The Vanity Fair International Best Dressed List has always somewhat baffled me. Maybe baffled isn’t quite the right word, but I’m always amused by what a mixed bag it is.
Of course, I don’t expect it to be a straight-up list of fashion folks, as that doesn’t truly represent the people covered regularly in VF. But man, do they throw in some random curveballs.
This year is no exception. Not surprisingly, both Michelle and Barack Obama (dad jeans, notwithstanding, I guess) make the list along with a smattering of royals, other world leaders, and their spouses. Think Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Sheikha Mozah of Qatar.
The fashion crowd is represented by Natalia V. and husband Justin Portman, Rachel Roy, Georgina Chapman, Tory Burch, and Franca Sozzani (love!), among others. On my questionable list is Stacy Bendet’s “Hello Kitty meets Joan Jett. Randomness” personal style. She’s a choice that makes me go…hmmmm.

And of course no story in Vanity Fair is complete without the requisite celeb quotient. Penelope, Brad, Daniel Craig, and Anne H. are all fine choices. But really, Renee Zellweger? She basically wears the same Carolina Herrera dress on every carpet! And I love me some Kelly Ripa (and sneaky watch her and Regis every morning that I can) but I’m not sure I’d put her on the same list as the First Lady of France. Though the more I think about it, that choice is starting to grow on me. Kelly has a pretty killer shoe collection.
Like any magazine list such as this, there are always personal and business relationships that play a part in who makes the cut. Perhaps Graydon’s greasing the wheels for a cover? Or a new advertising program? Or just reiterating his political stance? Because it’s definitely never just about the clothes.
So what do you think? Who’s missing? Who shouldn’t be on the list?