NOT necessarily considered a fashion icon during her time at 10 Downing Street, Margaret Thatcher was famed for her sartorial staples – a string of pearls, given to her by husband Denis, pussy bow blouses, an Asprey handbag and a seemingly-endless supply of fitted skirt suits in every shade of blue from royal to navy.
But her inimitable look has come to define an era. That favourite Asprey bag, which became synonymous with her conservative but feminine style, sold at Christie’s for £25,000 in June 2011. “I hope that the highest bidder knows that if he’s into handbagging, he’s got a weapon with quite a track record,” said Thatcher’s daughter, Carol, at the sale. “After all, my mother invented the verb ‘to handbag'”.
Look back here at her most famous fashion moments in her life in pictures.
A nine-year-old Margaret at Huntingtower Road Primary School in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
With husband Denis on their wedding day at Wesley’s Chapel in London.
Receiving a telegraph at her Farnborough home following her election as MP.
Arriving at the Dorchester Hotel for an event.
Sitting on the Conservative front bench during the state opening of Parliament in her role as Secretary Of State For Education.
At the Conservative Party Conference in Blackpool with Roger Mountford.
Wearing a European flag jumper to attend a pro-market rally.
Arriving at the King’s Road Chelsea Polling Station to vote in the referendum.
At Westminister Abbey with husband Denis wearing a signature pussy bow blouse.
Arriving at 10 Downing Street with husband Denis after being named the country’s first female Prime Minister.
Making a speech at the annual Conservative Party Conference.
Photo By Rex Features
In a button-front red dress and pearls while on an official visit to China.
Photo By Rex Features
Giving a speech at the London Economic Summit in a floral dress.
Photo By PA Photos
At Camp David – the country retreat of the President of the United States – with Ronald Reagan.
Photo By Rex Features
In Washington with then US president Reagan during an official trip to the States.
Meeting designer Zandra Rhodes in London.
At her 10 Downing Street desk wearing signature pearls and a purple houndstooth jacket.
Photo By PA Photos
Leaving 10 Downing Street for the last time with husband Denis.
Photo By PA Photos
Leaving London’s Claridge’s Hotel following an event.
Dressed in monochrome at the official opening of Waterloo International Station in London.
At her home in Belgravia with husband Denis, who was returning from hospital following heart surgery.
Returning to her London home after two weeks in hospital with ‘flu.
Photo By PA Photos
The Baroness at a party inside London’s Admiralty House with Dr Liam Fox and his wife Jesme.
Photo By PA
In a powder blue coat on her 87th birthday with son Mark and his wife Sarah.
Photo By Rex Features
Read more: Vogue
Leave a reply