Nick Clegg did on his adolescent spare time. Tennis. That's him, second from the left, you neo-conservative little social democrat in a cricket jumper! Apparently he also did a bit of amateur theatre. Of course you did mate.

Election Anthems - Who's The Winner?

2010-05-03T22:30:00.000+01:00

Scary as it is, Hadouken, Nu Brand and Right Said Fred have all done their versions of party anthems for the election....listen and fear the future, my friends. Who ever said 'Thank you for the music, thank you for the joy it's bringing' was wrong....Who do you reckon is the least crap one?

FiP interview on Vogue.co.uk

2010-04-29T18:57:00.001+01:00

http://www.vogue.co.uk/celebrity-photos/100428-style-file-miriam-clegg.aspx

Style File: Miriam Clegg
JULIA NEEL 28 April 2010

Miriam Gonzalez Durantez - aka Mrs Nick Clegg - has made a reputation for herself as a no-nonsense woman who works hard and is taken seriously. Whereas her rival wives in the race for Number 10 - Samantha Cameron and Sarah Brown - have been pictured with their husbands in an array of headline-making outfits, international trade lawyer Miriam has quietly gone about her own business.

"I don't have a job I can abandon for five weeks and I imagine that's true for most people," she told the Daily Mail in April of her comparative absence from her husband's side during the campaign.

"Miriam has shown that it's not always best to be everywhere and wearing the loudest colours," says David Hellqvist of Fashion in Politics. "She has been going to work and getting on with life, which has earned her kudos from the press and the public."
Be that as it may, we have seen a penchant for elegantly feminine dresses and neat separates from the Liberal Democrat leader's wife and she's often pictured with her ready-for-anything, across the body satchel by Bimba & Lola.

But does what the leaders' wives wear bear any reflection on the outcome of the election? "What the wives wear is of course irrelevant to Westminster politics and policies," Hellqvist goes on. "But the ladies' looks say something about the person behind the politician, and we are after all in the process of voting for one of them as the new Prime Minister. So they matter very much in that sense. Saying that, though, it is pretty fun seeing SamCam and Sarah Brown competing in their 'Who Can Wear The Most Erdem Dresses Race'."

The Spin / Nick Clegg / AnOther Mag.com

2010-04-29T18:54:00.000+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/228/The_Race_is_On

The Spin | The Race is On
— April 27, 2010—
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

Animated Debate still Taken from an animation by El Mysterioso, origianl image by New Folder

The race is on; the General Election is around the corner but the biggest political news to emerge over the last few weeks of campaigning is not the Bordon Brown’s sense of humour – sorry, that’s meant to be Gordon – or David Cameron’s love of the NHS. No, it’s the apparent existence of a third party and its leader, Nick Clegg. I know – who?

Admittedly that’s a bit unfair: most people of course know of the Liberal Democrats, but hard working TV reporters often don’t stop looking until they find an interviewee who sees a picture of Clegg and think he’s the guy who sold them their new car last week. The reason for this change of direction in the election campaign is primarily Clegg’s impressive performance in the two recent Leader Debates. But to be honest, all Clegg had to do was to point at Brown and Cameron and say “I’m not them!”

Also Vince Cable, Clegg’s political wife, helped out. When both other party leaders showed off their spouses at the start of the campaign, Clegg brought along his financial guru for a cuddle and photo opportunities. But the successful marriage makes sense: while SamCam and SarBro fight over the latest Erdem dress, Clegg’s man wife is busy planning the country’s economical recovery.

Speaking of wives, Clegg’s real spouse, Miriam, often refuses to compromise her day job as a solicitor to appear as Lib Dem arm candy. But a recent Clegg interview in GQ suggests that Miriam might want to keep an eye on her husband. Journalist Piers Morgan made the Cleggster admit to having bedded “no more than 30 women,” which might seem as an optimistic figure, but let’s face it, Clegg’s the most attractive one out of the PM wannabe trio.

There is very little to say about how Nick Clegg dresses, except for the fact that if you saw the three party leaders without showing their faces, you would be able to pick Bordon out because he’s got the most generous chest size; Cameron would stick out because of his manicured finger nails; while the only thing to give Clegg away is that awful yellow tie he always wear. Wouldn’t you love it if Clegg and the Lib Dems changed party colours to black, silver or maybe even gold, just anything but…yellow!

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

The original animation can be seen here

Vogue Does Fashion & Politics

2010-04-21T23:28:00.001+01:00

The Guardian might have created a whole new page dedicated to the General Election, but it seems that Vogue isn't far behind. Having realised the power that lies in fashionable politics and political fashion, the website version of Vogue has taken a sartorial point of view on the current election campaign. Vogue.com's UK fashion editor Julia Neel presents a running commentary in the shape of style profiles on Sarah Brown and Samantha Cameron and more in-depth pieces on what kind of accessories the wives of our party leaders wear...Have a look before you vote!

One Film Says More Than A Thousand Words

2010-04-15T22:25:00.000+01:00

Kindly sent in by loyal FiP reader Paul Davies. Taken from Armando Iannucci's Time Trumpet (2006)

David Cameron - The Spin - AnOther Magazine

2010-04-13T22:05:00.000+01:00

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/211/David_Cameron_Fashion_Face_Off

The Spin | David Cameron: Fashion Face Off
— April 13, 2010—
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

Three things come to mind when thinking of David Cameron and his style: a bicycle helmet; the rolled-up sleeves of a tie-less white shirt; and his puffed-up baby face. Two of these are manufactured elements and part ofthe current election campaign: the third is just the way he is. What you see is what you get.

No one can have missed the General Election campaign in the UK. Since last week, and until May 6, Britain’s roads and doorsteps will be crowded with politicians, and Dave’s one of them. More than likely, you’ll see him without a suit jacket or tie and with rolled-up sleeves. If you didn’t know, that’s because he is one of us: Dave isn’t afraid of getting his Thomas Pink shirt dirty. With the collar unbuttoned, Dave is able to relax with the common people.

The bicycle helmet is obvious. The Tories used to be Blue, now they’re Green. The helmet shows how engaged Dave is with environmental issues. He really cares about global warming, even enough to catch a flight to the Norwegian archipelago to see the icebergs melt for himself. Dave rides his bike to work, at least before it got stolen because Dave failed to grasp the elementary function of a bike lock. This way Dave gets his exercise AND helps reducing carbon monoxide. It’s just a shame that his PA was caught driving behind him with his briefcase…

The baby face, lastly. How can we have missed it? For a while it was plastered on every single wall and billboard throughout the country. At least that’s how it felt. Had he been airbrushed or not? That was the question on everyone’s lips. But if he had been polished, it only made his baby cheeks even more pinchable. But that makes sense because, in political terms at least, Dave is just a puppy. At 43 we would be one of Britain’s youngest Prime Ministers ever.

I’m just waiting for Gordon Brown to walk up to Dave during PMQ one day, put a bicycle helmet on him, roll up his sleeves, and pinch those cheeks, so that Dave can go out and play with the other kids.

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

General Tie Competition 2010

2010-04-11T16:42:00.000+01:00

Any man who can't tie a tie needs to learn that skill immeditatley. It's a bit like riding a bicycle: once you've learnt you always know how to do it. You might think you're never going to need it, but one of these days you will, and having to ask for help is not on. I'm not suggesting that any of these three gents can't tie their own tie, but I'm interested in how they tie it, and what kind of tie they normally go for.

There's always that classic argument that DC needs a blue tie, GB a red and NC a yellow one. And as you can see, they often feed into these stereo types themselves. But forget about the colour for a while; look at the knot. I'm terribly dissapointed in GB's tie knot; out of these three, he's closest to a Banker Wanker tie. You know, the massivly over sized ones that everyone in the City sports. One wonders what is they're trying to compensate for? It ain't a lack of dosh, that's for sure....

Also, except for the knot, I'm not crazy about the shiny shade of purple he's gone for. Genrelly speaking, fellow gentlemen, avoid purple. It has too much Burton and Bluewater shopping centre about it! Also NC has a too shiny tie, and yellow is rarely a good colour for clothing - even though, in this case, it is his party's fighting colours.

It pains me to say it, but DC is the winner. Blue, out of the three party colours, is by far the most versatile and subtle colour. The Tory knot, surprisingly enough, is also the best one; Where GB's is too big and shiny and NC's a bit too thin and pointy (plus shiny), Cameron has the perfect size and angle...but he looks a bit puffy in the face, doesn't he....

Kimmy - Best Dressed In The World!?

