PM in Vogue: Theresa’s £675 lesson in power dressing
THE look is formidable, but feminine. Swathed in navy blue, Theresa May strikes a regal pose for fashion bible Vogue.
With her greying hair swept confidently off her face, and her nails painted red, the Prime Minister sat for celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz. The painting-like images were shot at Mrs May’s country residence, Chequers, for April’s US Vogue. One features the Prime Minister and her husband, Philip, on a woodland walk.
Describing her home life, Mrs May told Vogue journalist Gaby Wood that she tends to cook while her husband loads the dishwasher. However, she revealed Mr May makes a ‘very good mushroom risotto’. THERESA May famously chose a lifetime subscription to Vogue as her luxury item back in 2014, when she appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.
Now the Prime Minister can admire herself on the magazine’s pages – the ultimate accolade in the fashion world – and she should be very impressed with the results.
Serious, understated and chic, Mrs May’s Vogue shoot is a masterclass in power dressing.
Her previous glossy magazine shoot last year, in which she wore a £995 pair of brown leather trousers, attracted comment from former education secretary Nicky Morgan, who accused the Prime Minister of being out of touch.
So this time the fashion is far more businesslike – and far more in tune with the Prime Minister’s own style.
Lounging back on a plush green sofa at her country retreat, Chequers, the 60-year-old wears an elegant £225 navy tailored dress and matching £450 wool coat, both last season and by British High Street brand L.K.Bennett.
The closest she got to risque on this shoot was a pair of oversized pearl earrings and vivid red nails. Another shot captures Mrs May walk- ing in the English countryside with her husband, Philip, in a £450 bright red coat and grey £470 jumper from little known label, Egg, which has a store in London’s Knightsbridge.
The designs were carefully chosen; small British brands worn by real women who are nonetheless fashion-conscious.
She set the whole lot off with her own kneehigh leather boots – a favourite pair which she’s worn on many previous occasions.
Annie Leibovitz was behind the camera. She has shot everyone from Kate Moss to Kanye West, and most recently the Queen for her 90th birthday celebrations.
Considered one of America’s best portrait photographers, she has a set style, with no retouching or airbrushing.
Her shoot shows a women unapologetic about her own power – and who isn’t afraid to show it off through fashion.