User:DonnRowle499

Time magazine published a list in January of the top ten global political fashion statements. Looking through the list it's sometimes easy to see why these pieces have been worn. Many of them seem to be worn to assert a scene of power or dominance; others seem to be aimed at achieving accessibility. As interesting as it is to look back on some of these fashion statements it is also possible to see how many of them have started trends and in many cases even shaped the designer clothing world. In a series of articles I intend to take a look through these statements and evaluate their impact on the fashion world.

It was Rick Santorum who prompted the article from Time Magazine, his signature sweater vest has caused quite the stir in the American politics world. The republican senator has ditched the standard black suit and tie that has become the uniform of American politics and taken up a much more relaxed sweat vest and tie. To put this in perspective when President Obama held his first oval office meeting and requested the attendees removed their jackets, this was an unprecedented and controversial move. So ditching the suit completely and opting for a relatively casual dress code is quite the jump, and a huge risk in American politics. A risk, however, that could well pay off. As people crave a greater level of accessibility with the people who govern them, this relaxed clothing choice may humanise Rick Santorum and allow people to feel a greater connection to him.

The sweater vest is by no means a newcomer to the designer clothing world, particularly popular in the 70's they were eventually taken up by the golf world and have become an item of clothing which people view as a sign of affluence. They have become particularly popular in recent years amongst the American college population and have moved from a small group of golf enthusiasts to a global fashion statement.

Despite its popularity it is still surprising to see Rich Santorum wear these in the way he does. I predict that they will become more and more accepted in politics as well as other highly formal professions. The world no longer expects everyone to be dressed in suits, and as we have seen this can often create a barrier which people have difficulty overcoming. Over the next few months I believe some of the highly affluent designer clothing brands will be bolstering their offering of this type of attire.

I'll be containing this series of articles by taking a look at the next statement in the series which according to the Times magazine list is Fidel Castro's Tracksuits. ラバーソール