Image Consultant Kerrie Ellis and journalist Raquel Laneri joined Philip Boucher Hayes - filling in for Claire Byrne - on RTÉ Radio 1 to discuss why politicians' clothes matter. Listen back above.
A khaki-coloured fleece embroidered with a small emblem and matching cargo pants may seem like an unlikely choice of outfit for a political leader, but over the last 14 months, Volodymyr Zelensky's military attire has become one of the most famous political outfits in history.
Reflecting on Zelensky's look, Raquel Laneri says that, as a former actor, the Ukrainian President likely has a "great understanding of political theatre in a way that very few Western democratic leaders do", and may use his appearance to convey ideas the way he would as a character in a film.
Of course, Zelensky isn't the first leader to use his clothes to express a specific message.
Looking back at famous figures throughout history, such as Napoleon, Fidel Castro, and Mao Zedong, Rachel explains that they would use their clothing to convey power, whether that be with flashy military garb or utilitarian suits:
"These leaders understood that clothing could more align them with the people that they were representing, and show them that they are just like them and that they're in the struggle with them."
By wearing his functional wardrobe, Raquel believes that Zelensky is letting people know that he is "right in it with his Ukrainian people".
"He's also telling other leaders, wherever he travels, whether it's the halls of Congress or meeting with the King of England, that he is a wartime leader and he is at war - he is continually hammering this message home through his dress."
Image consultant Kerrie Ellis agrees with Raquel, noting that the success of wearing certain clothes to convey a message can come down to sincerity.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron - who can usually be found dressed in a conservative suit - was photographed wearing jeans and a hoodie while in office.
Unlike Zelensky, though, the casual pieces led to accusations of 'cosplay' and posturing with The Wall Street Journal asking: Is Emmanuel Macron Trying to Dress Like Volodymyr Zelensky?
Believing the Ukrainian President to be a true man of the people, Kerrie says that it is his conviction that allows his messaging to shine through: "I think it's about expressing yourself but being real and being authentic."
"Zelensky is absolutely wearing what he has worn from day one when this war broke out and he is sending that powerful message to his people and to other leaders around the world as well."
To hear about the wardrobes of Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, and Hilary Clinton, listen back above.
