It's All In The Boots

Photo by Michael Probst -- AP

Normally, I wouldn't post a fashion comment on KOTP (I save my various clothing fixations for Nuthin' But Fluff). However, while reading the Post this morning, I came across an in-depth analysis of SecState Rice's ensemble while visiting the troops at Wiesbaden Wednesday. Since this is vaguely political/current events, kind of amusing and allows me to indulge my boot fancy, I decided to stick the comments here. The article itself is either a funny parody of semiotic and post-modern interpretation (the boots are a text, right?) or demonstrates that the author needs to take a breather. Rice looked as though she was prepared to talk tough, knock heads and do a freeze-frame "Matrix" jump kick if necessary. Who wouldn't give her ensemble a double take -- all the while hoping not to rub her the wrong way? Rice's coat and boots speak of sex and power -- such a volatile combination, and one that in political circles rarely leads to anything but scandal. When looking at the image of Rice in Wiesbaden, the mind searches for ways to put it all into context. It turns to fiction, to caricature. To shadowy daydreams. Dominatrix! It is as though sex and power can only co-exist in a fantasy. When a woman combines them in the real world, stubborn stereotypes have her power devolving into a form that is purely sexual. Rice challenges expectations and assumptions. There is undeniable authority in her long black jacket with its severe details and menacing silhouette. The darkness lends an air of mystery and foreboding. Black is the color of intellectualism, of abstinence, of penitence. If there is any symbolism to be gleaned from Rice's stark garments, it is that she is tough and focused enough for whatever task is at hand. [...] But the sexual frisson in Rice's look also comes from the tension of a woman dressed in vaguely masculine attire -- that is, the long, military-inspired jacket. [...] Rice's appearance at Wiesbaden -- a military base with all of its attendant images of machismo, strength and power -- was striking because she walked out draped in a banner of authority, power and toughness. She was not hiding behind matronliness, androgyny or the stereotype of the steel magnolia. Rice brought her full self to the world stage -- and that included her sexuality. It was not overt or inappropriate. If it was distracting, it is only because it is so rare. I thought black was just one of the basic colors for women's fashions; I never realized it was the "color of intellectualism." And, while the look is definitely fetching - mmm...spikey boots - I must admit that I did not immediately think "Domintrix!" Which, is odd, since that's a fairly common thought for me. I was more thankful that the second female SecState does not resemble a troll. Sorry, but whatever you might think of Albright's politics or abilities, she certainly was not easy on the eyes. I wonder how many people these days actually think that "sex and power can only co-exist in a fantasy. When a woman combines them in the real world, stubborn stereotypes have her power devolving into a form that is purely sexual." Really? Maybe it comes from the environment I work in - where attractive, powerful women are pretty common - but I think this "stubborn stereotype" exists in the author's head. Or, more accurately, men and women are a bit more complex in their thoughts than this author seems to be giving them credit for. Anyway, I think I might start a weekly fashion post, in which I will over-analyze and intellectualize someone's sartorial choices. That sounds like fun :-) UPDATE: Michelle Malkin has a post on this vital topic with links to everyone else obsessing about Condi's footwear.

(Source: Washington Post)