Famed for her sharp yet stylish skirt suits and rigid, box handbags, she was the pinnacle of power dressing. And now fans of Margaret Thatcher’s iconic style can get their hands on their own slice of British fashion history. At an auction being held at Christie’s on September 7 to celebrate Britain, seven of the former Prime Minister’s most unforgettable suits are going under the hammer.
The rainbow collection of outfits from the early Seventies represent a turning point in Margaret’s career – as she rose from minister for education to leader of the Conservative Party. A green wool dress suit that she wore for the Women In Politics Panorama programme in 1972 will go on sale. As will the turquoise suit that she sported to accept the leadership of the Conversative Party in February 1975 (pictured below). Another ensemble from the same year will also be available to buy – a navy suit she wore in an episode of Val Meets the VIPs, with former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton (pictured last).
A double-breasted lame cocktail coat will represent Mrs Thatcher’s choice of occasionwear. All the outfits are expected to fetch between £1,000-£1,500. Explaining their decision to auction the suits, Nicolas Martineau of Christie’s has described Margaret as "the ultimate power dresser". "She was very aware of the power of television and the power it could have and she dressed accordingly," he said.
The auction is taking place as part of Christie's "London Sale", a one-off themed affair being held to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and London 2012. Other items in the sale range from an original 1966 Routemaster bus, which is estimated to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000, to vintage posters of London landmarks.
