UK State Visit: Oluremi Tinubu Needs A Fashion Makeover. (Fashion)
The Office of the First Lady as the office designation of first wives of presidents is an integral part of the administration of a president in any democratic dispensation. Though largely ceremonial and not enshrined in the constitution, it is recognized worldwide as an institution that helps in humanizing the image of the president through various charitable activities of the office.
The most memorable First Lady of the 21st centuries Jackie Kennedy, wife of JF Kennedy. Apart from her pedigree and charity, she is revered till today for sartorial elegance and understand glamour.
Jackie Kennedy and President Kennedy (courtesy Google )
Jackie singlehandedly advertised several US designers like Ralph Lauren and foreign ones including Chanel, Dior to be a foremost fashion icon in the US, even the world. After the US brands and some of these European designer labels sent exclusive designed exclusive creations to Jackie in hopes she would select their brands during official functions.
For free, like the others. Because the mileage and pedigree the fashion house would get from dressing Jackie far outweighed any cost she could be billed..
She did fell in love with these. She was seen in lots of designer clothing including Dior in curating what became her signature look
To the eternal overnight popularity and success
This set the trend of designers sending their designs to first ladies in hopes of dressing them and by that, boost their Brand's visibility among elite circles and thereby be successful.
Late former first lady of Nigeria, Maryam Babangida, and Lady Diana, in an iconic photo durhe only fashionably trendy first ladies that comes to mind in Nigeria is Maryam Babangida and Stella Obasanjo. Fashion houses owned by eminent fashion houses in Lagos Abbah Folawiyo, Funmi Ajila and Folorunsho Alakija competed with one another ti dress Maryam Babangida, late wife of Ibrahim Babangida.
Late Stella Obasanjo was one first lady who had a fashion house herself, complete with an upscale hair salon before she became the first lady as wife of Olusegun Obasanjo. It indeed served her in good stead when she became the first lady.
Now, who is dressing Oluremi Tinubu, current first lady? Her fashion choices have not shown that detailed, carefully styled and put together symbol of consistency.
L-R: Princess Katherine, Prince William, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, at Windsor Castle, today (Courtesy, Bayo Onanuga)
This is her outfit today, to meet King Charles and the crown prince, Prince William and Princess Katherine, his wife. You can see the impeccable tailored dress suit Katherine is wearing here.
But, our own First Lady? This is underwhelming to say the least. The weather too, should have been out into consideration when creating the style; it should have been padded enough so she won't be cold and need that shawl obstructing us to see the garment fully. She is quite educated, and exposed and cmbut that flies here with this outfit. When we could have used it to project our aso oke, Adire or even textile fabrics to bring Naija flavour to Windsor Castle.
Fashion hawks worldwide always dwell on the fashion of the first lady on such high profile visits -like Michelle Obama, Melania Trump before her - and we cannot make missteps with a good opportunity to sell Nigeria's fashion.
It should not be a personal choice alone.
The first lady needs a fashion house to dress her. Moistake, he is desperate or unable to pay - afterall Jackie was super wealthy having come from a wealthy family herself and married to a wealthy man who was the president of the USA - but it is expedient as a matter of honour for our fashion houses to rush their designs to her to wear for such rare but historic occasions.
This is hard work she can't saddle herself with, given other official concerns. The first lady needs a Stylist to create a look for moments such as this. A signature headtie , proper understated jewelry preferably pearls, her outfit, makeup and accessories needs to be curated. And of course, a tested Nigerian fashion designer.
The colour of the designs should be carefully considered against the backdrop of their itinerary si it would stand out clearly and not fade into the background.
So, Luminee, Veekee James, Folake Coker, and the cohort of hot Nigerian designers, where are you? Step up, rise to the occasion, you know the increased pluses it would give your brand.
Comments