The state visit of President Nicolas Sarkozy of France to the United Kingdom has started off on a positive note, if the fashion media there are any indication.
   First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy was dressed in a Christian Dior grey coat (that grey—the one the fashion house itself made famous) with matching beret, accessorized with a black belt and black gloves. She wore black pumps to lessen the 4 in height difference between her and her husband, but also to avoid towering over her hosts, as she may be taller than HH the Duke of Edinburgh.
   The Times made some reference to Thunderbirds’ Lady Penelope but summarized that Mme Sarkozy had, overall, succeeded in a more demure, safe look. Compliments could also be found from editors at Harper’s Bazaar UK and British Vogue, with the fashion magazines drawing comparisons with Jacqueline Kennedy.
   There had been reports that Mme Sarkozy had met with Christian Dior’s English-born designer John Galliano to plan the wardrobe over the last few weeks.
   Her official wardrobe also includes an evening gown by Jean Paul Gaultier. M. Gaultier had also designed her wedding gown.
   HM Queen Elizabeth II wore a mottled fawn coat with dark brown trim and a dark brown hat trimmed with fawn-coloured feathers.