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Andy Burnham swapped his signature black t-shirt for a suit on Monday as he officially became Prime Minister, yet it was his wife, Marie-France van Heel, who really stole the show.
The Dutch-born marketing executive traded her high-street look last week for the epitome of British high fashion as she braced for life inside No10.
Ms van Heel lived up to her reputation as the “coolest girl in college” in a lilac gown designed by another one of Britain’s “first ladies”, Victoria Beckham.
The 56-year-old stunned in the elegant £850 midi dress (Net-a-porter.com), which is made from crepe and features cape sleeves with a fitted waist.
It’s been a big week for the former Spice Girl who was also credited with designing Melanie Chisholm’s wedding dress over the weekend.
Ms van Heel’s pastel dress was paired with nude slingback shoes, likely to be a £45.99 pair from high-street footwear brand, Office.
It wouldn’t be the first time that Ms van Heel has championed high-street fashion or blended luxury with affordability.
Just days ago, when her husband was announced as Labour Party leader, Ms van Heel wore a green M&S co-ord (lace blouse, £45.99, Marksandspencer.com, matching skirt, £35, Marksandspencer.com) and a pair of Boden heels. The matching top and skirt combo costs just £80 altogether.
The Prime Minister’s wife is proving that she can satisfy a spectrum of critics, from luxury shoppers to high-street devotees - something her husband will be keen to replicate.
At Ashton in Makerfield ahead of her husband’s victory as MP, Ms van Heel was the epitome of affordable luxury.
She wore a polka dot blouse, black vest, and culottes, with a pair of Converse Run Star Hike trainers, but elevated the casual look with a pair of Tom Ford Kaya sunglasses and what is believed to be a Tiffany Heart Tag Toggle necklace.
As she steps into the limelight, Ms van Heel’s outfits will continue to come under scrutiny like the Prime Ministers’ wives before her.
It’s been a strong start for Ms van Heel who has hinted at her husband’s policies through couture, but only time will tell whether Mr Burnham will blend high and low quite like his wife.
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