Fashions of the first ladies

The first ladies of China and the US, who are scheduled to meet this week, their first meeting ever, have much in common: They are symbols of glamour in their own country, and uneclipsed by their more powerful husbands they are loved by the public not because of their spouses but for who they are. Each of them has created a "power center" – a kind of soft power – from a perfect combination of femininity and self-assertion. And they have channeled it to worthy causes such as helping others. They command the spotlight, but never steal the show when the occasion calls for supporting roles. They know what they do will be put under a microscope, including what they don, and they parlay that kind of influence into exposure for causes with larger meanings. Because they exude strength and charisma at once, they become role models who transcend gender and age. 

Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan arrived at Moscow's Vnukovo airport with her husband President Xi Jinping on March 22, 2013. She picked a navy-blue overcoat, from low-key Chinese fashion designer Ma Ke. The country's fashion observers gave two thumbs up on Peng's look. She has promoted the designer and her brand.

US First Lady Michelle Obama walked from the Capitol to the White House during President Barack Obama's inaugural parade in Washington January 20, 2009. She was wearing a golden overcoat and a pair of dark green gloves from J Crew. The US brand now is a household name thanks to Michelle Obama's choice.