Wildrose leader gets liberal with fashion
When it comes to her wardrobe, Alberta's Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith is eager to explore her liberal side, even if her politics remain right of centre.
It turns out the conservative politician is as much a threat on the catwalk as she is to the ruling Tories. Smith recently traded in her sensible shoes and power suits for some sleek new looks, including a sexy LBD, part of a fashion shoot for Blu's Womens Wear.
The 40-year-old politician flashed her pearly whites for the company's Role Models marketing campaign (see blus. com), which features successful Alberta-based women wearing designer lines such as Hugo Boss and Michael Kors.
Smith says she isn't worried about how the photo shoot will affect her political reputation because it's all in good fun, she says.
And, the born-and-bred Calgarian said she was eager to help support the Alberta-owned chain of boutiques.
We'll leave the political questions to our colleagues in the Herald's City section. Instead, we grilled Smith on her fashion policies.
Q: Why did you agree to take part in this marketing campaign?
A: (Owners) John and Jennifer Leavitt are local entrepreneurs. I met with them over a year ago; they had offered to do sponsorship for our (annual general meeting). . . . They had this idea about how they could introduce professional women to their audience through these Role Model profiles. I love their clothes, so I said yes.
If people read my little profile on the Blu's website and get inspired to enter into political life I think that's a positive. I think more women should be looking at a life in the public service, and if I can provide and opening for more women to consider that, that's a good thing.
Q: Do fashion and personal style interest you?
A: I understand how important (personal style) is now. I came from a big family, so whenever we did our shopping it was at the beginning of the school year, when you outgrew your clothes from the previous year.
Shopping, style, it's not something that comes naturally for me, or that I have talent for. So, I'm more than happy to rely on the experts. I often go to ESPY (a boutique in Inglewood). The girls there help me a lot. They've introduced me to dresses and lots of new and interesting accessories . . . I'm trying to funk things up a bit more.
Q: Does style matter in politics? A: I think it does. I remember reading an autobiography of Margaret Thatcher. She actually had an assistant keep track of the outfits she wore to big public events so that she didn't wear the same outfit to the same kind of event twice. That's the reality women face in politics, which men don't.
People notice what you wear. I couldn't possibly imagine a male politician saying, 'Oh no, I wore that suit at that trade conference, so I can't wear it again.' That's just not in the realm for them to consider. It's not fair that we have different fashion rules for women.
But, it is a reality. I'm not complaining.
Q: What's the most embarrassing thing you wore as a teenager?
A: Ah, this is easy: Leg warmers. I mean, really? Who ever thought that was a good idea? Purple leg warmers, incredible. I hope there are no pictures of that.
Q: You're often seen wearing a power suit. Is this a look you're drawn to, or it is a necessity given your job?
A: I feel most comfortable when I'm in a suit because when you're in a business meeting, you are usually in a room with men as well as other women who are in the same line of work. If you dress too casually it can be misunderstood that you don't take the meeting seriously.
Q: We often praise women on the sidelines of politics -Michelle Obama, Carla Bruni and Kate Middleton -for being fashionable. Often that doesn't apply to women in leadership roles. Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton and Belinda Stronach's looks and clothes were focused on as much as their political wherewithal. Do we harshly judge women in positions of power for caring about fashion, or for letting their sexy side show?
A: It's a reality, there are different standards for women in politics verses men in politics. That's the way it is . . . people spend time commenting on their outfits. I don't know any woman in the political realm who gets away without that kind of scrutiny.
It's important for female politicians to not be afraid to look feminine. People don't want a female leader to pretend that she's a man. I'm not pretending to be a man; I wear dresses and I wear skirts.
Q: Do you have any style tips for women working in male-dominated industries?
A: There is a balance between having an interesting style and dressing appropriately. There are things you can do to offset (the conservative nature of a suit). You can wear nice colours, accessories, interesting blouses and dresses. Pair interesting fashion items with suits and you get a great look.
