Margaret Thatcher - Style Icon. I know, doesn't seem like an obvious pairing right? But the release of The Iron Lady, a film based on the UK's first female Prime Minister's time at Number 10, has made us reassess her 80s power styling. Now that we're a few decades down the line, her no-nonsense style seems to be something of a style win compared to the other trends of the decade (Day-Glo, shellsuits, ra ra skirts - I'm looking at you.) No one did power dressing quite like Margaret Thatcher, did they? Fitted suits, pussybow blouses, pearls, perfectly coiffed hair, classic court shoes. She meant business, but still had an interest in style.
If there's one accessory that the political heavyweight is known for, it's her handbags. We're not talking about slouchy hobo bags, or teeny tiny clutches. Oh No. She had an affection for sturdy, structured handbags that reflected her unshakeable personality. Apparently, she used to pop her bag down on the table when entering a meeting, in the same way a judge might wield a gavel.
She's not the only one to love these kind of bags. In fact, some of her bags have been so in demand that they've fetched thousands at auction.
The above Asprey handbag sold for £25,000 at an auction at Christie's. Reports suggest that the bag was in mint condition - impressive considering how often she was spotted out and about wearing it over three decades. Apparently an international student who studied in the UK during the Thatcher years was the buyer of this famous bag.
That's not the first time one of her handbags has been snapped up for a much higher price. In fact, her Salvatore Ferragamo bag sold for a huge £83,1100 in 2000. Meryl Streep, who played Baroness Thatcher in the film, also used a Salvatore Ferragamo handbag (see above, with matching Salvatore Ferragamo court shoes), for an authentic look. Perhaps, Margaret Thatcher created the first IT bags of the political world.
Famously, Baroness Thatcher once remarked that her handbag was the only safe place in Downing Street. It also proved to be one of her strongest weapons, with political enemies treating it with suspicion. What would she take out of this tough but feminine bag? An argument destroying document?
Her rise as a retrospective style icon has resulted in mixed opinions about her right to be so (although it's a status that has been placed on her rather than one she has actively seeked.), Many people resented this new status after her actions while in government. However, as our sister blog Dollymix points out, it's worth remembering that she still took huge strides in promoting women in politics and leadership positions. Her style reflected that.
If you are looking to add a little power dressing to your wardrobe (we think every wardrobe benefits from a bit of kick ass power dressing), then you might like some of the classic bags below.
Mulberry Bayswater
See by Chloe Carmen Shoulder Bag
The Row Leather Bag
What do you think about Baroness Thatcher's handbag style? Something to be applauded, or just another handbag?
