Real Lives

Monday November 23, 2009

Leading lady

By KEE HUA CHEE

France's Economy, Industry and Work Minister Christine Lagarde is touted as one of the world's most powerful top 10 women.

CHRISTINE Lagarde's litany of achievements is a mile long. Currently, France's Economy, Industry and Work Minister, she was previously the Agriculture and Fishing Minister, and Trade Minister. Her present post makes her the first and only woman to be minister of economic affairs in a major G-8 economy.

Last year, Forbes placed her as the 14th most powerful woman in the world and since the global crisis, she is considered to be even more influential as France begins to emerge from recession under her ministrations.

Graceful chic: Christine Lagarde in an outfit by Malaysian designer Ng Swee Kuang.

Lagarde is tall and slim with an imposing presence enhanced by her trademark shock of white hair. Though stylishly cut ala Posh, she never bothers to colour her coiffure. As she remarked succinctly: "I am very independent. I don't care whether people think if I am doing the right thing." Her obviously healthy frame and long, easy strides were a result of being a champion synchronised swimmer.

She took time to the smell the roses, metaphorically speaking, as she bended over to examine the purple orchid floral display on the table at the French embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Magenta must be her favourite colour as she was wearing an amethyst suite of pendant and earrings, though her fingers glittered with two diamond and sapphire rings. A diamond watch and thick diamond bracelet blinked beneath her sleeves.

When asked if they were Cartier, being French and all, she mischievously put a finger to her lips and went, "Ssshh," without naming names.

Her famous wit and sharp tongue came into play when she was asked how she felt as one of the planet's most powerful women. She replied: "What do you think?"

I mumbled: "I don't know, since I'm not powerful nor a woman."

She gave a toothy grin and added: "I feel very good in Kuala Lumpur right now. But, thank you for your concern." Fashion is bound to be a safer topic.

During the Malaysian Prime Minister's visit to France last month, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had met up with Malaysian designer Ng Swee Kuang. Based in Paris with his own boutique called Ornel Soie in the Sentier district of Paris, Ng incorporates batik in many of his couture designs. Also sold to high end boutiques in France, Europe and Japan under the Ornel Soie label, his prestigious clients include wives of presidents, princesses, ambassadors' wives and ministers. Trained at the Osaka Fashion Institute in Japan, he moved to Paris upon graduation.

The Prime Minister was impressed by Ng's collection when it was shown to him at Rumah Malaysia in Paris as he felt his contemporary usage of batik would find broad appeal. During his courtesy call on Lagarde, Najib informed her of a talented Malaysian designer with a thriving business in Paris.

The French minister expressed an interest to meet him and was suitably bowled over. She eventually purchased two jackets and a suit for her visit to Malaysia.

Considering the fact Lagarde was wearing an elegant, lapel-less and definitely not batik jacket at the French embassy in KL, presumably this was not the Malaysian designer's outfit. Under some prodding, she admitted it was from Emmanuel Kahn. Why not one of Ng's designs to please the Malaysians?

Her rapier mind (she was chairman of law firm Baker & McKenzie whose revenues rose 30% under her) means she is never at a loss for a diplomatic answer.

Without missing a beat, she replied: "You know what, tomorrow I'm attending a party in Singapore and will also appear on television. I will be wearing Ng's outfits then. It is a bright yellow dress with purple flowers and matching skirt. I will be promoting Malaysian design in Singapore! Now I am promoting a French designer in your country!"

She went on to describe Ng's creations. "I like his colourful designs as they bring joy to the wearer. He has a well thought out collection. Some of his designs, especially the flowers and botanical motifs, are a bit too big for day-to-day wear, but for parties and special occasions, they are brilliant."

According to Aureen Jean Nonis of Matrade (Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation): "The success story of Ng in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, is a testament that the capabilities of Malaysian designers are well accepted in the international fashion scene. More so when a finance minister chooses to wear his clothes!

"The promotion of the Malaysian fashion industry continues to be undertaken by Matrade which successfully organised the participation of Malaysian designers in the Who's Next fashion extravaganza in Paris for the second time. Designers like Farah Khan, Jimmy Choo and Bernard Chandran and Zang Toi enjoy global recognition and have made their country proud."

Lagarde was in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month to sign a tax treaty with Najib to close loopholes in tax evasion.

"This exchange of information will result in more transparency as both countries will supply the necessary information when asked. If Malaysia thinks someone is subject to taxes and hiding his assets or liabilities in France, your tax authorities can ask me and I will send the necessary information."

She also called on Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz to seek advice on Islamic banking. "Malaysia is a big Islamic financial hub and recognised as such internationally. In Europe, London is the dominant centre for Islamic finance. I am interested to explore the rules of interpretation so France, and in particular Paris, can develop Islamic financial capabilities," she said.