Volume 50 of This Week In Fandom introduced me to 'Maylennials', the name given to fans of Theresa May, the UK's Conservative Prime Minister. The fandom mostly consists of fangirling the PM's fashion choices on Tumblr, Instagram, and blogs like Political Style. The latter is currently running a series on an A-Z of May's sartorial decisions, from jaunty hats to oversized accessories.
It inspired me to redress the balance and celebrate the real political style icon of our times: Jeremy Corbyn.
A is for... Anorak
Some say you have a choice to make between practicality and style - Jeremy Corbyn proves you can have both. Jeremy sported this attractive anorak on a visit to flood devastated Carlisle in 2015.
B is for... Bike Helmet
Safety first is Jeremy's mantra - with that sultry socialist gaze it's just as well!
C is for... Crocs
Just as the style of his chief political opponent has become synonymous with the leopard, Jeremy has also embraced an animal influence. Like the crocodile, Jeremy is thick skinned and has been labelled something of a prehistoric throwback.
D is for... Designer
Jeremy doesn't worry about brands. Style, after all, is about what works for you not how much your clothing cost. Or, as this picture suggests, how much material it consists of.
E is for... Eyebrow
Forget the Scouse Brow, Jeremy's Islington Eyebrow is all natural and the perfect tool for shooting Theresa May a quizzical glance over the dispatch box.
F is for... Facial Hair
Beards are indisputably the hipster facial fashion of choice, but Jeremy has stayed true to the style whether it is 'in' or not. This dedication has paid dividends, with Jeremy holding the record for most wins (7) of the coveted title of Parliamentary Beard of the Year.
G is for... Glamour
Say what you like about Jeremy, there is no denying that he scrubs up well!
H is for... Hi-Vis
Whereas his predecessor, Ed Miliband, favours a buttoned up approach to the hi-vis vest, Jeremy goes for a more casual look with his open collar and unfastened velcro. One could argue this is suggestive of Jeremy's wish to be seen as both thinker and man of action; alternatively, it may have been a warm day.
I is for... 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor'
No comment needed.
J is for... Jaunty Hats
Hats have ceased to be a fashion staple in modern times, but the opposition leader has been keeping the flame alive. Whether it's the (in)famous peaked cap he auctioned off to Brian Eno for £250 at a Stop The War fundraiser, or his beloved bike helmet, Jeremy is living proof that even if you have a full head of hair you are under no obligation to flaunt it.
Bonus:
K is for... Knitwear
Jeremy always dresses for the occasion - here he combines comfort and style at a Morning Star conference. A love of wool runs in the family: Jeremy's mum knitted some of the most memorable jumpers in his wardrobe, and it has been reported that Jeremy's wife is also a great fan of upcycled knitwear.
L is for... Legs
Some critics claim that to be taken seriously politicians are forced to forego clothing that highlights their sex appeal. Jeremy has no time for such arguments, believing that if a man wants to show off his shapely calf there is nothing wrong in doing so. What an inspiration.
M is for... Man-Bag
Every politician has things they need on hand, be it keys, swipe cards, paperwork or expense claims. Jeremy teams his trusty satchel with a pair of equally trusty bicycle clips for a look that is simply effortless.
N is for... No Tie
To wear a tie or not to wear a tie, that is the big question facing male politicians. It can be a fine line between business casual and simple scruffiness, at least that was the view of former Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron. Jeremy - who was gifted this tie by supporters in Warwick to help him follow the PM's advice to smarten up - claimed Cameron was just jealous of his innate sense of style.
O is for... Oversized Accessories
Go big or go home! As a long time backbencher, Jeremy understands the importance of going above and beyond to attract attention to the issues which matter.
P is for... Placard
Nobody can rock a placard quite like the Labour Party leader. This early example from a 1984 anti-apartheid demonstration highlights Corbyn's longstanding commitment to making a statement.
There really is nobody quite like Jeremy Corbyn.
R is for... Rosette
Jeremy Corbyn is never afraid to nail his political colours to the mast - or pin them to his lapel. Here he sports a chic number in traditional polyester ribbon, the perfect accompaniment to the boyish look of wonder the nation has come to love.
S is for... Socks (and the lack thereof)
While his opposition are preoccupied with the height of their heels, Jeremy is happy to dispense with them entirely. When Jeremy is wearing shoes he isn't the type to follow the crowd - socks and sandals are a risky combination, but Jeremy is no coward when it comes to his fashion choices.
T is for... Tracksuit
Jeremy is fearless when it comes to taking on trends more typically associated with the younger man. This Wilson tracksuit in a fetching shade of grey would not look out of place on any of the 'yoof' voters Jeremy is so keen to win over.
U is for... Uniform
Although an individualistic - some would say eccentric - dresser today, there was a time when Jeremy had no choice but to toe the sartorial line. A day student at Adams' Grammar School in Shropshire, Jeremy can be seen here wearing his school uniform complete with prefect badge in the 1960s.
V is for... Vests
With the British climate being what it is, it can be a challenge for politicians of all political stripes to avoid unsightly nipple protrusion. Jeremy solves this problem by layering his daywear over a selection of sleeveless undershirts. There has been no official word on the Labour leader's views on thermal vests, but I think it is safe to say a style icon like Jeremy would give them his full approval.
W is for... Wet Look
No trend is a trend too far for Jezza.
X is for... Xenodochial
Jeremy likes strangers - be they four legged friends, random commuters, or even people who have the audacity to hail from beyond Britain's borders. It's a good look, but it may well prove to be his political downfall...
Y is for... Yellow
Yellow is apparently the colour for Spring/Summer 2017, but Jeremy's association with the hue dates right back to 1966 when he joined CND. It remains to be seen whether he comes over yellow bellied this season, or stands by his commitment to unilateral disarmament.
Z is for... Zero F***s To Give
Jeremy's style might not be for everyone - but he isn't losing any sleep over it.
Political fashion is not just for the Maylennial - check out this A-Z of Corbyn style! https://t.co/jYiHkH6GYH pic.twitter.com/G6em0qnOwt— Jessica Powell (@jess__powell) May 20, 2017
