Melania Trump's fashion sets the world talking

The US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump touched down in London on September 16th for their UK state visit.

- Lara Owen, The Independent

While they are supposed to express good bilateral relations, state visits are rarely just about handshakes and speeches. With more pictures issued than words, the leaders' clothes speak as loudly as policy. When Melania Trump, 55, stepped off the plane at Stansted Airport, the First Lady's outfit spoke volumes before she uttered a word. In a classic camel Burberry trench, Trump offered an immediate nod to her hosts.

Dr Naomi Braithwaite, associate professor in fashion and material culture at Nottingham Trent University, told PA Media, “Burberry is the sign of British fashion, and so coming down wearing that is a really positive thing.” The coat - flapping open to reveal the signature check lining, collar dramatically turned up-was both practical and theatrical. Dr Braithwaite saw not only British heritage but “that wonderful Hollywood glamour (when trenches were worn by) Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart,” who made the trench such an iconic piece - harking back to when US and European style came together.