From Macron's teacher to French First Lady: There's something about Brigitte
But of course, France lived up to its reputation of l'amour, as the French President-elect Emmanuel Macron won the elections with his wife Brigitte Trogneux by his side.
24 years his senior, his blonde better half was his former teacher at school, and yet the good people of France put their faith in the man for his word and not his unconventional marital relationship.
I wonder whether India will ever warm up to a day like this - though there is a soap opera ad doing the rounds on similar grounds (child marriage being celebrated to a nausea-inducing hilt is our nations choice, it seems.)
And yet, Brigitte has positioned herself as a relevant partner and less of a "mummy-figure" as some claim. Think rocker-chic-meets-girl-next-door fashion, and you can gauge the vibe she's going for.
In fact, one could venture so far as to say that the young Emmanuel might have rubbed off on "BiBi" as she is fondly called. Younger partners often have a way of sharing their youth with their spouse.
To begin with, it takes guts and sheer determination to wear more than four-inch heels at the age of 64, and smile that wide in public. Sure those Gianvito Rossi shoes with the orange pop and pvc were beyond beautiful, but I'm not sure it's advisable, given the pressure on the the knees and all that.
Ask any woman half her age - even I have vampishly scowled at complete strangers while wearing such high shoes.
But just like any good fashionista, #BriBriFirstLady (yup, that's the new hashtag) has often been seen sporting her keds on the streets and on hikes, and they're as #OnFleek as the athleisure trend goes.
As are the skinny jeans, leather pants and sleeveless A-line dresses that fall well above the knees. There's a sense of youthfulness in her appearance, and the slightly messy bob haircut and that toothy, white smile are perfect additions to the "look".
While there are no other First Ladies of her age to compare her to, one can consider the Duchess Of Cornwall, Camilla, who is only five years older than her at 69 years. And yet, the queen-in-waiting conveys perfect grandmotherly propriety with her conservative dressing, predictable dresses till the calves and tweed jackets.
A far cry from the liberté that encapsulates Lady Macron's style. The Brits would approve, but trust the French to turn their noses up to such sartorial ennui.
You see, the French have always had that "je ne sais quoi" to their advantage, and Brigitte has used it well to her credit.
No wonder she's compared to Jane Fonda. An untamed, free spirit is always so attractive, isn't it?