DRESS FOR SUCCESS

There is no French equivalent to the expressions "Dress for success" or "Look the part" but of all French candidates to presidential elections in France last May, Segolene Royal, as the unique serious female runner should have been the very one to grasp the significance of style as part of the message she was sending to millions through various medias with her clothes only...

If the defeatof Miss Royal cannot be devolved upon her sartorial mistakes, there is a possibility they hold a responsibility. France being the country of Haute Couture, of plethora of internationally renowned and prestigious fashion houses, its president should represent the best of it in terms of image. Being a socialist candidate, she probably assumed that wearing Hermès or Chanel would not help acquire a rather low class electorate. There are, however, plenty of alternatives in terms of fashion segmentation and even within the Paule Ka and Irene Van Ryb - her favorite brands during the campaign- there were better and cleverer choices to do.

In the above pictures, I made a comparison between what was and what could have been in a photomontage. Opting for ultra conservative and loose - understand with NO STRUCTURE - clothes was not helping in a campaign where message of hope for a France turned towards more modern times was an essential one. Instead, her style expressed restriction and recession.

Although Segolene Royal is still very fit, she decided to wear clothes that accentuate her age without giving more authority to her image: loose skirts emphasizing her bottoms in an unflattering way, notably because of their length unecessarily increasing the calves and ankles sizes, (too) short jackets with wide shoulders pads, hair too natural, her style screams of absence of control and French people couldn't trust what they were seeing to control the country when she cannot exude of confidence herself.

Mme Royal had better rethink her communication strategy. I would be happy to help, starting with few suggestions in photomontages...

Let me know your thoughts: for how much do you think style actually counts in professional success? Do you think Segolene Royal should have cared more about her style?

Top at the bottom

Recently bashed by the press for having put on weight, Tyra Banks, ex Victoria's secrets model and now producer of America's Next Top Model, has shed the extra pounds for the New York Fashion week... Or at least, most of it.

I like Tyra: she has a sort of candor in a cynical business. This sort of candor however, is quite unexpected in terms of fashion! She, who gives advices to Top Model Wannabes, should know better, and especially, how to hide the remnants of the nachos bingeing located on her thighs and arms...

Tyra certainly looks lovely but she could look perfect if she had followed simple rules:
1. The dress's length: Tyra's thighs are much bigger than her - very thin- calves. She should have gone for a knee length dress... Since the dress is A-Shaped, it wouldn't make it less sexy.

2. The arms: it is tricky with arms, especially when left falling along the body! She should either strike a pose with both arms on the hips OR wear sleeves, even short. It is a matter of proportion. The best would be sleeves up to the elbow. Elongates the upper arm...

3. The shoes: although she made a right choice by wearing chunky models, she however, should have chosen black or off white, to recreate a balance in the silhouette...

Maybe she could ask some help from the professionnal fashionistas such as Nicole Richie, who almost never fails on the red carpet... Irony! Irony!

STYLE SURGERY: CURVY & STYLISH

Flipping though the pages of an old magazine, I came upon a heading dedicated to "Curvacious women". The article was illustrated of a so-called Size+ model, who looked rather " normal" to me but never mind, magazines won't go too far, will they.

It is quite clear that rounder women are getting in vogue, and I personally find them more colourful and having much more presence than many frail girls.

However, my curvacious friends tell me that, not only do they find it difficult to hit clothes on the high street retail that fit them but more importanly, because of a self image issue, as per the ideas that are vehiculated that one has to be deadly thin to deserve beautiful clothes, they find it hard to dress in stylish way.

I might not be THE asbolute style reference but there are a few principles that are common to most stylish and not so thin women :

1. Pure lines: minimalist and well tailored garments are the best ally to curves. Cocoon shapes this winter are ideal because it celebrates the curves and it is superb. The Calvin Klein number above might be expensive but soon, it will be copied in all Zara and Cie...

One might retort that it will create a huge mass of fabric but I disagree: voluptuous women are not to be hidden, they should expose their curves and the fact that they are visible. Moreover, the wide shapes help to create balance in the spatial contours of the silhouette. Don't hesitate to wear oversized attributes such as collars, pockets, etc.

2. Avoid fabric with too much spandex that hug curves too much and especially in indesirable spots, even forming exaggerated rolls... Privilege crisp materials, cottons, wool etc.

3. Work on spatial balance and contrasts: create symmetry and equilibrium in shapes. If the curves are mainly located around the hips/ stomach, favour trapeze shapes and / or emphasize the waist with cinched products or belts. Hourglass is sexy. If curves are also on the top: wear V-Neck tops or enhancing V cleavages. Groom this head carriage!

Work on contrast in terms of colours as well as shape.

4. Accessorize and don't be afraid to do so: wear chunky jewellery, again, it is a matter of equilibrium: small chains and tiny details will only emphasize the curves whereas big necklaces such as multistrands or heavy beads create a portly effect. If wearing heavy earrings, wear no necklace and vice versa. Wear cuffs. Wear oversize shades. Wear colourful accessories and notably, beautiful and elegant motives ( If you cannot afford the Hermes stoles and other high end brands, ask your family to gather for really high quality presents) .

5. Groom your face and don't be shy about - even original but classy- hairdos... You are not tiny, be stunning and be noticeable. Do wear make up.

6. Buy wide leg trousers: all types. Make sure you don't buy low cuts which, even on skinny girls can cut the hips, thus a terrible muffin-top effect! Wide trousers can be 3/4 long, denim, wool etc. Always choose great cuts.

7. Invest in good underwear: Round and firm breasts always force envy. But heavy breasts can also fall, make sure your bras don't cut in the middle. Make sure they are the right size (70% of women wear bras of a wrong size) . When going out, why not wear shapewear? Spanx for instance makes very minimalistic briefs and waistshaper.

8. Wear wraps tops. A bit of drape at the front helps to hide the tummy. Kimonos are a lovely alternative

9. Cinch: wear wide belts on long sweaters or shirts.

10. Don't wear tiny shoes. Make sure your shoes don't have a "craddle effect" sole, it makes the curves look slightly childish which is not stylish! Really, dead serious on that one!

11. Skirts: A-shape either under the knee or to the ankle with flat shoes.