Inspiration has returned

Dear Fashpolitico Followers

My sincere apologies for the lack of posts.  Even when I found material I didn’t quite manage to get round to publishing it.  However after some (suitably fashionable ski related) knee surgery I am now at liberty to publish the little I found.

As I am spending my recuperation viewing #LFW from the comfort of my lap top I see that our political world has a long way to go to even begin to look fashionably interesting.  Here are some ideas of trends from the Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 collections which any political hack could easily incorporate into their daily outfits:

Colour blocking: simple and effective, see my favourite option at Osman

Texture: Sam Cam watched David Koma‘s show which incorporated leather, fur and spots.  I wonder if Sam’s getting tips for the forthcoming fashion events that are the Royal Wedding and the visit of the Obamas.

Fun: OK, I’m not suggesting you turn up to work with Minnie-Mouse hair, a dalmation coat and matching shoes (here from Topshop Unique), but you could opt for just one interesting piece.

Art deco: a trend that was prominent in the Topshop Unique collection and here at Holly Fulton.  A simple art deco inspired pattern would give that usual political uniform a touch of 30s glamour and class.

Now for what was found at the Party Conferences in 2010:

Outfits with red and red roses on always win out at Labour, who knows what would have happened if Kinnock had not chosen the rose as the moniker of the party.

However, in an unusual move two prominent Labour women went for a dark blue dresses with zips.  Is this a break away faction within the Labour party the political classes have yet to get to grips with?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile Conservative Party workers kept it traditional:

And the merchandise was certainly the best designed of the conference season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Conservative supporters looked into the past for inspiration in this homage to Lady T, mixed in with a 60s vibe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whilst others embraced the Coalition.  A fellow fashpolitico spotted this rare occurrence, yellow a the Conservative Party Conference.

I’m relying on you not to let me down now politicos, I will be needing more inspiration.  Start planning those outfits.

Fashpolitico’s Brighton finds

Fashpolitico fully intended to make regular updates whilst in Brighton – but there was too much politicing to be done and not enough time for fashion – outrageous.

The fashpolitico event of Brighton was clearly Sarah Brown.  I was delighted to see she shunned dull safe options in favour of a bold design in the Michelle Obama mode.  All too often there is a temptation in politics to say un-controversial things and wear un-controversial clothes.  Dull and safe dressing leads to dull policies which, in turn, are uninspiring.  Perhaps Gordon will learn that playing it safe is not always the best option.

Sarah’s dress also highlighted a more traditional divide.  It was a dress that women who like fashion adore but many men simply just don’t ‘get’.  Another reason to congratulate Sarah for her brave dress choice.  And it’s great to see young British designers being promoted.

But enough on Sarah, what about the conference – what did I spy?  I tried to pap men but really, there were not many inspiring clothing choices.  I suspect Conservative men may, interestingly, have a bit more flair in their daily wardrobe.

Red accessories

Co-ordinate your files with the political party – classy.

A red belt sets off this black outfit nicely.

Great red shoes and necklace combination – plus the unexpected sight of great side burns on the gentleman pictured - a great added extra!

Red scarf – soon to be accessorised with champagne, a perfect accompaniment.

 

Not only a red tie – but with roses too – a dedicated Labour man showing his colours.

Scraves, cardigans, you’re never far away from red at the Labour Party Conference.

 

Dresses – the easiest day to night dressing option

 

This structured option looks smart and business like, but also sophisticated for the evening…

… but a more casual dress also works when it’s sunny outside on the beach.  But perhaps not with this chunky bag.

 

 

This dress may look casual for work – but hey, it’s sunny outside and the night is just beginning.  The cardigan, trendy haircut and accessory of a glass of champagne certainly make the dress look the part.

 

Charity shop finds

The delegate from the Socialist Republic of Richmond upon Thames found this bow – very on trend – in a charity shop.  I also met a young fashpolitico below who had bought an emergency top at a charity shop in Kemp Town – with great accessories.  These people are dedicated sourcers of fashion.

Fashpolitico arrives in Brighton

Fashpolitico is starting her Party Conference season.  Sadly I missed the Lib Dems, but yellow is a very difficult colour to wear, or even be photographed next to, so it’s probably for the best.  Now, what am I looking for in Brighton? 

At Labour I’m expecting my number 1 hit to be AJ.  I’ve always loved his mod look.  Sarah Brown should also be a highlight and I can’t wait to see which fruit D Miliband picks to accessorise his look this year, my money is on a pear.

I’m hoping for some good placards (the ultimate political accessory) and old fashioned union bovver boys.  I’ll be searching for that traditional over earnest, ‘I’ve just read Das Kapital, it’s vital reading to understand the crisis of capitalism’, type of supporter, who perhaps doesn’t consider their contribution to the aesthetics of the world enough.

The big question mark will be ‘what are the lobbyists going to wear?’.  With the political wind changing fast I should imagine they’ll be smartening up their act, dusting down their pin strips, and ready to look every inch the public school product to fit in with the prevailing climate.

Forget the polls – you can predict political outcomes through the sharpness of the suits alone.

Now where are those pearls of mine…