Five lessons in power dressing from Davos - courtesy of Cate Blanchett, Christine Lagarde and Sheryl Sandberg
he 2018 World Economic Forum is drawing to a close in a snow-strewn Davos. This year, the proceedings were chaired by an all-female line-up, featuring seven global power players including Christine Lagarde (managing director of the International Monetary Fund), Fabiola Gianotti (CERN director-general) and Erna Solberg (Norway’s prime minister).
Of course this was primarily a platform to discuss the world’s social, political and economic future, but with so many women taking centre stage this week's proceedings have offered an opportunity to check in on the latest sartorial strategies being deployed by women in some of the most influential workplaces in the world.
Here's what we've learnt...
1. A cinched waist transforms workwear classics
Queen Rania of Jordan is an old hand in the art of stylish and appropriate dressing for international events. This year, UNICEF’s advocate for Children, and the honorary chair of the UN Girls Education Initiative, looked to her tried-and-tested combination - a midi skirt paired with high-necked, long-sleeved top, cinched with a skinny belt (and topped off with an impeccable blowdry). The silhouette, which forms the blueprint for many of the elegant royal’s winning ensembles, illustrates the impact of a defined waist. Davos was privy to a hat-trick of looks following this formula, and documented via Queen Rania’s ever-stylish Instagram.
2. Reimagine the trouser suit
The trend for trouser suits is showing no signs of abating, and for good reason. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands illustrated the perfect balance of polished and directional while meeting the Argentine prime minister to discuss the G20 summit. The advocate for inclusive financial development looked chic in a checked double breasted jacket, nipped at the waist and coordinating wide-leg trousers, with a sharp turn-up.
3. Go monochrome
The Argentine first lady, Juliana Awada met with both Queen Maxima and Queen Rania, to discuss the importance of education for girls. The sleek South American demonstrated the power of monochrome in a black roll-neck and white pleated skirt. A leather belt and boots pull the minimal ensemble together.
4. Adopt a power palette
Colour is dynamic. But how to make a statement without going OTT, when you outfit is far from the focus of the occasion? Cate Blanchett’s visit, to collect a Crystal Award for her role in raising awareness around the refugee crisis, was a masterclass (see main picture). In a look from Givenchy’s Pre Fall collection - a streamlined maxi dress in vertical panels of colour - the actress and activist proved there is a rich palette of hues which look sumptuous yet serious.
Sheryl Sandberg, is another advocate for colour, although the Facebook COO favours single shade dressing. This week, she opted for a cobalt blue dress and jacket, though pillarbox red, burgundy and violet are all in her repertoire. If top-to-toe colour feels too adventurous, start with an accent; in her second appearance at the event, Juliana Awada added punch to her monochrome look with bold red heels and a red clutch.
5. Tailor with a twist
The IMF's Christine Lagarde has become renowned in style circles for her clever approach to building a wardrobe which doesn't compromise on chic. With her perfectly coiffed silver hair, Lagarde is a best-dressed list fixture, and for good reason. Her approach to dressing is quintessentially French; understated, effortless - minimal fuss and maximum elegance. Lagarde’s crisply tailored jackets have just enough edge to be interesting - see the flicked up collar and military-style buttons of her houndstooth design. Her co-chair, CEO of Engie energy group and the first french woman to chair a CAC 40 company, Isabelle Kocher struck a similar note in a classic blazer, cut in velvet.