Eclectic wardrobes typify Washington’s diplomatic nomads.

By Gail Scott

Chan Heng-Chee

Foreign diplomats and their spouses bring a unique style to Washington that is often more of a mélange from their nomadic life abroad than typical of their homeland. These citizens of the world may add to their wardrobes in Washington and New York, but cherish what they found during former postings and visits to London, Paris, Moscow, Beijing, New Delhi or Kabul.

Shamim Jawad is well known for elegant, colorful Afghan fashions that sparkle, shine, and sometimes even jingle– reminding us of her country’s long history as an important trade route. Iceland’s petite Åsa Baldvinsdóttir loves purple and probably wears the most avant-garde clothing with short skirts and tights topped with hip Icelandic jewelry. Lebanon’s Nicole Chedid is proud of her gowns by Elie Saab, the top Lebanese designer responsible for the luscious red dress Halle Berry wore to accept her Oscar.

Italian-born Maria Felice Mekouar has a great talent for picking gorgeous colors and mixing fashion elements from all over the world. I’ve never seen this champion golfer on the links at the Chevy Chase Club, but she probably looks fabulous there, too. She and her well-dressed husband, Aziz, always look the part and represent Morocco with great style.