Ethical fashion a win-win for political wives

In recent years it has become de rigeur for the wives of politicians to champion ethical fashion. It is seen as a way of supporting the industry while swerving inevitable criticism for being a frivolous fashion fan. Before Miriam Durántez González added her influence to the EcoLuxe event she was already associated with eco fashion when she was photographed carrying a bag made of interlocking recycled ring pulls. It was hand-made in Brazil, by fair trade workers trained by the charity Bottletop. Sarah Brown, meanwhile, is a fan of high street ethical label People Tree and was photographed wearing the brand's signature striped T-shirt to go electioneering. She also championed ethical statement jewellery by fair trade label Made. Michelle Obama is also a fan of ethical jewellery. In August this year she was photographed on the president's birthday wearing chunky bangles by award-winning label Monique Pean. The designer uses recycled gold and conflict- and devastation-free diamonds in her fine-jewellery line. In 2007, however, Samantha Cameron and the luxury goods label Smythson – where she was creative director at the time – invoked the ire of animal rights campaigners over a £950 handbag. Politicians' wives and the issue of ethical fashion – always a hot issue.