How Giorgia Meloni's Wardrobe Mirrors Her Political Shift
Fashion scholar Michela Bonafoni argues that Italy's prime minister uses a move from dark suits to pastel ensembles to signal her transition from outsider to establishment figure.
Michela Bonafoni, a fashion professor at Unicollege in Florence, explains that Meloni's clothing acts as a non-verbal language, reflecting her political journey. Initially, her wardrobe consisted of dark Armani power suits, reinforcing the tough image cultivated as leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party. As she settled into the role of Italy's first female prime minister and aligned more closely with the European Union, she shifted to softer, pastel-colored, wide-leg outfits, a move Bonafoni says aims to appear kinder and more relatable.
Despite the lack of overt support from luxury houses, Meloni consistently showcases Made in Italy designers to underline nationalist branding. Bonafoni compares Meloni's evolving style to the consistent uniforms of figures like Angela Merkel and Margaret Thatcher, and notes similar messaging tactics in leaders such as Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andy Burnham. She predicts another wardrobe adjustment if far-right challenger Roberto Vannacci gains influence within the coalition.
Why it matters
Clothing choices can shape public perception of leaders, influencing how policies and political identities are received.
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