As Rishi Sunak apologised to the nation, his wife, Akshata Murty, cut a supportive figure behind him.
For anyone watching the Prime Minister’s final speech, it was hard not to notice the striking outfit the 44-year-old wore for the solemn occasion.
The red, white and blue chevron gown is the Lina Dress from ethical designer Omi Na Na, and costs a cool £395.
Despite being in the background, the mum-of-two certainly stood out, raising the question whether her outfit wasn’t just a fashion choice, but a tactical decision too.
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‘Is it deliberate attempt to distract from Sunak’s speech?’ asked one X user.
While another said: ‘Akshata’s dress choice [is] very interesting (and I presume intentional).’
Oriona Robb is a personal stylist with two decades of experience, she believes Akshata’s dress could be a ‘strategic move’.
‘The chevron pattern in the dress is known for its bold and dynamic appearance,’ she explains. ‘It can be interpreted as a symbol of confidence, assertiveness, and modernity.
‘Being visually present during such a significant moment can draw attention to her.’
Susie Nelson, a fashion expert and owner of vintage boutique Modes and More, agrees: ‘It is a bold choice and could be seen as a distraction from her husband whilst he was a making a difficult speech.’
The colourway could also be a nod to the pair’s future plans.
Oriona says: ‘The red, white, and blue colour combination in the dress could potentially be interpreted as a nod to the rumored move of the couple to the USA.
‘These colours are often associated with American symbolism, and Akshata may be subtly hinting at or acknowledging this transition through her attire.’
Meanwhile, Susie wonders whether the colours are actually a subtle show of support to the incoming Labour party.
‘Red, white and blue it is patriotic, in addition to being the colours of both the labour and conservative parties,’ she adds.
New Prime Minister Keir Starmer and wife, Victoria, were also spotted this morning, arriving at Buckingham Palace to meet the King.
Her choice of gown was perhaps a little less subtle: an all red dress, the iconic colour of the Labour party.
Akshata has been vocal in her support for her husband throughout his failed General Election campaign.
When Rishi called the election back in May, the billionaire business woman posted a loved up image of the pair on Instagram, with the caption: ‘I’m with you every step of the way.’
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7SLcCIMdFY/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b7e8ccd6-6ef8-4193-8b8f-002cd9873b2d&img_index=1
And taking to the polls yesterday, she posted another image, with the caption: ‘You’ve always had my vote’.
It wouldn’t be the first time that public figures have used fashion to send a message.
Even the late Queen – who, as a member of the Royal Family had to be politically impartial – often wore outfits and jewellery to subtly show her support to certain causes.
For example, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Queen was pictured wearing a blue dress with yellow accents – the colour of the Ukrainian flag.
And let’s not forget Princess Diana’s famous ‘revenge dress’, which she wore just days after the news of Prince Charles’ infidelity’s hit the headlines.
The photos of the Princess’s outfit went down in history, with her daring off-the-shoulder Christina Stambolian frock described as ‘possibly the most strategic dress ever worn by a woman in modern times’.
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