It used to be that fashion icons were women from the past. Hollywood starlets, long since deceased, who embodied the idea of true, effortless, chic fashion. Audrey Hepburn, pour example.

But, nowadays, we don’t have to look further than the front pages of our daily newspaper to see powerful and stylish women.

Icons in our midst.

Because, while their husbands play politics, first ladies Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy are making a name for themselves as true fashionistas.

Very different in their approach to dressing (Obama’s contemporary modern flair and Bruni’s classic polished style), these two women offer a lot of fashion food for thought.

Recently, the two women came together in Strasbourg, where their husband’s were preparing for the upcoming Nato summit.

While the world looked to the city where political leaders were contemplating their future alliances, fashionistas world-wide looked on as they contemplated their future outfits.

The fashion face-off was well documented in the UK’s Guardian newspaper.

The women’s outfits were analyzed, ranted and raved about.

In the face of the recession, many felt Obama’s mix-and-match daring style was a sure-fire winner. She’s not afraid to grab an item from J. Crew and match it with a designer piece. Very economical of you, my lady.

But I have to admit, it’s Bruni’s regal duds that always set my heart a flutter. Sure, it’s mostly grey and the most eccentric accessory is a cleverly placed bow, but if I were a first lady, you bet your scene-stealing ass I’d be draped in Dior.

You be the judge:

Tags: Fashion & Beauty, News & Gossip //