It is said that you should never discuss religion and politics. The same may be true of fashion and politics.

Both in the UK and abroad, the style pickings of high-profile political wives have fallen under much scrutiny: a marmite situation, if you like. Whether you love or hate their fashion choices, we are indeed in the midst of a fashion fisty-cuffs.

Not since Jackie Kennedy, has the world seen such a fusion of panache and politics.  That was until Michelle Obama took centre stage as the First Lady. Swiftly, the trend predators pounced; who is she wearing? Where does she shop? Does she have a stylist? The White House was suddenly cool again.

Today’s Wives In Government (or WIGs) have wised up to the wisdom of the well dressed and are hot on Michelle’s Lanvin heels. Gone are the drowsy attires of Norma and Cherie – who even remembers what they wore? From here on in, it’s as much about the clothing as it is about the policies.

To be fair, the pressure is on for our WIGs. Contending with an uber trend-setting American First Lady is one thing, but adding an ex-supermodel into the equation ups the anxiety stakes. France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni oozes style and confidence, having been in the spotlight for the past two decades. However, it seems that she too cannot escape the wrath of the acerbic press who accused her of trying to mimic previous wives’ style. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth; at least she has style, a term which has previously been omitted from UK Parliament.

The press appear consumed with the rights and wrongs – especially the wrongs, and in particular, the amount of money our WIGs spend on each item of clothing. You would be forgiven for asking if this really matters, but maybe it does. In harsh economic times and tales of scandalous expenses, are the good people of Britain likely to warm to a political wife who shops the high street like real folk, or one who trails designer rails as only the privileged few can? As the founder of a PR company, surely our Prime Minister’s significant other should have cottoned onto this. The wife of the opposition certainly has, running with gusto in her Zara heels. Shrewd planning or just sensible purchasing? Only time will tell.

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