KEY POINTS:
Want to go down in history? If you can't be a world-class leader, you can at least dress like one.
What kind of style does it take to get respect and admiration these days? In the head-pounding world of politics, election climaxes and ruptured promises who comes out
looking good? I started looking at our own wardrobe malfunctions and concluded New Zealand politicians and power-types are a motley bunch. We could discuss Christine Rankin's earrings, Nandor's hemp suits and Donna Awatere's range of Dior sunglasses. I can't even begin to talk about Helen. But politics and fashion go back much further than New Zealand's closet skeletons.
Fusing politics and fashion has never been an easy match. Despite their catty similarities these two worlds wish the other didn't exist. But - on rare occasions - we have been thrown a leader, a First Lady, a revolutionary or a political celebrity with unforgettable style, a prominent historical figure who commands a certain something outside their message. Some earn instant popularity, some a slightly more scathing commentary.
So how do you dress when you want to make history? Money can't buy you style, but sometimes style can win you power. Bear this lot in mind when you want to get that new, high-powered job.
Condoleezza Rice
Her classic power-dressing style isn't for everybody but it has sure worked for the high-powered Rice. As well as being the 66th United States Secretary of State, Rice is the first African American woman to serve in the role for the current Bush Administration. In late February, the Washington Post ran the story "Condoleezza's Commanding Clothes" complimenting the fashionable - yet always appropriate - Rice.
Rice wore a black military-style jacket and sexy boots to an army airfield in Germany, and the article said if there was any symbolism to be gleaned from Rice's stark garments, it was that she was tough and focused enough for whatever task is at hand.
Even liberal environmental writer Lou Bendrick, on his website www.grist.org, urges activists to dress better saying dirty dreadlocked hippies are destined to lose against the modern, sexy and smart attire of Rice.
Signature look: Usually the simple power suit (a professional jacket and skirt, the plainer the better). Her knee-length boots, however, have inspired numerous blogs and political conversions.
Segolene Royal
The French politician who missed out on a presidential victory this year is a style leader many people have noticed among the shoulder pads and bad ties. Royal is the president of the Poitou-Charentes region, a member of the National Assembly and a prominent member of the Socialist Party in France.
She possesses an effortless European style that kept her in vogue throughout the election. Many compare her striking features to Angelica Houston's and her mature look is a style that many less-is-more women relate to.
Signature looks: The Jacket - from fashionably loose with a belt, small 60s dinner jackets, right through to a simple fur bomber. Royal plays the part of a diverse - but French - minimalist well.
Imelda Marcos
Marcos never really got the less-is-more memo - especially about shoes. An ex-beauty queen, the muse of Manila caught the eye of the would-be Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos whom she married in 1954. The two ruled for 20 years and Imelda began what was a phenomenal fashion indulgence. While parts of her country starved the Steel Butterfly collected more than 3000 pairs of designer shoes, which she abandoned at the presidential palace when her family fled into exile in Hawaii in 1986.
Signature looks: Forget her immaculate hair and the smart twin-sets. Sitcoms, jokes and history will remember only those shoes.
Che Guevara
What to many is just a trendy graphic on their T-shirt, coffee cup or even bubble bath packaging is actually the face of Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. The iconic photo taken by Albert Korda in 1960 has been plastered on everything (ironically mostly for profit), immortalising the socialist revolutionary as the leader and accidental style icon he was. Many a cigar chewing, khaki man-about-town has emulated Guevara's handsome looks and freedom-fighting style (some opting more for the Fidel school of hat), but imitating his life as a doctor, political leader and international guerilla might prove a bit trickier.
Signature look: The timeless beret, beard and sharp-edged jacket.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Jackie O, the widow of two of the world's most powerful and wealthy men, still inspires fashion editorials after almost 50 years in the spotlight.
Her first husband, US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in the 60s, her second husband, Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis died in the 70s, and Jackie herself died in 1994, yet her mysterious quality and style is admired and copied by women today. Among her fashion legacies were the 60s pillbox hat, her multiple twin-sets, the casual look of turtle necks and pedal-pushers, the timeless pearl and shift-dress combo, not to mention the grieving attire that impressed eccentric fans such as the artist Andy Warhol.
Signature look: Despite the countless styles she left behind, the large round sunglasses are probably her best-known legacy. Paris and Nicole did not invent that look.
The Black Panthers
This group was about as cool as it gets stylistically. The African-American organisation spanned the 1960s to well beyond the late 70s spreading a militant message of revolution and empowerment to their people. The Panthers appealed to their masses with many tactics, one being their slick dressing style. Their signature look was black- uniformity topped with afros or sleek berets. This ensured they always looked smooth and united, and even critics of the group had to admit their untouchable cool.
Signature look: Black skivvies, leather trench-coats, black bombers, smart shirt and trouser combos, black sunglasses.
Eva Peron
Popularised by musicals and Madonna movies alike, Peron was also known as Evita (Little Eva or Beloved Eva) by the Argentinian people. The stage, radio and film actress became the second wife of President Juan Peron in 1945 and in six years, gained power in trade unions, founded the charitable Eva Peron Foundation, the nation's first large-scale female political party and in 1952 even hinted at running for Vice-President, though this was foiled by ill health and objections from the elite. Despite being a woman of the people her style was always intensely glamorous and reflective of the snappy and simple mid-1940s. Her blond tresses, diamonds and breathtaking ballgowns gave her an aristocratic glow to rival her grass-root politics.
Signature look: The simple twin-set with a slicked-back bun.
Bill Clinton
The charismatic silver fox bedded interns, played the saxophone and a mean game of golf, and somehow found time to be the US President from 1993 until 2001. The friendly eyed intermission between the two Georges Bush was known for his smooth delivery and subtle fashion style. With his low-key suits, the right tie, and smart polos, Clinton seldom made a fashion faux pas - helped by his rat-pack charm. His dashing appeal, however, led him into hot water with sex scandals. Wife Hillary is now challenging for his old job, and seems to stand a reasonable chance of success - probably employing a more pedestrian panache than her husband.
Signature look: The presidential suit. Uninteresting, but it doesn't have to stay on.
