The Duchess of Cambridge -- Getty Images
Wardrobe diplomacy, aka the practice of a national leader (or leading representative) wearing clothes from the country they are visiting as a form of economic and cultural outreach, is back. Diane von Furstenberg just told me she had learned from the folks at Harrods and Selfridges that the Duchess of Cambridge had bought two of her dresses to take with her on her North American tour, which begins at the end of next week. DVF was very happy.
It’s a smart choice for the Duchess. It makes sense for her both aesthetically and politically. DVF’s famous wrap dress was the base upon which all the Issa and Reiss jersey dresses the Duchess has recently worn were built, after all; the original body-hugging yet covered-up line. Her dresses are also relatively reasonably priced, so the Duchess has fulfilled the brief of 1) staying within her own style; 2) staying within her own budget; and 3) subtly demonstrating that she is, indeed, paying her own way.
Diane von Furstenberg collection - - Catwalking.com
Beyond the look, however, DVF is also an iconic American name, head of the Council of Fashion Designer’s of America, self-described example of the American dream, and a very vocal champion of woman power. To convey her empathy with so many ideas (American fashion; feminism, fiscal awareness, self-awareness) with just two dresses is, I think, pretty impressive.
On a similar note, during her tour of Africa this week, Michelle Obama has combined multiple American designers at multiple price points (Narciso Rodriguez, J Crew) with separates by Duro Olowu, a Nigerian born designer who currently splits his time between London and New York.
The below picture shows a Duro jacket, for example, that she wore on day one, and today she wore a think bloc-print knit.
Michelle Obama in a Duro jacket -- Getty Images
He’s the thread that binds all the looks together. As a subtle message about working together, I have to say, this works for me.
Vanessa has been the FT’s fashion editor since 2003, and is based in New York, though she lived in London for 12 years.