2010-04-08T21:47:00.000+01:00

The Daily Telegraph brings exciting news from the far east. It claims that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is a fashion force to reckoned with. We knew that! According to the local commie rag, Rodung Sinmun, Kimmy inspire people all over the world with his sartorial decisions. "The reason is that the August image of the Great General, who is always wearing the modest suit while working, leaves a deep impression on people's mind in the world. To sum it up, that is because his image as a great man is so outstanding." It's an odd thing to say, but it gets better. The paper quotes a "French fashion expert" (probably the cleaner at Vogue), who says: "Kim Jong-Il mode which is now spreading expeditiously worldwide is something unprecedented in the world's history". I want the jacket, I want those sunglasses and I wan that haircut!

Kindly sent in by loyal FiP reader Danica Lo

Obama Throws Up...A (Hair)Ball

2010-04-07T22:54:00.002+01:00

It's always a treat for us here at FiP when POTUS Obama - or indeed, any other Western politician - enters public life in something else rather than a suit. In Obama's case it unfortunately means that is again time for his regular baseball pitch. I wonder how often he has to do it? It can't be just once a year, right? It wasn't long ago since we covered the last one here and on POP (image below)

But it seems that Obama has listened to my critique of his mommy jeans and dreadful Ascis trainers. This time around, as you can see above, he's smartened up and with leather brogues and formal trousers. But I'm afraid it ain't no improvement, Mr President. I suppose it's not helped by that over sized red jacket...

With Mr Obama it's - it seems - either trashy casual or nerd smart. Neither is good on him. I'm (sort of) looking forward to the next pitch..and an improved throw outfit....

Don't Put Baby In A Uniform

2010-04-06T22:19:00.003+01:00

If you're an exhibitionist, how do you get attention? Well, back in the good old day it was enough to do something weird to yourself. Then that became old news and our focus was moved on to animals, preferably a cute pet. If you exposed a kitten to something peculiar, everyone went ape shit. Then MJ happened. Or rather, Michael Jackson decided to dangle his baby on the wrong side of a fifth floor balcony, and then we got it. So now, if you really want to be branded an outcast in society, use your own kid...

And that's exactly what Danish artist Nina Maria Kleivan has done. She dressed her baby as Mao Tse Tung, Idi Amin, Josef Stalin and, for dessert, as Adolf Hitler. Then it was off to do the rounds on the Internet. She wanted to show to that everyone has potential evil within them. Well, the baby looks scared as hell as Mao, slightly gay as Idi Amin, pretty cool - I think - as Stalin, but quite harmless as Hitler. But you should seen him as David Cameron....

Kindly sent in by loyal FiP reader Linda Andersson

The Spin/Hugo Chavez column for Anothermag.com

2010-03-31T00:11:00.002+01:00

The Spin | Hugo Chávez

— March 30, 2010—

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World
Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

There can be no doubt that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has friends in high places. Actor Sean Penn seems to be constantly defending Chavez, American film director Olive Stone has made a documentary about him, and – to top it off – British Super model Naomi Campbell once interviewed President Chávez for GQ Magazine. Not bad for a man most people struggle to label a dictator or a socialist hero.

Chávez, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Venezuelan army, divides opinion wherever he goes. We know for sure that the US doesn’t like him – and vice versa. Of course Chávez is more friendly towards Obama than he was with Bush, and Chávez has even claimed that POTUS Obama is more left wing than himself; a statement Obama probably wasn’t too happy with.

Hugo Chávez might be on fairly good terms with Obama, but his real political and fashion hero is Cuba’s Fidel Castro. The socialist regime of Castro’s island and the length of Fidel’s presidential tenure are both major sources of inspiration for Chávez. The Venezuelan president has been in power for more than 10 years, and it’s safe to say that he wouldn’t mind doubling that.

The strongest sartorial point to Chávez’s political wardrobe is his consistent colour coding. On that point he even outdoes Castro, who always wore a khaki uniform. But Chávez and his stylist have gone for a more Communist approach through ALWAYS making sure the colour red is part of his outfit. Be it a beret, a tie, a t-shirt, or several of them at the same time, blood red is his constant fashion friend.

As we all know, red is a difficult colour to pull off. Its strength and connotations threatens to out manoeuvre the wearer. Therefore it’s a testament to Hugo Chávez’s political charisma and fashion courage that he pulls it off. And who am I to tell Venezuela’s President that blue is actually his colour…

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

Guess who's back...

2010-03-30T23:56:00.001+01:00

EX PM TB is back on the campaign trail, supporting GB and slagging off DC.

Slick, wealthy and righteous, Blair spoke to a Labour meeting in his old constituency, but - a bit like his whole political life - TB and what we wore look better from a distance, rather than up close!

New Generation Tory Toffs

2010-03-20T18:52:00.004Z

This is the new generation Tories, according to a Guardian story. They bothered with what they had to say. I didn't. I know anyway. "We need change. We need this and that. Today is bollocks, tomorrow will better", and all that. But no mate, tomorrow won't be all that good as you make it out to be. You'll bloody well find a way to fuck it up.

Nice parka dude. This reminds me of that politics fashion shoot the Observer did a while back. Shirt by Thomas Pink, Parka by Lambretta, haircut by Mr Topper and magazine by The Spectator. Twat.

This guy is, of course, just cool. I dig him.

Are you getting undressed or are you putting the jacket back on? Either option is disturbing to me. And white. The colour of innocence. What are you hiding?

Trainers? What are you trying to do? Look like 'one of the people'? Put your feet down woman, and get changed - unless you're off for a run? Casual is good, yes, don't take such liberties, Tory woman.

The Spin/Barack Obama column for Anothermag.com

2010-03-16T19:47:00.000Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/184/POTUS_Style

The Spin | POTUS Style
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

Like many powerful men on the international political stage, President of the United States, Barack Obama is often upstaged by his wife. This is in no condemnation of the President’s personal style, more a testament to Michelle Obama’s glowing personality, colourful wardrobe and sartorial freedom. Quite often the American leader is even pushed out of the fashion limelight by his two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Nevertheless, we have a high and mighty POTUS: his slender 6”1 frame makes him stick out in a crowd, and simplifies the process of making him look fashionably presidential. Consider the facts: tall and slim is ALWAYS better than short and stubby. Of course, POTUS also has facial advantages, and there is no doubt that – if there ever were to be one – Obama would score highly in a US Presidential beauty pageant.

Certainly, Obama is better known for his rhetorical skills than his personal style – the compulsory suit offers harsh boundaries in terms of imaginative sartorial adventures. But in his spare time, Obama has both impressed and let down his dedicated following. Recent holiday snaps revealed the president sporting beige slacks and a simple yet stylish navy polo shirt. Less is more, and this guy knows it. Simple colour combinations; easy on the details: let the authority of the office do the talking!

On the other hand, we have seen Obama on stylistic crash courses. Especially in his far too modern wraparound Ray Ban sunglasses, and last year when he pitched the obligatory first baseball throw in the NBA league: he stepped up to the plate in ill-fitting and stonewashed jeans, teamed up with the wrong kind of Nike trainer. Not a good a look for anyone, let alone the Leader of the Free World.

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

Dati + Dior = Love

2010-03-09T15:37:00.003Z

Rachida Dati, a French MEP politician, wears leather trousers and adores Dior. How can you not like her? And when she isn't out shopping, she's busy in Brussels slagging of the European bureaucracy. Read the full story about the poor immigrant cum French top notch politician under Sarkozy HERE

Michael Foot and his Donkey Jacket

2010-03-04T15:31:00.000Z

The passing of Labour legend has led to salutations and honourable messages from politicians across the field. British politics has lost a giant. His legacy has been heavily discussed, as it should be. But it is also worth mentioing Foot as a snappy dresser, albeit a controversial one. As this article in today's Times point out.

At the Cenotaph in 1981(pictured), Foot wore casual shoes and a green coat which was dubbed a Donkey jacket. The press at the time didn't like it. The Times, at the time, said Foot looked "dressed as if he had just returned from walking his dog on Hampstead Heath in green donkey jacket, sneakers and paisley tie". In the early Nineties Foot, through his biographer, said the coat was from Jaeger and that the Queen Mother complimented him on the day. “Why, Mr Foot, what an awfully nice coat,” she said, adding that it was “a smart, sensible coat for a day like this”.

Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai - The Mad Hatter

2010-03-01T22:25:00.000Z

Hamid Karzai, the man once proclaimed by Tom Ford to be "the chic-est man on the planet" due to his hat, is losing his sartorial credentials as we speak. Or rather, as I write. In his ever-present Karakul hat - made out of the pelt of foetal or new born lambs - was the coolest thing around when Karzai took power in Afghanistan in 2002. Not so much anymore.

Now, a whole war later, the hat isn't what it used to be. Karzai is struggling in the political arena, and his signature accessory is suffering a similar fate, at least according to this NYT article. The decline of the man and his hat has left a road heavy with fashion victims and, if we're to believe Ahmed, an Afghan in his 50s shopping for a new hat, not much cred to presidential role: “I went back to my village in Logar wearing my karakul hat and people laughed: ‘There goes the old man who thinks he’s president'". It ain't easy be a trend setter. Hamid - or being a prophet in your home town, for that matter...

Guardian gone Fashion in Politics mad....

2010-02-28T00:13:00.000Z

A political fashion shoot - who would have thought....

This what you're supposed to be wearing as a Tory, Lib Dem or Labour supporter....

Sarah Brown & Samantha Cameron...and their eternal Erdem fight

2010-02-27T14:40:00.000Z

As the General Election looms, the battle between the two First Ladies (one in waiting, the other currently in No 10) is getting more intense by the day.

The biggest arena that these two political heavy weights will fight on is of course the fashion catwalk. They won't so much walk the walk themselves, but try to stake out an personal style and direct their influence on the British fashion crowd and its customers. Sarah Brown has done an excellent job on that by affiliating herself with London Fashion Week and....Naomi Campbell!

Anyway, I give you this excellent Guardian break down of the two ladies finest and worst fashion moments....enjoy!

Sarah

The look The Erdem-wearing, best friends with Naomi Campbell Sarah Brown we now know is in marked contrast to the Sarah Brown who became prime minister's wife in June 2007. At the start, she was stiff and uncomfortable looking. Having given up a high- powered career to be a political wife, her wardrobe seemed unwittingly to convey a sense of her new role as a dull and fraught job – which, let's face it, it probably is. But the role of a modern first lady is to breathe life and emotion into a leader's image. Instead, on her first holiday as prime minister's wife, she dressed in an ill-fitting shift dress and tights, looking as if she were about to give a parti cularly tedious middle-management PowerPoint presentation.

Fast forward to 2010, and Sarah is transformed. The office tailoring has been jettisoned in favour of smart but feminine belted dresses, the hemline lifted from that dreadful, upper-calf length to a more modern, on-the-knee point. Lighter colours and jazzy prints have replaced drab shades. And, crucially, the makeover has felt natural, that of a woman becoming comfortable in her role.

Finest fashion moment The Erdem golden-toned, floral-print dress Sarah wore at the most recent Labour party conference was a triumph. In a conference season that turned into something of a first lady dress-off, Sarah won the Erdem round hands down (Samantha Cameron wore a black Erdem jacket a few days later). Holding her own next to Michelle on the Obamas' visit was also a triumph.

Fashion mistake Sarah has been dealt a tough hand: who would choose to join the first lady sorority at the same time as Michelle Obama and ex-supermodel Carla Bruni? But truly, there have been some atrocious jackets (the white Jaeger one stands out). Recently she has figured out that slightly retro, swing or box jacket shapes suit her better than fitted ones. Other low points: that purple beret for the Queen's Speech was dreadful. And Graeme Black may be Scottish and really nice, but his clothes do her figure no favours.

Key accessory Sarah has become a sharp accessoriser. She prefers simple clothes, but has learned to lift them with great jewellery from Astley Clarke. She chooses chunky necklaces and earrings in stones such as garnet, cornelian and brown sapphire, tones that work with her colouring.

Grooming Great hair, these days: a walking advertisement for the power of subtle highlights and a bit of a blow-dry. She has to be photographed with celebrities, and she has decidedly civilian skin tone. Good on her for sticking to her guns: she's just not the spray-tan type.

Favourite designer Erdem, designed by RCA graduate Erdem Moralioglu, who worked for Diane von Furstenberg before setting up his own label. Also partial to Jaeger, the Keep Calm And Carry On of British fashion brands.

Samantha

The look Deliberately normal. The subtext is: "I read Grazia. I shop at Zara. I do not wear tweed jackets and jodhpurs on the school run, or nip to the shops in ballgown and Hunters." Samantha is creative director of Smythson, where she has come up with some of the most covetable handbags of recent years: this is a woman with a keen understanding of the nuances of fashion. She has used this know-how expertly to rebrand the Tory wife as a working mother with traditional values but a modern mindset. She often wears trousers, and steers well clear of anything that smacks of privilege, so no family jewels and no country-set twinsets or pearls. She is adept at finding funky yet demure looks that play well across different audiences. Take, for example, her use of bright colour: to those of her generation and younger who know (or care) what colour-blocking is, she looks bang on-trend, while traditional conservative voters just think she looks like a jolly good sport.

Finest fashion moment The teal Reiss blouse with red jacket she wore to arrive at the most recent party conference. (Party conference is wardrobe crunch time, for first ladies and would-be first ladies.) The mustard-yellow Topshop coat. Any number of covetable blouses in soft colours, for that Boden catalogue, demure and wifely without being frumpy look. Excellent use of peg-leg trousers: this kind of look is fashion that men categorically don't get, so it sends a message that she has a mind of her own.

Fashion mistake Seldom puts a foot wrong. Could be argued that the grey M&S polka-dot dress she wore for Dave's speech last year seemed a little too focus-grouped. Occasionally allows herself to be photographed with sunglasses pushed back into her hair, which is a gaffe because she suddenly looks like a braying brunette Chelsy Davy. Ditto leather knee boots, which are a little bit too just-back-from-Oxfordshire-in-the-Range-Rover for comfort.

Key accessory Smythson handbag, naturally. Also partial to a bumblebee necklace and simple hoop earrings. Avoids pearls or diamonds or anything too posh as alienating. Scored fashion points with a yummy pair of Zara dove-grey faux-suede court shoes last autumn.

Grooming The hair has been inspiration for more than one across-the-barricades secret fringe crush. As with most women in the public eye, it has got glossier and bigger the more she's grown accustomed to being photographed – the annoying truth is, it looks better.

Favourite designer Erdem (see Sarah above) who has cornered the market in first lady patronage, a cross-party Jason Wu. Loves a bit of high-street- for-grown-ups: look for her in Jigsaw and Whistles.

Tory Jeremy Hunt on Art For Art's Sake

2010-02-23T21:02:00.001Z

Tory Shadow Culture Minister featured in a very interesting article by Charlotte Higgins in the Guardian yesterday. Basically the point was to fight the perception that the Tories are bad for art and culture and that Labour is good for art and culture.

Tories are bad for art and culture and Labour is good for art and culture.

Tories are bad for art and culture and Labour is good for art and culture.

Tories are bad for art and culture and Labour is good for art and culture.

Tories are bad for art and culture and Labour is good for art and culture.

Oops, don't know what happened there - my keyboard must have got stuck on repeat or something...

Tories are bad for art and culture and Labour is good for art and culture.

Tories are bad for art and culture and Labour is good for art and culture.

There we go again...really need to fix that faulty keyboard!

Anyway, Hunt went on to list the culture and art he likes, and what he doesn't get:

"In terms of his own cultural tastes, "if you want to talk about something where the scales have come off my eyes," he said, it is "the vibrancy of modern British theatre". He named Jez Butterworth's play Parlour Song and David Hare's satire on New Labour, Gethsemane, as well as the National Theatre's hit family play War Horse. In terms of classical music he is "more early Schoenberg than late Schoenberg". He said: "I have engaged with modern operas – I've been to see Turn of the Screw twice, as a matter of fact." (Benjamin Britten's opera was premiered in 1954.) However, he singled out a passage of a dance piece, Still, by respected choreographer and DV8 co-founder Nigel Charnock, as something he had not enjoyed. "They mutated the national anthem into Hitler salutes… It was tasteless and unnecessary. There's nothing wrong with the power of shock in art but it has to be done in a way that is more than shocking for the sake of shocking"."

Also, he says that "George Osborne [wannabe Chancellor] gave a speech at the Tate about the importance of Art for Art's Sake" .....Why am I not surprised?

Funny Animated Take on Gordon Brown's Bully Tactics

2010-02-23T19:18:00.000Z

So the story of the week is Andrew Rawnsley's critique of the PM's mood and behaviour in his new book, serialised in the Observer. The End of the Party deals with New Labour, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown (plus a few others, not so important people) and it allegedly dishes out a few spoonfuls of dirt.

