Who covers the cost of world leaders and their spouses clothes?
When Michelle Obama (left) met with former Chinese President Hu Jintao, she wore a striking red Alexander McQueen outfit.
According to David Lammy, Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria received clothes contributions so they could "look their best" while representing the UK.
When questioned about the donations, the foreign secretary pointed out that other nations had substantial budgets for leaders' attire that were sponsored by taxpayers.
In response to rumors that Sir Keir may have violated parliamentary rules by neglecting to disclose clothing purchased for his spouse by Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli, Lammy made this statement.
"US presidents and first ladies have a huge budgetary constraints, paid for by the the taxpayer, so that they appear the best they can on behalf of the US people," he said on Sunday in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg.
The US first lady does not actually have access to a set budget for apparel, and many have expressed their displeasure at the expense of maintaining style while residing in the White House.
A presidential allowance, but not for the first lady.
In several nations, tax payers cover their leaders' living costs, which may include clothes.
In addition to their $4,000,000 annual salary, US presidents have an expenses allowance of about $50,000 (£38,000) that can be used for wardrobe and other purchases.
The spouse of the US president, who has traditionally been a first lady, does not, however, have a set salary or budget for fixed expenses; instead, they are responsible for paying for staff and an office.
This is true even if the US first lady's wardrobe selections have drawn a lot of attention and scrutiny.
Notable instances include Michelle Obama's startling red Alexander McQueen dress when she met former Chinese President Hu Jintao, and Melania Trump's Zara jacket with the slogan "I Truly DON'T CARE, DO U?" as she was visiting a migrant processing center.
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In July, Lady Victoria went to Washington, D.C., with her husband Sir Keir for her first foreign engagement.
First lady Laura Bush was criticized for her attire selections.
According to several first ladies, women were generally expected to cover the cost of their own clothing. In her memoir published in 2010, Laura Bush—the wife of George W. Bush—expressed her amazement at the quantity of luxury clothing she felt she had to purchase in order to live up to the requirements for a first lady.
"Our auditor told George, 'It expenses a lot to be the president,' after our first year in the White House, and he was primarily referring to my apparel," Mrs. Bush wrote. Joanna Rosholm, Michelle Obama's press secretary, stated to CNBC in 2014 that "Mrs. Obama pays for her attire."
Clothes can also be accepted as gifts by US first women, frequently on behalf of the administration. Some fashion designers are happy to get the notoriety that comes with having the first lady wear their creations.
The only way the somewhat less wealthy residents of the White House can afford to wear high-end designers is through contributions, as the cost of these gowns may easily reach the tens of thousands.
According to Mrs. Rosholm, "the first lady's attire may be presented example a gift by an apparel manufacturer or accepted on behalf of the United States government for official occasions of public or cultural importance, such as an official visiting."
First lady Jill Biden gave the Smithsonian Museum the gown she sported to her husband's inauguration.
The Smithsonian Museum notes that designer Alexandria O'Neil donated the dress that first lady Jill Biden wore at her husband's 2021 inauguration "in honor of first lady Jill Biden," implying that the designer leased her the outfit.
On the other hand, it seems that Melania Trump, the previous president whose husband's fortune made him the richest president in past times, gave her first dress, which was created by Hervé Pierre, herself. That might be as a result of her payment.
The wife of former prime minister Gordon Brown, Sarah Brown, has discussed the challenges of accepting presents in Downing Street, especially clothes. She stated, "There is plenty of manufacturers and shops who are willing to give you free clothes," in her 2011 book Behind the Black Door. "As I quickly discover,"Not to mention the ethical ramifications of abusing your position to obtain freebies, there are several regulations governing what MPs (and spouses) may and cannot do with free presents.
"No 10 advisers and I find out a way that works for everyone," she said when outlining the approach. I can purchase any clothing I want to keep."I can practically "rent" any freely given clothing or jewelry for around 10% of the retail price and then give it back."
What about other nations?
Other international leaders' spouses seem to base their fashion decisions primarily on gifts. Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, is rumored to be provided garments by upscale Parisian design businesses like Louis Vuitton, as she does not have a state budget for clothing.
Madame La Présidente, a book published in 2019, claims that her office maintains a log of the garments that are donated to her and those that are her own.
However, her spouse, President Emmanuel Macron, has come under fire for his own extravagant spending. A newspaper last year reported that his staff had paid around €4,000 (£3,380) for a business class ticket on a flight from Paris to Brazil just to ship two of his suits.
Ministers in Germany came under fire for spending €450,000 in the first half of 2023 on photographers, hair stylists, and makeup artists, despite the fact that there doesn't seem to be a dedicated money for apparel.
A representative for the Foreign Service refused to speak more when asked about Lammy's remarks.
Regarding Sir Keir's announcement of garment donations, Downing Street stated: "We sought guidance from government officials on coming to office."
Although we thought we had complied, we have now declared additional goods after this month's interview."
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