The youngest foreign minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar’s visit was in the news more for her South Sea pearls, Roberto Cavalli shades and her exclusive Birkin bag, than her senior-level strategic talks. So much so, that even the international media focused on the way the Indian media was reporting the story.
This media circus has once again lead to the poignant question on many minds, despite years of progress — Can glamourous women, ever be taken seriously on the work front? Sarah Palin, despite her well-researched speeches, became a punching bag of sorts during chat shows, humour-laden shows and even in the political circles. Likewise, Peruvian congresswoman Luciana Leon is always referred to as a ‘blonde’ politician.
“The mentality of people here is still not evolved to handle a woman with both outwardly beauty and innate mettle,” says Chennai-based fashion designer Rehane. She agrees that the foreign minister is extremely articulate but adds, “If I were in her place I would have definitely done something about the flock of hair that kept coming in front of her eyes, every few minutes. Also, I would have slowed down on the obvious brands when I know that people will be watching me closely.”
It’s not just about brands but it’s often understood that a well-dressed woman, often referred to as a ‘fashionista’ has her look, sometimes working against her in certain professions. Priya Manoharan, an IT employee recalls, “We are required to wear formal wear as part of the dress code. While most women wore salwaar-kameez, I chose to wear a formal shirt and pants. Trust me, I was looked at all the time and after I wore a formal knee-length skirt, I was branded the Rakhi Sawant of the office. And sometimes prejudices based on a person’s sense of style are also formed at the workplace.”
Priya had to gradually move to a salwar because that seemed to be the best option.
Jayashri S., a corporate trainer has taken numerous lessons on power dressing. “Power dressing is a very important tool in corporate presentation and we emphasise on the power of dressing but we do ask the girls not to go overt with their styling,” she says. While drawing parallels with Hina Rabbani and other women who dress well she says, “For example, Priyanka Gandhi is a good looking woman but you don’t see her wearing a pair of Jimmy Choos or Miu Miu bags, she keeps it simple and people do respect her.”