The first recipitant is PM Brown. Apparently he's been a naughty bully. True or false (10 Downing Street denies it), this hilarious report from Honk Kong on the fight needs to be seen - especially the animation at the end. It shows how Brown's staff abuse could have looked like....just a shame it doesn't look a bit like Gordon then...

Sarah Brown in Erdem...Again!

2010-02-23T19:08:00.001Z

So London Fashion Week is almost over. We don't deal so much with here at FiP, you're better off HERE for that kind of coverage. But we always have time for Sarah Brown (or SamCam or MiOb for that matter) in Erdem. This is the PM's wife opening up the fashion frenzy....

JFK's Last Trip to Dallas

2010-02-17T20:57:00.000Z

Newly discovered home video from the 22nd of November, 1963 - the day John F Kennedy was killed. The 8mm film was shot by a the then 15-year-old William Ward Warren, and recently donated to Dallas' Sixth Floor Museum at the Dealey Plaza. Cherish it!

Robert Harris' Ghost Writer á la Polanski, via McGregor and Brosnan

2010-02-16T19:28:00.000Z

Robert Harris is the author of a great deal many brilliant books. His latest, Lustrum, was the topic of a FiP post not long ago. It was Peter Mandelson related, hence our scream of double joy! This spring sees the release of the film adaption of Harris' recent take on - dare I say it - Tony Blair, his wife and the mess he left this country in (I'm referring to a certain possibly illegal war in this case).

Anyway, the film - called The Ghost in the UK and The Ghost Writer in the US - is directed by Roman Polanski, who, like the protagonist in the book, is persecuted abroad for an 'old' crime.

It stars Ewan McGregor as the ghost writer and Piers Brosnan as Adam Lang (AKA Tony Blair) as the escapee ex-PM. It got a very good review in the Guardian, but I can safely say it won't be a match for the book. Read it before you see it!

Happy Birthday Kim Jong-il!

2010-02-16T18:15:00.000Z

Happy Birthday dear Kim, Happy Birthday to you! You're 68 today. Hope you're well - you've been looking a bit under the weather of late. Not to worry mate, 68 ain't no age, only a number. You're only as old as you feel...

I do hope you've had a good day. Set a prisoner free to celebrate, rather than setting off a bomb of some sorts. And cheer up a bit, will you - you're only 68 and undisputed dictator once in a lifetime!

Let The Games Begin...Just Get Rid Of Bozza First

2010-02-16T16:19:00.000Z

Did you guys know that there is this massive winter games tournament going on in Vancouver, Canada? It's the 2010 Winter Olympic Games of course, it's just that I had no idea they had started. That is until I woke up to these images today. London Mayor Boris Johnson (AKA the Bozza, AKA BoJo) has crossed the pond to promote....London......and incredibly ugly mittens. Hockey on mate!

And this is the man frolicking in China, for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Every Olympic Game is as an good excuse as any to travel the world, eh Bozza!?

Richard Hamilton and Tony Blair at Serpentine Gallery

2010-02-15T16:55:00.001Z

"The Serpentine Gallery presents a solo exhibition by one of the world’s most respected living artists, Richard Hamilton. Hamilton has embraced many different mediums since the 1950s, including painting, printmaking, installation and industrial design. The exhibition will reassess the nature of Hamilton’s pioneering contribution, taking as a starting point the artist’s political paintings.

Hamilton's work has continued to evolve throughout his long and influential career, particularly in his approach to processes and techniques. The exhibition will explore in depth the use of multiples in his work and the varied ways the artist has used photographic material to investigate representation in contemporary society".

http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2008/06/richard_hamilton23_february_18.html

Political Celebrities

2010-02-15T13:57:00.001Z

With the General Election only months away, the three main parties has gone Gaga for celebrity endorsements. Nothing says 'vote for us' as much as a nodding and yea-saying D-lister! This is the score board so far. Count on FiP to keep an close eye on the proceedings.

Nick Clegg's Lib Dem has signed up Coldplay's Chris Martin, Colin Firth, Kate Winslet, poet Andrew Motion, Razorlight, the Kooks and Brian Eno, while Labour went with both Harry Potter author JK Rowling and ex Doctor Who actor David Tennant. The Tories have so far put all their money on television personalities, bagging Kirstie Allsopp, Carol Vorderman and Trevor McDonald.

Top Ten Most Fanciable MPs

2010-02-12T18:20:00.002Z

These are the most good looking MPs in Britain, according to SKY News. Interestingly, Lib Dem's Nick Clegg is the only party leader in the Top Ten, and the Tories have 50% of the coveted spots.

The winner, Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone, commented: "For a woman who stopped counting her age several decades ago, I am very flattered by the compliment. Although, if politics is showbusiness for ugly people, does that mean I'm best of a bad lot?"

(Last year's position in brackets)

1 (2) Lynne Featherstone, 58, Liberal Democrat, Hornsey and Wood Green

2 (7) Caroline Flint, 48, Labour, Don Valley

3 (-) Julie Kirkbride, 49, Conservative, Bromsgrove

4 (3) Adam Afriyie, 44, Conservative, Windsor

5 (5) Julia Goldsworthy, 31, Liberal Democrat, Falmouth and Camborne

5 (8) Nick Clegg, 43, Liberal Democrat, Sheffield Hallam

7 (-) Jeremy Hunt, 43, Conservative, South West Surrey

7 (1) Andy Burnham, 40, Labour, Leigh

9 (-) Theresa May, 53, Conservative, Maidenhead

10 (4) Ed Vaizey, 41, Conservative, Wantage

Fuck off Robin Hood - Bill Nighy Is Here!

2010-02-11T12:03:00.000Z

Nice suit, Nighy

Does Fashion and Politics really work together?

2010-02-10T20:59:00.000Z

Can fashion be political? Do they belong together? What about art and politics? Art for Art's Sake....Fashion for Fashion's Sake!? This film made by SHOWstudio contributor Craig McDean nicely - and quite tellingly - puts the question to a few high-flying fashionistas...Keep an eye out for Muicca Prada (top image) who says good things but never shows her face...Lovely Jubbely!

http://www.showstudio.com/project/politicalfashion/movies/2008-05-02

Britain ain't Broken - It's Morbid...

2010-02-10T19:27:00.000Z

These are the two latest campaign posters from the main parties in the lead up to the General Election. Neither of them is particularly happy and positive - but then, a political attack ad rarely is.

But what you do notice is the doom and gloom - the greyness if you like - that both ads communicate. The Tory one is especially harsh, even reminding voters that no one lives forever. Also the Labour one deals with issues of live and death, but I would argue it looks a bit better than the Conservative one. But come on - Cancer or Death, is that all you guys can offer...

Twitter in Politics - To Be or Not To Be!

2010-02-10T16:41:00.000Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8459624.stm

Excellent BBC piece on the role of Twitter and Social Media in politics today, and especially with the General Election coming up in May. Thanks to loyal FiP reader Jason H Waite for the heads-up!

Chavez In A Kevlar Vest? Can I Have One!?

2010-02-10T12:44:00.001Z

A recent article in the New York Times highlighted the reoccuring connection between fashion and bulletproof vests. When I hear those two words, a couple of people come to my mind. One is good, the other not so much; Helmut Lang and 50 Cent. Lang incorporated this hardline approach in his 1990's period of fashion reign. He fused a minimal formal look with casual military influences, as such shaping the army inspired fashion we see today. Fiddy, on the other hand, didn't know what looked best: wearing the vest or showing off his nine bullet holes. To his credit, he managed both in an excedingly annoying way. Anyway, the NYT article told us about another use of fashionable kevlar: style conscious world leaders who need protection! This is the story of Miguel Caballero, one of the main players in this fascinating game of Get Good Lookin Or Die Tryin (I'm sorry that was a really bad one, I know)

"Caballero, a Colombian entrepreneur — and for nearly two decades a reigning monarch of high-end body armor — is no stranger to that reality. Mr. Caballero has sold trench coats, business suits, riding jackets and blazers to an A-list clientele including President Álvaro Uribe of Colombia and President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela. His deep-pocketed clients order custom-tailored Italian leather jackets that can deflect bullets from a handgun (about $6,000) or polo shirts that can cost as much as $4,000. A year ago, Mr. Caballero opened a boutique in Mexico City, where its neighbors are Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Giorgio Armani"

Yeo Does Cameron, Bush and Blair

2010-02-10T12:23:00.002Z

Expressive portrait artist Jonathan Yeo has tackled many a difficult subjects - his latest piece is a brown and pink floral wallpaper print - but a series of contributions with bigger impact are his takes on David Cameron, George Walker Bush and Tony Blair.

