The Economic Times (India)
Giorgia Meloni’s political makeover, in fashion
Giorgia Meloni’s fashion has changed as dramatically as her politics. Italy’s prime minister, who entered office in 2022 as a combative right-wing outsider, now increasingly projects the image of a pragmatic and confident European leader through pastel suits, wide-legged trousers and softer silhouettes.When Meloni became Italy’s prime minister in October 2022, she was often seen in dark suits and chunky black boots — a look that reflected her roots in Italy’s conservative right-wing politics. Nearly four years later, her wardrobe has become noticeably more polished and understated.Accoring to The Associated Press (AP), fashion and political image experts say Meloni’s shift from dark clothing to pastel and neutral colours is part of a broader transformation in how she presents herself on the world stage.133197844“She understands how important clothing is in nonverbal communication in politics,” Antonio Mancinelli, who teaches at Rome’s Costume and Fashion Academy, told AP.Meloni now frequently wears tailored pastel suits with wide-legged trousers that conceal her high heels. According to fashion experts, lighter colours can project warmth and approachability while retaining the authority associated with formal tailoring.Her changing style mirrors her political evolution. When Meloni took office as leader of the Brothers of Italy party, which has post-fascist roots, she was widely expected to take a confrontational approach toward the European Union and pursue a more hardline foreign policy.Also Read: 'If you ran in New Delhi, you'd win a million votes': Italian PM Giorgia Meloni recalls 2023 India visitInstead, Meloni has adopted a pragmatic approach toward the EU and emerged as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in its war against Russia. She has also demonstrated a willingness to challenge US President Donald Trump on some issues, strengthening her position among European allies.Political analyst Riccardo Alcaro of Italy’s Institute for International Affairs told AP that Meloni now needs to project the image of a credible leader of a major European country rather than that of a small-party politician.That shift is visible in her wardrobe. Soon after becoming prime minister, Meloni increasingly opted for tailored suits in muted shades, creating a look that fashion critics described as both serious and approachable. She also lightened her hair.“Lighter colors suggest a loyalty, tenderness and gentleness. With light colors, you’re more welcoming,” Michela Bonafoni, a fashion professor at Unicollege in Florence, told AP.From black boots to pastel suitsMeloni’s current style is a sharp departure from her younger political years. In 1996, at age 19, she was filmed by French television while organising a right-wing youth movement. Wearing almost entirely black, she defended Italian dictator Benito Mussolini — comments that have continued to follow her political career.133197829Over the years, Meloni has worked to distance herself from Italy’s fascist past. As youth minister under former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in 2008, she began adopting a more conventional political wardrobe, frequently appearing in dark suits and white shirts.By the time she won Italy’s 2022 election, she had already broadened her political appeal. Her campaign rhetoric focused on conservative family values and included her now-famous description of herself as “a woman, a mother, a Christian.”Since becoming prime minister, Meloni has rarely appeared in the all-black suits and boots associated with her earlier political image. She now favours trousers, neutral shades and pastel colours, while avoiding loud patterns.That visual shift has taken on added significance because Italy is one of the world’s most influential fashion markets.“When it comes to a woman who represents a country that is famous for fashion, and it is also one of the pillars of the economy, the issue becomes much more serious,” Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean said.The G7 moment that captured Meloni’s new imageOne of the clearest examples of Meloni’s transformation came at the 2024 G7 summit in Puglia. After her party performed strongly in European Parliament elections, Meloni welcomed global leaders wearing a flowing pastel-pink tailored suit with wide palazzo trousers.133197839By then, she had established herself as one of Europe’s most politically secure leaders and had become increasingly comfortable on the international stage.Her fashion choices continued to draw attention at this year’s G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. Meloni appeared in a beige suit paired with a matching tie, prompting a remark from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that was caught on an open microphone.Also Read: 'We are the most famous couple on Instagram': Modi–Meloni’s ‘Melodi’ moment steals G7 spotlight“You’re wearing a tie today,” Merz told her.“Yeah,” Meloni replied. “So you can consider me a fighter.”(With inputs from AP)
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