by 
Emmanuel Macron participated in Operation Schmooze in the Netherlands this week as he attempts to bolster his authority in Europe as protesters in France continue to vent their fury over his pension reforms.
And guess who stole the show? Yes, Brigitte Macron has once again eclipsed her husband’s very important speeches with her clothes.
There were five in total, with the average item coming in at £2,500. For some, Madame Macron is the epitome of French elegance.
The Bring it on Brigitte brigade is mesmerized by her every makeover and by the fact that at 70 (her birthday was yesterday), she hasn’t retreated into shapeless apology sloppiness.
For others, it’s a conundrum wrapped up in a logo-encrusted riddle; an intelligent woman who has spent most of her career working as a teacher, but now she thinks it’s only right to wear the flashiest labels when parts of her country are literally burning with anger over the cost of living.
And therein lies Brigitte’s dichotomy.
On the one hand she is an ambassador for French fashion, the embodiment of someone who is both smart and elegant, and a poster girl for older women who do what they want.
On the other hand, it’s just a little… de trop. What we can all agree on, however, is that in a drab political summit, Brigitte never fails to deliver a fashion-forward moment.
The Vuitton
Yesterday, protesters stormed the Paris headquarters of luxury giant LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton.
This may or may not influence Brigitte Macron’s passion for the brand, which she has been wearing almost exclusively since she was introduced to Nicolas Ghesquière, her creative director.
The yellow trench worn at the Keukenhof flower park is très Brigitte – impeccable cut and guaranteed not to wrinkle. This child would emerge from Armageddon with his LV monogram collar intact.
Hair
In 2018, the French Court of Auditors revealed that the Macrons spend €62,000 (£55,000) a year on hair and make-up. Butter yellow balayage doesn’t come cheap. Makeup essentials include bronzer, black mascara, and lots of fruits and vegetables.
In 2017, Guillaume Gomez, head chef at the Elysee, revealed that the couple like at least 10 a day on the menu.
The tan
That’s what you call a committed tan: year-round and deep teak. The Macrons are blessed with sunny vacation options, even when they make a staycation.
Their year would last for three weeks at Fort de Brégançon, their official summer residence on the French Riviera. A perfect place for Brigitte to escape to a corner of the gardens and work on her tan.
The heels
At 1.68m (about 5ft 5in) Madame Macron is petite compared to some of the giants with whom she shares a public stage. Thus, 100 mm heels are her favorite answer to her, even with jeans.
Legs
Like many French women, Brigitte has slender, toned legs that she takes care of by jogging regularly: She once brushed past me with her bodyguard during a twilight jog near the Elysée Palace. She likes to show them off with skinny jeans and pants and above-the-knee skirts.
The clothes
Where there is a banquet, there is an elegant column dress by Brigitte, often by Ghesquière from Vuitton. Madame Macron is at her best in the evening with impeccably cut dresses that flatter the shapes and never reveal too much of the flesh. She has also worn Balmain, Chanel and Alexandre Vauthier.
Power fits
Madame Macron knows that power dressing, even in the most serious circles, is no longer simply built on shoulder pads or prim dresses. She wears bright colors for impact and many pantsuits, which are elegant but never stiff.
