Throughout the ages there have been many fashion battles fought not with swords and shields but high heels and Haute Couture. Now France is in the no-man’s land of a hair and fashion battle between two ‘first ladies’ of style and politics. Valerie Trierweiler is the partner of the new French elect in office, Francois Hollande; she is a former political journalist and is the domestic partner of the new French president. This means she has naturally replaced the former first lady and unabashed fashionista, Carla Bruni. Now, at least according to the media, the two have entered something of a fashion battle; all over Tumblr, Facebook and other social media sites the line has been drawn and people are taking sides fast.
Carla Bruni-Sarkozy
In the one corner we have the original, former first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy; known for her beauty and grace, it will be no small task replacing her. After all, Carla Bruni is a former model, singer, songwriter and actress; anyone who is destined to replace her would have a tall order to fill. The circumstances of her becoming the first lady was always seen with great curiosity by the public and media alike; she was or still is an Italian national which makes her becoming France’s first lady something quite unique indeed. Far removed from this immortal fashion battle; Bruni personifies female grace and charm which, with the inclusion of her fascinating personal history, paints her as quite the enigma. She met the former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, at a dinner party in 2007 and after a brief romance the two were married. The wedding was something of a national event for the French.
Valerie Trierweiler
Now the new French event with all eyes fixated is undoubtedly the online free-for-all fashion battle; which brings us to the other corner. Valerie Trierweiler is as smart as she is beautiful which would be the main draw card in her favour. Born in Angers to French parents affected by World War II, she is unashamedly French and this too does play to her advantage within the confines of this battle. Trierweiler studied extensively at Sorbonne, the University of Paris, and obtained a Masters of Advanced Science in both history and political science. Of course she followed through on her studies by becoming a political journalist who, at one stage, hosted a political talk-show. She has been involved with the current French president since 2006 and she holds the claim to being the first First Lady in office that is not also married.
The Battle to Come
No matter how you dress this up, a fashion battle is imminent for these two whether they are aware of it or otherwise. The media loves a good fight and with two contenders as stylish as these two, it’s no doubt going to get intense and perhaps, ironically, a little ugly at some point. No doubt should any major controversy arise from this fashion battle, the media is definitely going to cover it; never mind David and Goliath, this is Goliath versus Goliath.
Eugene Calvini is a writer and fashion observer; with the ability to make mens casual shirts look extraordinary, his keen eye offers strong insight into fashion trends.