Much can be said about Akshata Murty, whose star was propelled into the stratosphere after the appointment of her husband Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister back in October 2022, after he accepted King Charles III's invitation to form a government.
An accomplished academic (she undertook an MBA at Stanford University) she is also fashion lover at heart. She abandoned a career in finance and marketing to launch her eponymous clothing label Akshata back in 2011. The news that her husband was taking the most senior office in the country has of course led many to speculate on the style and wardrobe of the former designer and the new "first lady" of the UK (ourselves included.)
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Akshata has just touched down in California with her family for their annual summer break, the Sunak's first family holiday in four years. Her husband revealed to LBC, "The country will be left in the capable hands of the Deputy Prime Minister. So we're having our first proper family summer holiday in a few years.... We're going to California, which is where I met my wife so it's very special to us. The kids are very excited because I'm taking them to Disneyland."
We round up some of Akshata's most memorable outfits to date, including what she's been wearing in the Sunshine State...
Is Akshata Murty a Fashion Designer?
Murty developed the business plan for Akshata while earning her MBA at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where she met her now husband Rishi Sunak. Upon graduation in 2006, she remained in San Francisco and worked once again in marketing and finance before dedicating herself to Akshata full-time in late 2009. Murty's debut collection was for the Spring 2011 season. "Clothing is the most literal expression of my creativity, and I’m equally passionate about history, so this business allows me to merge those two worlds," says Murty. "Developing these collections provides me with an ultimate sense of creative fulfilment."
The now defunct brand discovered artists in remote villages in India and Akshata worked with them and their designs to create her own clothing. "Her Fall/Winter 2011 collection relies on traditional Ikats, Chanderi and Mysore silk, paired with tweed and wool," Vogue India said of her debut at the time.
What is Akshata Murty's personal style like?
Akshata Murty, is something of a style maverick; she likes to mix heritage pieces with her designer garb, "It's as cool to hang an original Gond painting in a New York penthouse as it is to own a creation by an established artist. I apply that same logic to clothing: Why not wear a hip summer frock inspired by cave paintings in India and team it with a Marc Jacobs scarf?" she told Vogue Indiain 2011.
Akshata wore a Coach bag at a reception for the British Asian Trust
"Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved clothes. My mother, a no-nonsense engineer, was always baffled why I would spend so much time creating different outfits from my wardrobe. I’ve collected an eclectic mix of whimsical things that I find on the streets of Mumbai and Los Angeles, as well as staples from Gap and American Apparel. I layer them with funky pieces from vintage stores and the occasional Alexander Wang dress - I love his casual and fun, lightweight jersey dresses."
What else can be gleaned from Akshata Murty’s background has been fed in dribs and drabs to the press with of course the most salubrious points being that she hails from the illustrious Murty dynasty. Her parents Narayana and Sudha Murty are both extremely accomplished. Her father Narayana founded a $77 billion IT services company called Infosys, while her mother Sudha became India's first female engineer to work for its biggest car manufacturer, TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company.
Akshata Murty loves a designer shoe
Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak attended the Frieze Art Fair 2022 VIP Preview in Regent's Park on October 12, 2022 in London with Akshata teaming Gucci trainers with a tartan blazer. When it comes to smart casual Akshata understands the assignment.
Akshata Murty loves a glam moment
The then-Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty attended a reception to celebrate the British Asian Trust at the British Museum on February 9, 2022 with Akshata wearing a stunning one shouldered gown featuring traditional Indian embroidery. Simply stunning.
Akshata Murty loves a lace dress
Akshata Murty wore a white eyelet lace dress to take part in the final Conservative Party Hustings event at Wembley Arena, in London, on August 31, 2022.
Akshata Murty is a fan of the puff sleeve
Akshata Murty handed out tea to the waiting media outside her home in central London following her husband's resignation as Chancellor of the Exchequer on Wednesday July 6, 2022. Akshata proved that she isn't one to don a simple boring LBD. The puff sleeves here paired with modern slides are giving us life.
Akshata Murty can do prints
Although it's not her go-to Akshata Murty donned a cloud print dress during Rishi Sunak’s campaign trail on July July 23, 2022 in Grantham. The look proved she's not afraid to mix up her style, she opted for a Tory blue £165 dress by high street label Club Monaco, proving she's just as comfortable in high-street as she is in designer.
Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Ashkata stepped into Westminster Abbey for Charles' coronation wearing a Cinderella-blue satin dress adorned with a regal botanical satin print. Her structured Claire Mischevani 'Alexandra' dress featured romantic puff sleeves, a waist-cinching belt and silhouette-enhancing A-line skirt, which she paired with contrasting black accessories.
Rishi and Akshata wave as they prepare to board a plane following the G7 summit
The 'first family' viewed preparations prior to Downing Street hosting a big lunch to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 07, 2023. Akshata donned an £85 heart print blouse from Boden.
Rishi Sunak and Akshata disembark their plane as they arrive at Tokyo Airport
Descending the steps of their British Airways flight as the couple landed in Tokyo, Murty wore a £275 bright pink cashmere top from Chinti & Parker and neon green tailored trousers from ME+Em.
First Lady Jill Biden of the United States meets Akshata Murty
Akshata Murty does Barbiecore in California
Not even Akshata could resist the temptation of Margot Robbie-induced pink hued garments this summer. The former designer donned a casual pink T-shirt paired with an elegant printed ankle-skimming maxi skirt for their first appearance during their family trip to California.
Akshata Murthy and her family on the Santa Monica Pier on August 3, 2023
Akshata Murty makes hiking look chic
Akshata Murty and Rishi Sunak were seen on a hiking trail in Malibu, California in almost matching striped shirts and Akshata eschewed shorts for a feminine navy skirt.
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