The French have long been known as trendsetters and purveyors of fine fashion, but it looks like President Emmanuel Macron has started getting style advice from Europe’s most fashionable leader.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an instantly recognizable figure amid the Russian invasion of his country and has spent the past three weeks in simple khaki sweatshirts, jackets and T-shirts coordinating his country’s defense.
The Ukrainian leader has understandably ditched a suit and tie that would normally suit a head of state in favor of more utilitarian attire as he divides his time between the presidential palace and the streets of war-torn Kyiv.
However, new photos have surfaced of Macron – arguably the prettiest figure in the EU, who is rarely seen in anything other than a flawlessly fitted suit, coiffed hair and clean-shaven – sitting at a table at the Elysee Palace in a dark hoodie, jeans . and a face full of stubble.
The French leader is hard to recognize at first glance in the images, his baggy black hoodie in stark contrast to his favored slim navy blue jacket.
The images, taken in the Golden Hall of the Élysée Palace in Paris, which also serves as Macron’s office, show him hard at work on Sunday answering calls from international leaders in poses strikingly reminiscent of images of Zelenskiy preparing to speak to the media or deliver an exciting speech. video message from his office in the Ukrainian capital.
Released this morning by Sauasigue de la Moissoniere, Macron’s official photographer, the images were well received on social media by her followers, who applauded the seemingly candid shots of the president going about his business.
But others accuse Macron of curating “military unit” style photos as a marketing gimmick, exploiting Zelenskiy’s popularity and trying to appear more attractive.
So far, Macron has been a consistently well-dressed character and has long been portrayed as the highest statesman who would not dare to be caught without a suit and tie, even after hours.
The French leader is depicted in a suit and boots in almost every photo published by the world’s media and his personal photographer.
Zelenskiy, meanwhile, has been regarded as a man of the people ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, developing a penchant for taking selfie videos as he strutted the streets of Kyiv in khaki camouflage and delivered pep talks defying Vladimir Putin.
And even before the start of the war, Zelensky was an actor and comedian, so many could not take him seriously when he came out in a suit and tie, like most heads of state.
As the war rages on and public admiration for Ukraine’s president grows stronger, don’t be surprised to see Boris Johnson appear before the House of Commons in a sweater and jeans!
New photos have surfaced of Macron – arguably the prettiest figure in the EU, who is rarely seen in anything other than a flawlessly fitted suit, coiffed hair and clean-shaven – sitting at a table at the Elysee Palace in a dark hoodie, jeans and a face full of bristles. Some see it as a marketing tactic to appear more attractive, taking advantage of Zelenskiy’s popularity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an instantly recognizable figure amid the Russian invasion of his country, and has spent the past three weeks in simple sweatshirts and khaki T-shirts coordinating his country’s defense. The Ukrainian leader has understandably ditched the suit and tie normally worn by a head of state in favor of more utilitarian attire as he divides his time between the presidential palace and the streets of war-torn Kyiv.
The French leader is hard to recognize at first glance in the images, his baggy black hoodie in stark contrast to his favored slim navy blue jacket. Macron is known as a timelessly stylish dresser, and nearly every image of him shared by the world’s media and his professional photographer still shows the world leader in a suit and boots.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has become an instantly recognizable figure amid the Russian invasion of his country, and has spent the past three weeks in simple sweatshirts and khaki T-shirts coordinating his country’s defense. Some believe that Macron noticed the incredible support for the charming and attractive character and decided to change his outfit accordingly.
The pictures, taken in the Golden Hall of the Élysée Palace in Paris, which also serves as Macron’s office, show him hard at work on Sunday, answering calls from international leaders in poses strikingly reminiscent of images of Zelenskiy preparing to speak to the media or deliver an exciting speech. video message from his office in the Ukrainian capital
Zelensky’s casual, utilitarian attire against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of his country set him apart from the drab businesslike appearance of his European counterparts. In video messages from the President of Ukraine from the presidential palace in Kyiv (pictured), the head of state pulls out a chair in front of the Ukrainian flag and delivers impassioned speeches of unity, urging international leaders to support Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces.
Zelensky (left) and Macron (right) are pictured together in December 2019. Macron’s edgy blue suits have become something of a trademark, and the French leader has always been presented as a crisp, deadpan statesman.
Zelenskiy, meanwhile, has become something of a superstar since Russia invaded Ukraine, developing a selfie video addiction, strutting the streets of Kyiv in khaki camouflage and delivering pep talks defying Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskiy’s pleasant, down-to-earth demeanor has been very well represented in recent weeks and is in stark contrast to images of Vladimir Putin, who can often be seen sitting at the end of a large table a few meters from his deputies. Zelensky has been pictured visiting wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Kiev hospitals and sitting at a table sharing food with his deputies as they plan their next move.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) takes a selfie with a wounded man lying on a bed during a visit to a military hospital after fighting in the Kiev region. According to the official website of the president, Zelensky visited the hospital to “award the military with orders and medals for courage and dedication, and also to note the hospital staff for exemplary work in difficult conditions.”