When we talk about fashion and style, more often than not the only names that come to mind are those of film celebrities. Time and again, they have been noticed and appreciated for their outstanding sense of styling. But turn your gaze a little, and you will observe a few politicians who have become trendsetters in the fashion world. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, descendant of the well-known Gandhi family, is one such name that personifies beauty and grace.
A woman of substance, poise, and elegance, Priyanka is a classic example of ‘dressing sense’ that oozes innate confidence and credibility.
Priyanka – A youth style icon
“What makes Priyanka a youth style icon is the ease with which she carries her sartorial style,” says Ashima Sharma, fashion designer, and owner of Ashima S Couture.
“She has a great sense to pick shades that are subtle enough for an occasion, and prefers to keep it clean with a single tone. One can often spot her donning whites and off whites with great elegance, which is undoubtedly a difficult colour to carry plainly. What’s noteworthy is the fact that Priyanka refrains from experimenting, sticks to her signature look, yet frequently creates headline for stealing the spotlight,” Ashima believes.
Famous resemblance
One of the youngest representatives of the Congress party, Priyanka is often compared to her grandmother and former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Besides the striking resemblance to Indira, her flamboyant approach towards politics leaves people with no other option but to draw parallels between the two.
“I believe that all Gandhi women have a great sense of politics as well as aesthetic,” Ashima points out, adding, “Priyanka is often caught candid during personal gatherings, rocking her signature jeans-shirt looks, the fitted pant-suit looks and retro-styled attires (similar to Kate Middleton’s). But what makes her stand out from the crowd are the handloom saris – having single or double line border on middle to dark tones. These saris are very much similar to what Indira Gandhi used to wear.”
On the same note, Stefy Gupta, a fashion blogger from Delhi, declares, “Her sheer resemblance to Indira Gandhi is a strong reason for the Congress to hope that Priyanka will connect effortlessly with voters.”
Building a connect
Fashion influencer and blogger Stefy feels that dressing up in western clothes help the politician connect to the youngsters in the best way possible. “Priyanka is well aware of the balance that she has to maintain. She wears jeans in and around Delhi, but flaunts a Lucknowi sari during the Lucknow rally – or for that matter a thin border sari while visiting the Congress bastion.”
Besides the clothes
An add-on to her clothing style is her no make-up look and minimalistic jewellery. “She is one of the few people who doesn’t even wear a lip colour or nail paint and still manage to look refreshing and presentable. That effortless smile, gently pushed back hair, perfectly draped simple sari and clear face speak volumes on how simplicity can be flawless,” comments Ashima.
Suggestions from experts
Designer Suruchi Khanna considers Priyanka Gandhi as an epitome of style, class, and grace. “I would suggest she stick to the six yards of fabric and experiment with it. Since she has always been seen in pinned sari, I would love to see her experiment a little and wear drapes. A classic drape with bandhgala jacket, or long jacket or shirt will also make her look very elegant.”
As far as the accessories and jewellery is concerned, jewellery designer Musskan Agarwaal of Kiwi says that for an icon like Priyanka Gandhi, a blend of sober fashion and soft jewellery pieces can never go wrong. “She looks fabulous in simple studs and pearl earrings, but if there is something that I have to suggest, it will be vintage jewellery. I am sure the old designs are going to turn heads this season.”
With fame comes controversy. A celebrated name of Gandhi family has to deal with all kinds of criticism for her dressing, her opinions and what not. But the way she tackles trolls and stands with head held high, says much about this style icon.