They all come in different styles, as you can see, but it it interesting to note that the wallpaper print is done in the same way as Yeo interpreted Bush; by cutting out images from Porno Mags and collating them to the final product. BTW, his Cameron portrait recently snapped up £200,00...at a Tory fundraiser party. Go figures.

Boris and his TSSA Look-alike

2010-02-05T18:49:00.000Z

Either Boris Johnson has gained weight (and started working for TSSA, the London Transport Union, or this is an impostor. It's a close call...

THe Spin/Silvio Berlusconi column for Anothermag.com

2010-02-02T17:04:00.000Z

TYCOON TAILORING

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his

fortnightly column The Spin

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/74/Tycoon_Tailoring

Like many politicians, Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, is not known for his snappy fashion decisions. But, whether you like his style or not, there is a certain careful consideration to his sartorial approach, which derives perhaps from his being of the grand old age of 73.

However, more than a few fashion faux pas have blemished his career as a media tycoon and politician. He has, for example, the almost unforgivable habit of donning a bandana. And to make matters worse, it’s not even for the purpose of keeping sweat off his brow during exercise – which of course, was Boris Johnson’s defence when he was charged with the same fashion crime.

But Berlusconi has the advantage of his nationality. A wealthy Italian, he has unlimited access to his country’s fashion houses. (If he is an Armani, Versace or Prada man had not been confirmed at the time of going to press.) Whether in a navy blue double-breasted jacket, beige slacks and deck shoes, a light grey pinstriped three piece suit or a causal polo shirt and jeans, he has so far managed to keep the fashion conscious Italian public on his side. It will be interesting to see just how far a Fendi jacket and a Roberto Cavalli tie can carry this contentious dandy.

APC has got a new competitor - the ANC!

2010-01-26T00:17:00.000Z

This is the second time in just a few weeks that we mention South Africa here on FiP. The previous occasion was President Jacob Zuma's 'clothing' and dance moves. This time we mention SA because of the leather jackets ANC has decided to manufacture and sell. Yes, you read that right.

The African National Congress range come in 19 different styles and colour combinations and are aimed at "inspiring a sense of collective identity" within the party. If you ask me they look a bit more like a jacket Michael Jackson would have rejected, which - when you think of it - is quite far from a compliment. They cost between £133 and £164 if you're interested in purchasing one...

The Spin/Boris Johnson column for Anothermag.com

2010-01-19T13:52:00.001Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/54/Shabby_Chic

Who said the following: “As long as I have anything to do with the government of London and of the UK there will be no ban on high heels!” A fashionable Harriet Harman? Or perhaps a political Naomi Campbell? No, this statement of intent came from Boris Johnson, London’s floppy haired Mayor. It’s how he officially opened London Fashion Week last September for its 25th anniversary.

Johnson is the perfect example of a gaffe prone politician, but also of someone who is very likeable, often winning people over after having been disliked initially. He is able to flatter, smooth talk and confuse his greatest opponents, with perhaps only one exception: his predecessor, Ken Livingstone.

The ways he speaks is the first thing that strikes you about him– Hugh Grant meets Mr Darcy – if you haven’t already been blown away by his blonde mop of a hairdo. Even when it is freshly cut, it manages to attract attention worldwide. And although he is known as a frank and honest member of the international political stage, he is rarely mentioned because of his well-pressed suits.

Johnson invokes caring maternal and paternal feelings in stylists across the world because of his adolescent inability to dress smartly. Shabby is probably the best way of describing his style: loose and ill-fitting suits, weather-beaten shirts, and banker’s shoes are all part of his City Hall uniform. He also often subscribes to the tired Tory tradition of wearing a blue tie. It seems fitting then, that he came fourth place in GQ Magazine’s list of 2010’s Worst-Dressed. luckily for him, he was beaten by other political figures Gordon Brown and Nicholas Sarkozy.

Although GQ believe that Johnson is “no advert for London as the fashion capital,” it was Geordie Greig, editor of the London Evening Standard who put the final nail into Johnson’s sartorial coffin by calling him a cross between “Charlie Chaplin and Karl Lagerfeld.” It’s almost enough to make you feel sorry for this affable man, but don’t – he’s still one of the most senior and powerful Conservative politicians in Britain today, shabby chic or not!

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

Elvis Cameron or David Presley?

2010-01-19T13:50:00.000Z

And the David Cameron poster mania continues. This one, and lot more here, came out a few days ago - and I'm sure people are now sitting across the country coming up with even crazier ones. If you have any, please send them to FiP...

It's TBLV apparently, not LVMH...

2010-01-13T22:39:00.003Z

We knew that Blair is quite the business minded person; ever since got out of No 10 he's made enough much money to match the GDP of Bulgaria (but that piece of info is not confirmed) and we also knew that LVMH has a thang for politcians - have a look at this old LV Gorbatjov ad! So what better combo than for them to work together! Now he's a Special Peace Envoy to the Middle East AND an sales adviser extra ordinaire for Louis Vuitton in India and China! What's next? Alastair Campbell flogging hivis vests and ties for Gucci(see below)...

Alastir 'Copper' Campbell and PMQ 13/01/10

2010-01-13T22:25:00.000Z

The Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq War is in full swing. Many a important and influential people has been to see Chilcot to talk about their role in the lead up to the controversial conflict. They include Christopher 'Red Sock' Meyer and Sir Scarlett, the former UK spy chief. Today saw Mr Spin AKA Alastair Campbell - Blair's then Communication Director - approach the bench, and telling his side of the story. He did so in an almost fluorescent tie, which on this image almost make him look like on of the coppers in their neon yellow Hivis vests....No one is going to mistake you for being a man of the law, Alastair!

In other Iraq related news, Fashion in Politics went to Parliament today for a rendition of Prime Ministers Question; tres exciting! Misters Brown, Cameron and Clegg faced on a number of issues, but - disappointingly - Cameron's first question was about the bad weather and what Brown is doing about it...FiP believes Dave is perhaps overestimating the PM's power....He was of course referring to grit and salt, but nevertheless it was a fairly boring beginning to PMQ!

The first proper cheer came when Lib Dem's Nick Clegg asked if the PM would be seeing Chilcot for spot of confession (my words, not his) Of course Brown said no: "I will follow the Inquiry's directions", he said. Clegg pointed out it was a question about the PM's "conscious" and that Brown had signed the checks as Chancellor during the invasion prep. What's the PM hiding, Clegg pressed on. "Nothing, I'm just doing what Chilcot tells me to do", he said before saying he had no qualms about the decision to go to war, but regretted that there was not any better post invasion plans prepared.

Undoubtedly the most fun bits was all references to Cameron's airbrushed campaign poster (See post below). "He looks different today compared to his posters!" Brown shouted. Cameron retorted that Brown had been airbrushed out of his own election campaign, referring to last week's failed leadership coup. Gordon won by finishing it off with "Cameron cane have his posters, we have the policies!"

Yay - who said politics was boring!

Read a PMQ transcript HERE

Mind The Bollocks

2010-01-11T23:03:00.001Z

These ad boards for David Cameron were launched not long ago, but already people throughout the country has formed an opinion about Dave, the bill boards and their combined message...

It appears some kind citizens have taken the liberty of putting the words in David's mouth for him, sort of where they belong, as this photo - taken by Ronan Haughton - indicates. The top one, though, has Cameron with a suspicious moustache...where have I seen that one before?

On that note I leave you with this image from the 'David Cameron? Over my dead body!' Facebook group that's been formed. Join before it's too late...Britain can still be saved

George 'The Clubmaster' Galloway

2010-01-08T17:12:00.002Z

In a week when Gordon Brown - or Bordon Brown as we at FiP call him - have suffered extensive blows to his internal credibility, we still turn our eyes to the Middle East. Over there Gorgeous George (Galloway, Respect MP) has been stirring up attention again. Others might argue it's because he was deported from Egypt, or maybe because he had been on the road from London for a month, trying to deliver aid parcels to the Gaza Strip. Galloway wasn't allowed in and was put on a London bound plane.

FiP just can't help noticing that all this happened while GG was wearing a pair of Ray Ban Clubmasters. He shouldn't have done that; those glasses are as dead as the wayfarer, three-quarter length shorts and silk shirts. Come on George, you can do better than last year's hipster sunglasses...

Mr Bean, PM of Spain...

