SUNDAY TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES: MICHELLE OBAMA TOPS THE BEST DRESSED LIST 2013
Sunday Times Style Magazine, the UK’s premium fashion and beauty magazine, has this week announced its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed. Over the next two Sundays, Style names the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.
The list is compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on how the rankings have been chosen, and who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.
At the top of the list is America’s style queen: Michelle Obama. Described by Darke as being an important woman with a high-powered job who still has fun with fashion; the First Lady was praised for her blend of High Street with couture, and her use of clothes to inspire and entertain.
Mrs Obama’s lead ranking contradicts today’s reports of criticism by designer Dame Vivienne Westwood who termed Michelle’s choice of clothes “dreadful” and a “non-starter”.
Creative director of Céline, Phoebe Philo, is in second place. Her understated approach; relaxed mantra, and devotion to flats – particularly box fresh trainers, has earned her Kate Spicer’s vote. Miuccia Prada meanwhile receives the bronze. The 63-year-old matron of Milan’s great fashion house is described by Gray as embracing ‘the edge’ with poise and strength so that it is never frivolous and always handsome.
Ranked at number seven is Victoria Beckham who comes one above the Duchess of Cambridge. Mrs Beckham is praised by Colin McDowell for her commitment to providing customers with perfection, and taking the same approach with her own never-faltering appearance.
Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”
“What’s so encouraging is that among the 25 people celebrated today, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgment to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”
At 20 in this week’s list, is Grayson ‘Claire’ Perry. Praised for being the world’s most individual dresser, the 52-year-old Turner Prize-winning artist is celebrated for his love of over-scale dresses and flouncy skirts that look large enough to accommodate a nappy. A living work of art, Mrs. Mills considers him a national treasure that should be listed as part of our heritage.
The top five undressed are also featured for their zest as well as their ability to wear naked well. Kelly Brook leads the pack with curves that make maintaining eye contact too challenging. In second place, model Kate Upton marks the return of the bombshell, while Kate Moss comes in at third for her ever-wiliness to embrace being starkers.
Suri Cruise shows the under 10s how it’s done thanks in no small part to her brave use of accessories. An early appreciation of Chanel handbags has put Alia Wang – niece of Alexander – in second, while Shilou Jolie Pitt’s decision to eschew the glitter has gained her a third with a firm salute for self-assured taste.
The Top 50 Best Dressed List forms part of a re-launched Style magazine, which sees a renewed focus on fashion, and more attention given to beauty and a re-design that will include more stunning photography.
Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.
Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”
Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.
Who would you put on a best dressed list?
ear in New York
“This season, Milan’s fashion is all about fabric, pattern and texture. Make sure you pack printed pieces, and don’t be afraid to combine several different fabrics, in one outfit,” says Niknani.
“London has always been known for its cutting edge fashion. One trend I noticed this London Fashion Week, was a lot of DIY fashion. You don’t see this in New York, Milan or Paris. In London, far more people are improvising, and making up their own rules.
