Why Michelle O is a trend-setter

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Fashion has a new inspiration. And it’s not a supermodel or filmstar but US First Lady Michelle Obama, who was recently named the most stylish woman in the world by Sunday Times Style magazine. Michelle was commended for using fashion as a “force for good”, and she stylishly beat Queen Elizabeth and Victoria Beckham to win the top honour.

Indian fashion designers reflect on why she is a trend-setter and who among our political circle has a laudable style sense.
“Michelle has a style of her own. She doesn’t blindly follow trends but instead trusts her own sense of styling, which is very appropriate and responsible. While she has adorned all the big fashion designers, she makes her own fashion choice and statement. She also experiments with her looks and hairstyles and therefore is the most watched out for trend-setter,” says designer Rajdeep Ranawat.
Fashion designer Sunita Shankar labels Michelle’s style simple, elegant yet classic. “She experiments with her looks and always has some interesting jewellery to flaunt but she never overdoes anything,” says Sunita. She insists that Michelle has a classy aura which does not come by only holding a powerful position. “I believe class comes by mannerisms and the way you carry yourself. And this is what the US First Lady has mastered. I think Sonia Gandhi is very elegant and classy in her style sense. Be it a saree or salwar kameez, she always attracts attention with her sense of styling,” adds Sunita.
Indian designers also admire many of our politicians for their subtle and elegant statements. “Omar Abdullah, Shashi Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia have very individualistic and impeccable sense of dressing in spite of the fact that Indian politicians don’t experiment much,” says designer Rahul Gandhi, adding that it’s exciting to see a political leader’s better half being called a style diva.
“Confidence is the key, and it’s the confidence with which Michelle carries herself that makes her the most stylish person,” says Rahul.