2010-01-05T17:14:00.001Z

The Spanish PM José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who looks unfortunately similar to Mr Bean, have been pranked. A hacker went into his official webpage (picture above) and swapped his image for that of Rowan Atkinson's popular comic loner. The do actually look quite alike, as the image below shows. It is, surprisingly enough, the second time in recent months that Mr Bean has been mentioned on FiP - what's with him and politicians!?

<<< Fashion in Politics Twitter >>>

2010-01-05T12:32:00.000Z

Fashion in Politics has gone viral. We're now on TWITTER as well. Check us out on this address: http://twitter.com/FASHIONPOLITICS

GQ's Worst Dressed of 2010 - Kimmy, Gordy, Boris and Sarkozy

2010-01-05T12:29:00.000Z

The end of 2009 saw journalists listing everything from best curry to worst hurry, and admittedly, I did it as well. The Best Music of 2009 - HERE! Now it's 2010 and that means new lists. This one is from GQ and concerns the Best and Worst Dressed of the new year. Don't ask me how they know in what way these people will dress in 2010 - maybe they know something I don't. True, some of them are quite predictable; Johnny Borrell (number 9 out of 10) will be "too white and too tight" this year as well...

For us - political fashion buffs - four are three people that interests us. Number 8 is NK's Kim Jong-il. GQ says his "ensembles are about as likeable as his policies". I would argue he's a lot more rock 'n 'roll than most politicians, at least sartorially speaking. He wear high heels, for God's sake. So does Nicolas Sarkozy and, wait for it, he's number 3! Both guys have their (lack of) height in common.

Boris Johnson is at number 4. His charm tour of the world and London might have paid of in electoral support, but he's still a floppy haired Tory according to the monthly lifestyle magazine. But there are no doubts about where GQ's political alliance lies, and there are no David Camerons anywhere to be seen. The coveted Number 1 spot goes, therefore, to our PM Gordon Brown. For no other reason then that he dresses - and is - boring. Imagine what they would have said if Bordon came into work in DSquared jeans, Romain Kremer top and yellow Acne tassel loafers...

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/the_magazines/this_issueslideshows/100104-2010-gq-worstdressed-list.aspx?idx=9

Putin and Medvedev chillaxing

2010-01-05T12:05:00.000Z

I think they just look so cute; two of the most powerful men in the world! PM Putin (helmet) and President Medvedev (hat) skiing together, drinking coffee and, you know, just getting to know each other! ahh..

The Spin/Mummar Gaddafi column for Anothermag.com

2010-01-05T11:33:00.002Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/38/The_Colonel

How do you solve a problem like Libya’s Chief-of-State, Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi? As the world’s third longest-serving leader, Gaddafi has had four decades of free rein to cultivate his sartorial image and his eccentric hobbies. For some time, he was seen as a terrorist-sponsoring rogue, but in recent years he’s been allowed back in from the Sahara Desert wilderness. As a result, his madness has been fully exposed to observers worldwide.

The first case in point is his wardrobe: his outfits can be (generously) described as a fusion between silk robes and 1970’s wallpaper. Standard operating procedure is to combine loud colours, imaginative prints, and matching hats. He also has a weakness for over-sized sunglasses and is thought to set aside critical time each morning to perfect his Phil Spector-esque hairdo.

Beyond his personal style, Gaddafi is partial to note-worthy excesses in his other pursuits. Perhaps most notoriously in his bodyguard army: a collection of forty specially trained female army officers who escort him everywhere. Armed to their teeth, they’re also dressed for success in high heels and a lick of lipstick. It is also claimed that they’re a flock of virgins.

Lastly, I refer to his travel habits. He pitches a Bedouin tent to stay in everywhere he visits – no swanky hotels for this statesman. When he went to New York in September, 2009, he tried to rent a tent space in Central Park. While there, he extended his scheduled twenty-minute speech to the United Nations by an hour, making time to mention that Obama should be president for life; that swine flu is a man-made laboratory product; and to demand that the real identity of the man who shot JFK be revealed. All in a day’s work for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, Libya’s arch self-promoter and 'Brotherly Leader and Guide of the First of September Great Revolution of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.'

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

Zuma Gets Married - Tiger Style!

2010-01-04T23:47:00.001Z

FiP congratulates South African President Jacob Zuma (the man on the left in this picture) on his recent wedding day. His third, but nevertheless his wedding day. Keep it up tiger style, big guy!

OBAMA XMAS HOLIDAY SNAPS

2010-01-04T23:42:00.001Z

Golf is often accused of being a ridiculous sport; partly because of the (lack of) sped and its rare occasions of action. Others make fun of it due to the clothes. I think this is a pretty good image though. If anything, more than the sport, it's Obama's length - read long and skinny legs - that makes it comical. I've said it before and will do it again: navy polo shirt and khaki slacks or shorts is a good look. The baseball cap? Well, you can take the man out of America, but you can't take America out of the man...There I said it again...

"Colours are what
keep me alive
colours are what
to hold in my head

colours are where my
my old meets new
colours are where my
my brain finds blue"

Colours, Hot Chip

I could say something about the dress Michelle is wearing; how Hawaiian it is, such an ethnic print, is it a wrap dress from DvF etc. But who cares? I'm more interested in the Secret Service agent holding up the door. what is he wearing? The rule when over sizing an outfit is to just do one piece. Over size the top, leave bottom alone. Over size the trousers but keep the T-shirt 'normal' for optimal effect. This dude has gone for the whole sheebang, and it reminds me of an off-duty Josh Lyman, the Dep Chief of Staff in West Wing. Love josh, not so much his clothes...

But this time around I'll focus on an Obama, rather than the person next to the Obama object (even though I have never been a fan of multi coloured sleeveless hoodies). What is the man wearing? Forget what I said about beige slacks before. Don't like these. I think it's mainly because of the pocket detail. The T-shirt is too big, in the wrong places. See how the shoulder is drooping? Nah thanks, Mr President

Like the look of that ice cream, though....

The Spin column for Anothermag.com

2009-12-19T16:04:00.001Z

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/13/The_Girl_with_the_Golden_Braid

The Spin | The Girl with the Golden Braid

David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin

It’s painstakingly true that most stylish ladies in politics are wives of either Presidents or Prime Ministers. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, doesn’t have much to offer compared to Michelle Obama or Carla Bruni, two bright and fashion conscious women who are in the public eye because of their highflying spouses. To firmly put an end to this I give you Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko – one-part politician, one-part fashion icon.

Politically and stylistically, Tymoshenko has been making waves since being appointed Ukraine’s second in command – trailing only President Viktor Yushchenko, leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution. But her influence and in particular her characteristic style reach beyond Ukraine to the fashion capitals: the Victorian touches in Prada’s A/W08 collection seemed to resonate perfectly with Tymoshenko’s lace dresses and hairdo.

Apparently, Ukrainian people judge good looks by the thickness and golden hue of braids. By these measurements Tymoshenko is surely a beauty queen. Her trademark blonde braids, which she wears like a tiara, would surely make anyone vote for her. And as an ambitious politician she’s counting on these votes to carry her to the Mariyinski Palace – the official Presidential residence in the capital Kyiv.

Originally, however, a brunette wearing dark clothes, Tymoshenko opted for blonde locks and predominately white frocks a few years ago to achieve an angelic, innocent look. Politically savvy? Her fashion and/or public relations interests certainly encouraged an appearance on the cover of Ukrainian Elle, wearing Louis Vuitton. Had she been able to pick her favourite designer, it would have been Azzedina Alaia.

Because of her looks, there are many nicknames floating around for Tymoshenko – Princess Leia of Ukraine, the Slavic Joan of Arc – but you can always rely on rude bloggers to come up with something even saucier. They call her the PMilf…

David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report.

FASHION IN POLITICS analyses this year's XMAS cards...

2009-12-16T17:43:00.001Z

Christmas is around the corner, people, and Yuletide cards are sent out in every possible direction. This bunch here is from the leaders of the three biggest parties, plus the Mayor London...

This is Gordon Brown's contribution. Apparently the photograph was taken by some 19 year old kid who'd won the CIWEM Young Environmental Photographer of the Year, but I couldn't care less. Can they not see what it shows? Sometimes I wish Malcolm from The Thick Of It was for real - he wouldn't have let this pass through....No. 10 dangling on a VERY thin thread! So except for wishing us a Merry Christmas, Gordon Brown is saying that he is smoked and that his premiership will be done with when the trees go out...which is in the beginning of January, if I'm not mistaken...

