A Lesson In Fashion Diplomacy
The easiest way to dress down a female politician used to be to comment on her appearance. However, in a day and age where fashion is utilized by political figures, is refraining from acknowledging their fashion choices still necessary? Let’s dive deep into Jacinda Ardern’s closet while we dismantle this question.
On the 7th of February Jacinda Ardern concluded her term as Prime Minister of New Zealand citing burnout. Ardern became a well-known name globally due to her response to the deadly shootings at Christchurch mosques in 2019. Moreover, she was notable for having a baby while in office and for leading one of the most efficient responses to the global pandemic.
In this article, I will not discuss Ardern’s progressive government or her failed promises to address the housing crisis and reduce child poverty or other political issues. In this article, I will pay tribute to a world leader we lost and her fashion policy over the years.
Ardern’s style was refreshing compared to the usual black and blue power suits. Her style could be described as smart casual and boho chic with the occasional pop of color. The former prime minister was known for her dedication to championing New Zealand designers wherever she could, especially women-owned brands. Most importantly, Ardern was said to dress like many other New Zealand women, signifying relatability.
I believe her sense of style is a great reflection of her personality and evolution in her role as prime minister; the reason why we are about to take a walk down memory lane.
Although Ardern says there was no symbolism in her swearing-in outfit’s red and blue palette, it made a political statement. Ardern was refreshing with her bright colors, and showcased confidence, authenticity, and creativity. Personally, I think the dress was obnoxious but it fulfilled its duties.
In April of 2018, Ardern won over New Zealand’s heart as she displayed a new, young, and multicultural New Zealand. Ardern wore to the Commonwealth dinner in Buckingham Palace a traditional Maori Kahu Huruhuru feather cape, which is a symbol of power and respect.
Furthermore, Jacinda Ardern utilized the power of accessories as she cultivated a reputation for supporting small businesses. During a COVID-19 briefing in 2020, she wore a pair of feather earrings made by a NZ local artist, Ronja Schipper. Positive as the message may be, we can’t forget the black lockdown blazer that seemed to appear every time Ardern had to share bad news.
Nonetheless, Even Ardern had her occasional fallouts. In 2022 she was criticized for the dress she wore to meet British PM Johnson in London. The dress was a $2595 Emilia Wickstead dress, questioned due to its high price. This isn’t the first time political female figures are criticized for the price of their clothes. For example: In 2019, a debate sparked in Jordan over the clothes of Queen Rania as it was assessed that she spent more than 267,000$ on her clothes. Misogyny aside, I believe criticism can be necessary when the clothes were given as gifts or when the government’s budget is involved with purchasing the clothes.
With that said, I do have to give Ardern extra brownie points for wearing a dress from a London-based New Zealand fashion designer while discussing the UK-NZ free trade deal.
For one of the biggest speeches of Jacinda Ardern, her resignation speech, she wore a dark button-up dress. Her relaxed take on the traditional shirt dress, which would fit perfectly for a wake, reflected her mental and professional state. As sad as it was to hear her speech, I found comfort in Arden's fiancé, Clarke Gayford, sitting in front of her. Arden's’ fiancé wore a dark shirt matching her dress, signaling their unity as they walked out together from the conference room toward their family’s future.
We can’t review Ardern’s style without addressing the elephant in the room, or should I say, the Kiwi in the room, as it is New Zealand’s national animal. We all know clothing and politics are divisive topics.
Throughout the six years, Ardern has been Prime Minister, it was evident that she and her team worked hard to maximize the power of the clothes she wore, while also subtly distancing her from fashion. Although Ardern walked a fashion show and was on the cover of Vogue, she made sure to emphasize her dedication to her country while doing so. Ardern also refrained from engaging in conversation about clothes, somewhat out of fear that her attire would be used to belittle her. The fine line politicians walk between utilizing and distancing themselves from fashion isn’t a new phenomenon. For example, former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has religiously worn similar uniforms to avoid comments on her clothes.
This requires us to ask, does discussing a politicians clothes reduce the wearer to the garment they are wearing?
I believe not. We live in a time where fashion is embedded in our culture and social media ensures clothes are used for visual communication. If we choose to ignore that humans are making judgments based on visuals, we choose to ignore the truth. It’s obvious every piece of clothing at every appearance politicians make has been carefully thought out and made to ensure that it matches the overall personality the leader is trying to project. If we completely refrain from acknowledging politicians’ appearances, we give in to the fear of being criticized and stop challenging important notions in our society.
Nevertheless, gender bias exists and women’s clothes are far more memorable and varied than men’s. The easy suit and tie uniform is rarely debated upon and facilitates the idea that the wearer isn’t a body, but a brain.
Therefore, we must learn how to strike a balance between reporting insights from a politician’s personal style and disproportionately emphasizing his or her appearance. We should also be aware of how differently we tend to perceive a wardrobe observation when it comes from a man instead of a woman. I believe a balance could be found when addressing politicians’ appearances if we consider the policies they are promoting. It could be beneficial if fashion is addressed as one of the aspects of understanding a politician because we could learn more about the political figure and their intentions.
All in All, Jacinda Ardern is living proof that at the end of the day, neither policies nor style is what we tend to remember. I believe that what we will miss most about her leadership will be her empathy and quiet confidence which we all looked up to in times of crisis.
