Handbags at Dawn for Obama and Brown

Tomorrow looks like being a clash of fashionistas as two world leaders’ wives with their own minds will meet. Of course I am talking about Michelle Obama, of whom I am a big fan, and Sarah Brown, our Prime Minister’s wife, who keeps a lower fashion profile. Labour politicians over here were famously made over in the runup to their 1997 election victory – and they needed it. Barbara Follett, the well known champagne socialist, showed Blair’s babes how to dress like serious fashionable women, advising them to accessorise – by carrying oversized designer handbags (like Margaret Thatcher) and wearing scarves to accentuate their dark business suits.

Sarah Brown has already endured unfavourable comparisons with Carla Bruni after their State visit to London last year. After that she was praised for her mauve beret and patent leather clutch bag, worn for the opening of Parliament. The competition is strong at home, as well – David Cameron’s wife Samantha is creative director at upmarket designer handbags company Smythson. Smythson’s best-selling bag last season was the Maze designer handbag in Purple, selling at £775.  The photos below show how Sarah has developed her style and lost some weight: her appearance has certainly improved since she arrived at Number 10. 

In Michelle Obama, Sarah Brown faces an American counterpart

who can often make high street labels look like a million dollars, although she is not averse to a little designer chic on special occasions. But Michelle Obama does have a fashion weak spot – in most photos she is not carrying a handbag, in fact she is mostly pictured indoors wearing a dress or suit.  One of the few pics where Michelle is carrying a handbag is this one, from the inauguration. Sadly it looks like she had a red clutch bag, a poor match for her yellow dress, sage green gloves and emerald green shoes.  Accessories are meant to complement the outfit – and each other! Don’t forget the jewellery either: a large diamond collar necklace that hung poorly, partially over the dress.

Sarah Brown will no doubt take heart from this designer faux pas – let’s see how they look together …..

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