This is David Cameron: as boring and...well, just bloody boring...as you'd expect.

At least Nick Clegg has added some personality to his card. But he should really talk to his kids about their drawing skills; they're 22 and 25 years old after all...

What are you saying Boris? That you're our star? We should re-introduce camels to save carbon emission? That you're Christ? I don't get it, you bonkerous flip-flopper!

This could have been Nick Griffin's Xmas card. But it isn't. But it could have been.

The Ugly Face of the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit

2009-12-15T19:39:00.000Z

These are the kind of people who's in Copenhagen, trying to sort out our climate change problems! Personally I would even trust them with going to the toilet by themselves....

Safe and Sound in Afghanistan

2009-12-15T12:51:00.000Z

Once in a while our dear leaders go on a hiking trip to Afghanistan. Proof of this are on the very pages of FiP. It's not just the government going over; Dave Cameron has been there several times, pretending to care. Now, it was Gordy's turn.

He probably felt that after all those letter 'scandals' that he better get involved. If you remember, he spelt someone's name wrong and another letter arrived a whooping two years too late. On my part, this photo more than enough makes up for that! The hands, the look in his eyes and the scrunched up shirt and jacket; what a FiP photo! Cheers Gordon...

X-Political? No Fanks mate...

2009-12-14T15:55:00.001Z

Unfuckingbelievable. Not satisfied with drawing in 19 million viewers for the last episode (though sadly, not last ever) of X-Factor, Simon Cowell has now decided to apply his disgusting concept on politics. He plans to tour the country, asking the country to debate issues that he thinks are 'for real'...

"If you actually asked most people in the country why are we there, I couldn't even tell you ... I knew why we were in the Falklands, I don't know why we're over there. So when I see all these people coming back dead, I think we have a right to have a say in something like that. Or knife crime, I don't think that the justice system is working properly at the moment."

Nothing wrong really with that, as long as he doesn't bring along Louis fucking Walsh, bloody Cheryl Cole and Danni bleeding Minogue...

Cowell: "It would be a good way for me to get involved in politics … it would be controversial, the public would eventually make the decision."

It does make you cringe though, doesn't it...

SILVIO - THE FILM

2009-12-14T13:04:00.000Z

You've read about it and laughed, now have a look and smile at the actual thing. This is the Italian PM seconds after having been attacked with the cathedral souvenir that broke his nose!

News flash - Silvio Berlusconi Hit In The Face

2009-12-13T22:57:00.000Z

Hurray Hurray - finally the Italians have used common sense and whacked their PM in the face. Silvio Berlusconi was today attacked at a Freedom party rally in Milan. He fell to the ground, but was quickly ushered to his cat by his aides. The 42 year-old assailant Massimo Tartaglia apparently threw a miniature souvenir of Milan's Duomo (Cathedral) in Berlusconi's face. Silvio is spending the night in hospital, where x-rays showed he had injured two teeth....Priceless!

The Tatler Tories

2009-12-12T15:31:00.000Z

These images are admittedly over a year old (September 2008), but how can I resist such goodies when I just stumbled upon them, on the Telegraph website as it happens. This is the new generation Tories, apparently. All a bit grey, if you ask me. Black, white and grey - very monochrome. And, of course, a great cross cut of multi cultural Britain. But then, why shouldn't it be? The Conservative party is the party for and by the British people, right? Well, whatever you think of that, I still thinks this looks like a cross between a Zara and a Benetton commercial....

Twitter Twat? Yes please...

2009-12-11T13:00:00.000Z

Fashion in Politics has gone viral. We're now on TWITTER as well. Check us out on this address: http://twitter.com/FASHIONPOLITICS

Boris and his Xmas Same Sex Marriage

2009-12-11T12:51:00.001Z

No, it's not Armageddon, it's the London Assembly Christmas party. The thing on the left is, of course, London Mayor Boris Johnson having the first dance of the night with LA's chairman, the Green Party's Darren Johnson. So, we have two Johnsons, sharing the first dance of the night! Are you sure this is not their wedding party?

Obama in Norway - one gold dress and lots of blue colours! And oh yeah; one Nobel Peace Prize as well...

2009-12-10T18:26:00.001Z

Barack and Michelle Obama arriving in Oslo to accept the Nobel Prize for his... (insert reason here, because I don't know one...). If anything this picture shows how difficult it is to look good in front of Air
Force One...Love that light blue shade...

But I don't love Michelle's dress that much...

Speaking of blue. Obama went all black and sombre, but the Norwegians kept on parading beautifully electric blue outfits... kämpe bra (which I thinks means 'very good' in Norwegian...)

Saddam Hussein AKA Big Brother at the BAC theatre...

2009-12-08T19:11:00.001Z

The theatre version of George Orwell's 1984 - at Battersea Arts Centre - is well worth a visit. Nicely put together with imaginative - yet simple - means, it paints a picture of doom and gloom - just as Orwell intended. Winston Smith's last line, after he has betrayed Julia and is being rehabilitated back into 'society', is a chilling reminder of our own predicaments: "My soul is as white as milk" he cries out. Is it me or does Big Brother look a lot like Saddam Hussein....

www.bac.org.uk

News flash - Sarah Palin has, quite literally, gone Rogue!

2009-12-08T11:30:00.001Z

Any last words, you gay commie abortionist vegetarian dinosaur sonofabitch?

Sarah Brown Hearts Naomi Campbell

2009-12-07T13:30:00.000Z

While her husband is struggling with keeping Hollywood A-listers Renee and Reese apart, Sarah Brown has taken the celebrity No. 10 celebrity flirt a step further through making ex super model Naomi Campbell her "21st-century heroine". The nomination comes as part of the latest issue of Hapers Bazaar, edited by Lucy Yeoman. The choice was, apparently, in light of Naomi's frequent charity work, as opposed to all her convictions of GBH. Sarah Brown's reasoning goes as follow:

"The Naomi Campbell I had heard about was beautiful, successful, always late, a bit frightening, even a bit out of control," she writes in the magazine. "[The] Naomi Campbell I met [was] certainly beautiful, but also sincere, direct, and impatient in a good way."

Gordon Brown's Man of the Century must surely be either Chris Brown or Tiger Woods then...

2009-12-07T13:20:00.000Z

Swedish department store PUB have decided to not sell NOKO jeans, which are made in North Korea. The Stockholm store gave quit the brand half an hour before the store opened and the launch of the black jeans. PUB's director, Rene Stephansen, said: "For us this is not a question of Noko Jeans – this is a question about a political issue that PUB doesn't want to be associated with. He added that the store was "not the forum" for a conversation about about Kim Jong-il.

NOKO jeans' Jakob Olsson responded that "I sincerely hope (PUB) will remove everything labelled 'made in China' as well." His colleague Jacob Åström added: "This is not a support project [for Kim Jong Il], but is a way for us to get closer to the country and, in a controversial fashion, shake this isolation up a bit."

Talk about PC Gone Mad...

Christmas at the White House

2009-12-03T18:59:00.000Z

I know what you think; Christmas comes earlier for each year that goes by. And judging by these White House images, you're not far off. In my house we decorate the tree the night before Christmas Eve. But then again, I'm not the leader of the free world, and can't always do exactly what I want...

This is a White House ginger bread. Of course it is. what else could it have been...

The Green Room in the White House...

And again, the same joke (but slightly modified...)

The Red Room in the White House!

And The Gold Goes To...Robert Mugabe!

2009-12-01T15:04:00.000Z

It's bad, but it's not as bad as you'd think by looking at this picture. Robert Mugabe hasn't won the gold medal in any competition, and especially not in football (maybe in a tournament for Most Stupid Facial Hair...)

The picture is from when the World Cup trophy passed through Zimbawe on it's way down to South Africa, where the tournament is held next year. Everyone protested of course, but Mugabe outwitted them : "Britain does not have any gold, neither does Germany!"

But after telling both UK and Germany the obvious, he also went on to speculate on where the original gold came from: "I am tempted to think that it came from Africa, and from Zimbabwe, and was taken away by adventurers who shaped it into this cup. When I hold the cup, I know all of you will have the urge that I should not let it go because this could be our gold."

Jog on, mate.

Dirty Dancing

2009-11-27T23:45:00.001Z

We like him, but not that much. I feel slightly uncomfortable watching the world's most powerful man dancing and fake boxing his way through an American chat show. Oh my God, the Obama backlash has even reached Fashion in Politics - who would have thought...

Bandwagon? What bandwagon?

