Nick Clegg should win the ‘Vogue vote’ in the election battle, outshining his rivals in appearance terms.
Countless surveys and polls are trying to discover who is leading the polls, with many complaining that personality frequently overrules manifesto policies.
Bespoke tailor and chairman of the British Menswear Guild Oscar Udeshi has rated the three parties leaders’ sartorially, as well as for their posture, for BusinessWings.
The most appropriately dressed candidate and the leader who signifies hope has to be Clegg, however Cameron portrays a strong stance
Oscar Udeshi, chairman of BMG
“The most appropriately dressed candidate and the leader who signifies hope has to be Clegg, however Cameron portrays a strong stance,” he says.
The luxury designer believes style, or a lack thereof, can undermine a whole election strategy. Oscar brings fashion and politics together and rates Brown, Cameron and Clegg on five categories to determine which party has the most panache.
Hair
Gordon Brown: 5/10 - Oscar's view: "It’s just too long and looks untidy"
David Cameron: 8/10 - Oscar's view: "This hairstyle shows Cameron means business"
Nick Clegg: 8/10 - Oscar's view: "A youthful look that creates a desired image"
Shirt
Gordon Brown: 8/10 - Oscar's view: "Possibly the only thing he got right"
David Cameron: 5/10 - Oscar's view: "His collar doesn’t suit his face shape and neck and makes him look like a stuffed shirt"
Nick Clegg: 9/10 - Oscar's view: "Smart and formal"
Tie
Gordon Brown: 8/10 - Oscar's view: "Shows some variation in this category"
David Cameron: 4/10 - Oscar's view: "Very safe – I think too safe, showing no personality"
Nick Clegg: 7/10 - Oscar's view: "Bold use of colour, appropriate in signifying change"
Suit
Gordon Brown: 5/10 - Oscar's view: "Unfortunately, due to his unflattering proportions, little can save Brown in this category; he looks tired and unhealthy"
David Cameron: 7/10 - Oscar's view: "Shows some shape with his suits, but could be a touch more dynamic"
Nick Clegg: 8/10 - Oscar's view: "Clegg’s suits help generate a youthful image, making him more dynamic than the opposition"
Posture
Gordon Brown: 5/10 - Oscar's view: "Overworked and tired, overall Brown shows poor posture"
David Cameron: 10/10 - Oscar's view: "He means business and has the standing of a statesman"
Nick Clegg: 7/10 - Oscar's view: "Too bouncy and seen as young upstart"
Unsurprisingly, Brown lags behind, scoring 31 out of a possible 50. “Much of Gordon Brown’s downfall is because he hasn’t shown the leadership qualities and charisma, and his image compounds that,” reflects Udeshi.
Cameron’s trend credentials were modestly boosted, scoring 34, but Clegg’s the clear fashionista of the trio with 39 style points. “First impressions, especially visual ones, are very important,” says Oscar. “Those subconscious decisions you make in your head as you judge a candidate, they can be very hard to change and that’s why it’s important to get it right.”
