Dressed for power: Giorgia Meloni and the language of fashion
From Giorgia Meloni’s shift from dark suits to pastels to Angela Merkel’s signature jackets, politicians have long used clothing to shape how voters see them. In this day and age, power dressing has evolved.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first female Prime Minister, constantly draws attention not only due to her leadership role but also because of her fashion choices. Fashion expert Michela Bonafoni from Unicollege in Florence explains that fashion is a language that conveys a person's intentions without uttering a word. Meloni's wardrobe choices are a reflection of her political identity and a tool for her to connect with the public.
Her initial "power dressing" style, characterized by dark suits and chunky boots, signaled authority and was similar to the power suits popularized by Italian designer Giorgio Armani in the 1980s. However, as Meloni gained a more established political presence in Europe, her style softened, incorporating wide-legged silhouettes and muted pastel shades.
Despite her conservative stance on domestic politics, Meloni has utilized fashion to appeal to a broader audience and convey a softer image. Her recent shift to pastel colors has been seen as an attempt to connect with Italians who disapprove of her government's actions. As Meloni faces political challenges, Bonafoni predicts that she will likely change her style again to assert her authority and communicate with the public.
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