2009-11-26T21:25:00.000Z

Sir Alan in the House of Lords

2009-11-25T23:26:00.001Z

Sir Alan Sugar's maiden speech in the House of Lords: "I'm the new boy on the block in your lordships' house. I'm certainly the apprentice". Dear Lord, help us!

Carla Bruni does a Tony Blair (not by invading Iraq, but by going onto Simpsons)

2009-11-23T22:52:00.000Z

After Tony Blair's classic Simpsons episode, the yellow creatures have now roped in Carla Bruni to excite the audience. How do I know it's Carla? Well, it doesn't look too much like her, but the purple dress gave it away...

Sarah Palin - Going Red

2009-11-19T21:39:00.001Z

In Britain, Labour is red, but in America the colour of Democrats is blue, while the Republicans own the colour red, as we can all see in these pictures from the launch of Sarah Palin's book Going Rouge; An American Life...

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly plus Peter Mandelson

2009-11-19T21:19:00.002Z

I know who the chap and lady on the right are, but who's the two blokes lurking about in the left corner? Ah, now I see - it's Chief Justice Straw and First Secretary of State Peter Mandelson....nice robes guys!

Hadley sorts out the protester's wardrobe problems!

2009-11-17T17:01:00.001Z

Flagged up by kind FiP reader Daniel West in Berlin, we thought this piece from the Ask Hadley column in the Guardian might be worth a read...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/nov/16/ask-hadley-protest-march

"There's a need for someone to discuss the correct way to dress for a protest: how to appear serious while avoiding looking slightly deranged? And then, of course, there's the standard-issue sign versus hand-crafted, and does it convey the wrong priorities if it's colour-co-ordinated with one's outfit?

Annabelle, by email

This letter is, yes, longer than usual but it is so particularly awesome that to cut it felt like taking a pair of shears to the Turin shroud. For, truly, there has never been a clearer indication of the existence of a divine Almighty than someone considering whether they should co-ordinate their protest sign with their protest outfit. Annabelle, as my personal guru Stephen Colbert would say, a tip o'my hat to you.

You are quite right: the subject of protest chic is one that has been long neglected and, really, I hang my head in shame. All those anti-war protests that had so little effect on government policy? I blame myself. The people were just not properly attired. But let us take a tip from Tony Blair and not waste time on regrets but rather focus on the future. A future in which neither of us will be president of the EU.

First: How Not To Look Slightly Deranged. There are obvious points here, and ones that should apply to all areas of life, not just protests, so no facial jewellery, no dreadlocks, no glow in the eye of self-righteous indignation fed with the oxygen of half-formed arguments, which is only just about acceptable in stoned undergraduates and is certainly not in anyone over the age of 21.

Clothes that look as if they were bought in Camden market (wacky-wacky, thumbs-aloft, baggy striped trousers; anything with a pompom) are obviously verboten. Unless you are Elizabeth Hurley, you probably will not be tempted to wear heels to a protest (and what would Liz be protesting about, do we think, people? Perhaps a criminal nationwide shortage of white denim?). Plain and practical are the obvious styles to aim for, but nothing in army green because that risks you being mistaken for a rent- a-protester, army green generally being their chosen colour. Similarly, no T-shirts or other paraphernalia that indicate you have frequented other protests: you think it proves your passion, others think you're just a protest slut in it for the exercise and the day off work.

As for signs, I am a great fan of homemade ones, simply for the show of creativity, and if anyone in the protest notices you have co-ordinated yourself with your sign, you are not in a protest, you are in Selfridges.

One wardrobe factor to consider most carefully is how it will help Fox News? Last week Jon Stewart revealed that, in order to make an anti-healthcare protest look more popular than the sparsely attended event actually was, Fox News simply used footage from a more popular rally from two months back. Clever, no? So think of this, people. Next time your boss demands the work he asked for yesterday, but which you haven't finished because you've been too busy playing on Facebook/ Grindr/Netaporter (delete as demographically relevant), just show him some work you did two months ago because, like, it's basically the same thing, innit?

So, with the needs of Fox News always at the forefront of one's mind, the obvious thing to do here is to wear the same outfit to every protest, thereby making Fox presenter Sean Hannity's job just that little bit easier. Of course, the power of fashion can only go so far and one thing it cannot do is control the seasons and the sad end to this story is that Fox was caught out in its small manipulation of the truth because the trees in Washington DC in November should be autumnal in colour and yet in Fox's footage they were a suspicious shade of green. But as Hannity no doubt said when his little mistake was exposed, one can only work with the tools one has. And then lie."

Case closed.

Nick Cowell and Simon Clegg

2009-11-10T21:47:00.003Z

In more X Factor related news, Tim Dowling asks today on Guardian's website if Lib Dems' Nick Clegg has got what it takes to win, since he looks like Simon Cowell's doppelganger.....Well, do you Nick?

Brown has the X-Factor...

2009-11-03T16:50:00.001Z

In the latest GQ issue, Gordon Brown is spilling the beans to Piers Morgan. There we have it. We knew that Mandy was keen on Strictly Come Dancing, but it's now official that Brown is more of an X-Factor devotee. He told Morgan that "Cowell accused me of wavering in my support for The X Factor, but I haven't. I'm an X Factor fan, and Peter Mandelson looks after Strictly Come Dancing." I wouldn't wanna be at the next cabinet meeting when the two square up, Brown singing and Mandelson dancing...

How to become a Dictator

2009-11-03T13:14:00.002Z

"Do you want to subvert the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and freedom, and in the name of protecting those things? Do you want to rule over your nation with an iron fist? Than you want to become a dictator; here's how to do it.

Things You'll Need:

- A charismatic personality

- A fearful nation

- Scapegoats for nation's woes

- Devoted followers

- A lack of a conscience...

Step 1
First, there needs to be a problem...
The first step to become a dictator is to identify some area of deep fear and general unhappiness in the general population. Happy, fearless people will never accept a dictator. If there is no problem, a problem can usually be created. Problems include economic woes, religious fears, war, environmental chaos, natural disasters, or any unpleasant things.

Step 2
A scapegoat, such as the devil, must be blamed for all of the nation's problems.
Second, the problem needs to be blamed on a scapegoat. This scapegoat is ideally something or someone that the populace already distrusts. This scapegoat is to be named the cause of all the problems and everything that plagues the life of the people. The scapegoat can be an enemy nation, an ethnic or religious minority group inside the nation, terrorists, communists, capitalists, environmentalists, or a religious enemy such as witches or Satan.

Step 3
A grand cause is needed to become a dictator
Next, identify yourself as the leader of a grand cause or movement to battle and fight with the scapegoat cause of the problem. Identify anyone who does not support you and your crusade against the scapegoat as in league with the scapegoat and therefore a traitor and part of the problem that is affecting everyone.

Step 4
Money and power and influence are more important than widespread popular support
The movement does not need to reach the majority of public support in order to gain power. Instead, all it needs to to is gain the support of key players who have influence in the country. These key groups could include businesses, labor unions, the military, the police, religious organizations, organized crime, or the extremely wealthy.

Step 5
Power should be taken all at once
To become a dictator, one must take power in one fell swoop. This can be done via a military coup, an honest election, a rigged election, or some combination of those three. For example, the election appear to be honest, but the opposition leaders can "mysteriously vanish" the week before the election, if you have control over the police or the military.

Step 6
Once you a dictator, you can do anything you want.
Once you have become a dictator, make a statement that the movement is doing battle against "the enemy within," who allegedly support the scapegoat, and then send as many subtle signals as you can that the enemy is really defined as anyone who does not support you. This will get people in line. Pass your agenda with an iron fist and silence the opposition. You have become a dictator."

Blame It On The Conways...

2009-10-30T15:33:00.003Z

Henry Conway, son of disgraced Tory MP Derek, has kindly enough laid the blame for the Westminster expenses scandal on his own family: "I think part of what kicked off the whole expenses thing was the interest in us," Henry said in an interview with London Evening Standard. Well, judging by this photo, I can think of a few other things we can blame on the Conways as well - such as the very existence of that blouse, to start with...

Ten-Hut Obama

2009-10-29T18:42:00.003Z

I'm not going to say anything about what Obama is wearing in this picture; sometimes fashion cannot just express emotions strongly enough. I think the look on his face and cramped posture says more than suits - and even words, for that matter - can ever do. This is the moment Obama went out to the airbase in Dover, Delaware, to greet the caskets coming back from Afghanistan. With great powers come great responsibility, someone once said. (Can't believe I've just quoted Spider-Man...)