18 JULY 2003
The prime minister's wife Cherie Blair has long been known for her designer – but reasonably-priced – wardrobe, often bought off the rack from local boutiques. However, for the landmark occasion of her husband Tony speaking to US congress – the first UK prime minister to do so since Margaret Thatcher in 1985 – Cherie Blair decided to splash out on something special.

Though her powder pink dress and jacket might have seemed like another ensemble from this season's ready-to-wear collections, it was nothing less than a £7,000 haute couture creation. Cherie's stylist Carole Caplin reportedly convinced her to sport the hand-woven French silk tweed outfit, made by the designer of the Duchess of York's wedding gown, Lindka Cierach.

And if Cherie, who accessorised the ensemble with matching pumps and a Mikimoto pearl necklace and earrings, looked perfect for the occasion, it was no accident. The QC underwent two fittings, and a third visit for final adjustments, at the couturier's Kensington workshop.

The US visit, however, wasn't the first time the high-profile spouse has made headlines for her choice in garments. Last October, it seemed everyone had an opinion on the memorable Agnes B black leather suit she donned for a Labour conference. That cutting-edge number came had a price of about £850.