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Fashion diplomacy: China’s first lady and seven other stateswomen who won the world with style

China's first lady Peng Liyuan talks with Trump Senior Advisor Jared Kushner as they attend a dinner at the start of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. April 6, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Head of states might be calling the shots when it comes to politics, however, it’s the first ladies who win the world over with grace and style. As China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan’s impeccable looks stole the spotlight at the much anticipated Xi-Trump summit this week, we take a look at some of the most stylish stateswomen of our times.

Peng Liyuan, First Lady of China
Every appearance of the First Lady of China not only catches the eye of the media but also the fashion world. Peng Liyuan does not disappoint the crowd with her always elegant and dignified style, created by her choice of local designer brands and some of her signature pieces, such as modernised Chinese qipao and tailored jackets.

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., April 6, 2017. REUTERS/Joe Skipper TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan attend a dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., April 6, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States
In the recently launched official portrait, the new First Lady of US chose to wear an all-black Dolce & Gabbana jacket to debut her political style. But it is yet too soon to define her style as her role evolves from a former model, a mother of one and the wife of a billionaire to the FLOTUS, especially amid the controversy of fashion designers’ refusal to dress the former model.

First Lady Melania Trump (C) and US President Donald Trump (3rd R) arrive in West Palm Beach, Florida, April 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON
US First Lady Melania Trump (R) and US President Donald Trump (C) await the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON
Melania Trump's offical White House photograph. Photo courtesy of the White House

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess’ every move has been under the limelight since her engagement with the world’s most prominent prince and his royal family, so has her every look. She has been judged as having a similar style to that of the beloved Princess Diana, but true or not, the Duchess has impressed the world with her remarkable sartorial elegance.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge AP Photo

Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States
The extraordinary fashion sense of the former First Lady might have raised the bar higher for Melania Trump. Dubbed the most stylish FLOTUS after Jacqueline Kennedy, the charismatic style icon is highly praised for her intelligent use of mid-range to high-street labels to create a favourable public image.

Michelle Obama (2R) and US former President Barack Obama AFP PHOTO

Carla Bruni Sarkozy, former first lady of France
While Melania Trump’s style is still yet to be carved, the former first lady of France might be a relevant model-turned-first-lady example that Melania can refer to. From the runway to the centrestage of the country’s political scene, Carla managed to create appropriate looks for her different roles with effortless ease.

Carla Bruni Sarkozy

Samantha Cameron, wife of former prime minister of UK
In terms of fashion, no one knows better than Samantha Cameron. The wife of former prime minister David Cameron has returned to the fashion industry as she launched her own fashion label last year following her pervious experience as creative director at luxury brand Smythson and continues to inspire professional women in the country.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (L) and his wife Samantha Photo: REUTERS

Charlene Lynette Wittstock, Princess of Monaco
Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa, is known for her breathtaking beauty and impeccable fashion taste. While her athletic body provides the perfect framework for all kinds of outfits, from formal suits to glamorous gowns, her attention to detail, combined with perfect make-up and hairstyle, never fails to turn heads.

Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock Photo: REUTERS

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
As the youngest queen on earth, Jetsun Pema fascinates the world with her striking beauty and exotic looks in Bhutanese traditional dresses while her sense of style earned her the name “Kate Middleton of the Himalayas”.

Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema (L) AFP PHOTO

Melania Trump, Peng Liyuan, Kate Middleton, Charlene Lynette Wittstock, Michelle Obama, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Samantha Cameron and Jetsun Pema have captured our hearts with their graceful airs and fashion sense