Top 5: political style icons

Female politicians are rapidly coming to the forefront of the fashion scene, and quickly learning that in a pair of Louboutins and a suit that hugs you in all the right places, us girls really are unstoppable. Many female politicos are quickly and often harshly judged on what they wear and how they look, but here at The Mancunion we are celebrating such figures and their powerful, confident style.

1. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand (above)

Elegant, charming and beautiful, not only is Miss Shinawatra the first female president Thailand has seen in 6 decades, she is by far its most stylish. With a penchant for high-end brands, her powerful East meets West fashion statements certainly pack a punch, combining occidental trends with striking traditional Thai fabrics and patterns.

2. Cristina Kirchner, President of Argentina

Notorious for her immaculate war paint, numerous daily costume changes and having a tag-along beautician accompany her unfailingly on visits abroad, this Latino firecracker is a fashion force to be reckoned with. She is rumoured to own a total of 200 LBDs as well as an astounding number of sky-high heels and fascinators.

3. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of Denmark

Described as “slender as a hare, yet strong as a silk thread” this willowy blue-eyed blonde is a walking paradox and that’s just how we like it. Coined ‘Gucci Helle’ in 1999 for her handbag obsession, Ms Schmidt always maintains an air of elegant hostility in her impeccably tailored yet on-trend skirt suits.

4. Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica

OK so she’s not exactly in Costa Rica’s good books at the moment, being allegedly responsible for a massive $997 million deficit but at least she looks good, RIGHT?! Widely known to favor bold indigenous prints when it comes to her professional attire, Chinchilla’s look is highly hybridized and eye-catching.

5. Condoleezza Rice, 66th United States Secretary of State

Ms Rice perfectly exemplifies the lethal combination of sex and power. Known as a ‘consummate power dresser’ she appeared at a US army base in 2005 wearing ‘dominatrix’ boots and a military jacket, thereby becoming a subversive sex symbol and beacon of fashion in the political sphere. You go girl!