We're going to have a new president soon, but we don't have a First Lady in sight. It's been a long time since we've had one. To ease our First Lady Blues, SPOT.ph lists 10 of the most fashionable First Ladies ever. These past and present trendsetters prove that dressing well is the best way to make a statement–especially when you're with the most powerful man in your country.
1. EVITA PERON (First Lady to Juan Peron of Argentina, 1946-1952)
Life stats: Marà a Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perà ³n of Argentina, the second wife of the late Argentinean dictator Juan Peron, was a former actress and radio host. Her rise to power began after her marriage to autocrat Peron. She was First Lady from 1946 up until her death at age 33 in 1952. This blond beauty, who had humble origins, became Argentina's most loved and despised women of her time. While adored as the champion of the downtrodden, she was also criticized for extravagance, corruption, and manipulation of the masses.
Style statement: Carol Lawson of the The New York Times wrote: "Never mind that Eva Peron was corrupt, conniving, and megalomaniacal. She knew how to dress." Peron loved French couture and jewelry–particularly Christian Dior and Cartier. She was known for her plush evening gowns, big jewelry, mink stoles, and the "Evita bun"–a sophisticated, sleek bun hairstyle tied at the nape of the neck.
Pop culture points: As one of the most powerful Latin American women, Eva's life had become the subject of numerous plays, articles, and books. The most popular of homage to her is the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical Evita. The 1996 movie version starred Madonna and it earned a Guinness World Record title for Most Costume Changes in a Film. Madonna changed costumes 85 times.
2. IMELDA MARCOS (First Lady to Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines, 1965-1986)
Life stats: She was the First Lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. She became legendary for her extravagance. At the height of the Marcos family's rule, she reportedly owned 1,200 haute couture dresses, 1,500 bags, and, of course, over 3,000 pairs of shoes. And, of, she was also into building palatial homes.
Style statement: Bouffant hair matched with colorful ternos that she popularized by proudly wearing them, well, everywhere. She was also very much into shoes and accessories by Ferragamo, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Givenchy.
Pop culture points: She's a favorite subject of books and documentaries. She's been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Woman with the Largest Shoe Collection. She inspired the word, "Imeldific," which refers to ostentatious antics. Newsweek named her as one of the Greediest People of All Time. Since her family was ousted from power, she has reportedly toned down her extravagance. She now has her own product line called The Imelda Collection. She was recently proclaimed as congresswoman of Ilocos Norte's second district.













