CARLA BRUNI ACHIEVED THE IMPOSSIBLE DURING HER RECENT TRIP TO BRITAIN. SIAN LLOYD REVEALS HOW THE NEW WIFE OF FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY MADE POLITICS FASHIONABLE – GASP!

LIKE you, I screamed “Ooh la la” when I saw Carla Bruni’s style assault on London.

The former supermodel seduced us all with her effortless chic, and gave British women a lesson in fashion they’ll never forget.

In just two days she went from sex kitten (remember those naughty nude pics) to the consummate political WAG, or PWAG.

And I hope her British counterparts were taking notes, because Carla has proved that style matters, even in the stuffy world of politics.

After spending four years in a relationship with Lembit Opik MP, I know that life as the wife or girlfriend of a politician is far from glamorous.

But Carla showed that it should be, and I couldn’t agree more.

When it came to fashion, I followed the key rule: dress appropriately and avoid looking tarty – straining skirts or noticeable lumps and bumps are veritable votes of no confidence.

It may be acceptable for football WAGs to wear revealing, overtly sexual outfits, but for the PWAG it’s best to err on the side of caution.

So far, Carla hasn’t put a fashion foot wrong.

Her Dior outfits appeared effortless, even though she undoubtedly invested a lot of thought in the various ensembles.

The purple coat (right) was pure genius – classic, chic and very “au moment” – and the claret evening gown oozed sophisticated sex appeal.

I can only hope that Carla inspires our home-grown PWAGs to branch out a little when it comes to their wardrobes.

However, I fear old habits die hard.

Our political other halves will resent the pressure and refuse to bow to what they see as frothy fashionistas.

My advice to them: watch Carla’s every move and learn from it.

Many women in British politics believe they need to portray the image that they are too serious and high-minded to bother with frivolous things like fashion.

On their heads be it.

Because the message from Carla was clear – clothes maketh the woman, and Sarah Brown should take note.

During an unfortunate photocall with the French and British First Ladies, Carla radiated style, while Gordon’s wife looked like she was off to a parish cake bake. Tut-tut.

I accept that Madame Sarkozy would look good in a bin bag and that she has the advantage of being able to take her pick from Dior’s newest collection. But Mrs Brown and others could at least try.

As told to Claie Wilson; Photography: Justin Canning/Stay Still/Photoshot, Nicky Johnston/Camera Press/Alamy