The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Maggie’s take on power dressing to go on show
Outfits worn by Baroness Thatcher donated to museum
Six o u t f i t s worn by Baroness Thatcher have been donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum by the former prime minister’s children – but there is no handbag.
The ensembles and a hat were worn by the late prime minister at “significantmomentsin her public andprivate life”. Highlights from the wardrobe will go on display in December, in the London museum’s fashion gallery.
The outfits have been donated to the V&A by her children, Sir Mark Thatcher and Carol Thatcher, and her grandchildren Michael and Amanda.
The collection includes a royal blue wool suit – with statement shoulder pads – a silk hat with feathers worn at husband Sir Denis’s funeral, and a wool crepe, fuchsia-pink suit. The blue wool suit and matching silk blouse were designed by the British company Aquascutum.
Britain’s first female PM, who liked to carry a handbag, used her wardrobe to reflect her stateswoman role, saying in her memoir:
“She used her wardrobe to project power and inspire confidence”
“I took a close interest in clothes, as mostwomendo: but it was also important the impression I gave was right for the political occasion.” Claire Wilcox, V&A curator of fashion, said: “Baroness Thatcher used her wardrobe as a tool to project power and inspire confidence.”