One might not anticipate encountering snow boots and fluffy hats at a gathering frequented by the planet's wealthiest and most powerful individuals. Yet this became the surprising reality during this week's World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. While global leaders convened at the 56th edition of the event to tackle pressing international and regional challenges, several also confronted significant dilemmas within their own wardrobe departments.
The Chancellor's Alpine Attire
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves exemplified this sartorial struggle. Her interpretation of business casual attire featured a longline crimson puffer jacket complemented by fur-lined snow boots that appeared far more appropriate for the ski slopes than a high-level economic summit. Admittedly, the sub-zero Swiss conditions rendered conventional power dressing considerably more challenging, a phenomenon The Times memorably dubbed the '0.1 per cent's ultimate wardrobe crisis'.
Contrasting Approaches to Cold-Weather Chic
Attendees adopted wildly divergent strategies to navigate the freezing climate. Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, a prominent American financial journalist with an estimated net worth of $45 million, embraced full glamour. She appeared in a floral bucket hat, tinted glasses, and a sophisticated brown leather jacket.
Conversely, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde boldly defied the chill in a pair of skin-tight leather trousers, which she paired with a cream bouclé jacket. For entrepreneur and TED speaker Daniela Baumann, the choice was a festive velvet power suit in green, while her companion sported an eye-catching pair of black Ugg boots adorned with shimmering silver sequins.
The Layered Look and Mismatched Styles
Layering proved a popular, if bulky, solution for many. One attendee was photographed wearing a remarkable combination of a jumper, fur gilet, blazer, and a final puffer jacket. Valeria Kushnerchuk, Executive Director of the Diia.City Union, opted for an intentional mismatch, pairing a formal suit with a casual bucket hat and black sunglasses.
Some participants chose to simply ignore the harsh weather altogether, braving the cold in miniskirts or opting for thin, sheer tights. This created a stark visual contrast against the more pragmatically dressed delegates wrapped in winter woollens.
Katy Perry's Political Pivot
Perhaps the most notable transformation was that of pop superstar Katy Perry. Attending on the arm of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the singer seemed a world away from her earlier 'California Gurl' persona, known for a cupcake bra and electric blue wig. The 41-year-old, who rose to fame with the provocatively titled 'I Kissed a Girl', has recently shed her playful image.
Her Davos ensemble signalled a new, conservative wardrobe befitting a political partner. With her hair slicked back in a neat bun, Perry wore a scoop-neck cardigan with balloon sleeves and a matching pencil skirt from luxury Parisian brand Jacquemus, both in a discreet 'stealth wealth' beige. Her accessories, including understated drop earrings from The Care, completed this pared-back, sophisticated look.
A Legacy of Lavishness
These over-the-top and eclectic outfits align with the lavish culture historically associated with the global elite who have flocked to Alpine resort towns like Davos for decades. The forum itself remains a premier gathering of the world's current upper crust—a definitive who's who of investors, corporate titans, and political leaders focused on shaping global industry agendas.
This year's speaking roster included notable figures such as former US President Donald Trump, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Apple's Tim Cook, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella. Yet, amidst weighty discussions on economics and geopolitics, the battle against the elements and the resulting fashion statements provided an unexpectedly human and visually compelling subplot to the high-powered proceedings.
