Forget Brexit, there is a bigger issue plaguing British politics right now – Theresa May's leather pants.
The British Prime Minister has been roasted like chestnuts on an open fire for wearing a pair of "bitter chocolate" leather pants by UK designer Amanda Wakeley in a recent profile for London's The Sunday Times.
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Theresa May in 'trousergate' row
The Prime Minister's pant choice in a Sunday Telegraph photo shoot has sparked a row in the already tense political climate in the UK.
She teamed the trousers, that retail for close to $1700, with a pair of $236 Burberry sneakers – another proud British fashion house.
Instead of praising her for ditching her signature leopard print kitten heels, something she was advised to stop wearing earlier this year, what followed was a controversy of Downton Abbey "upstairs, downstairs" proportions.
May was not only criticised by other media outlets but also from within her own party, with one "political insider" telling the BBC her pants had been "noticed and discussed" among the Tory crowd.
The "insider" was maligned Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, who then went on to quote her version of Scott Morrison's "pub test" by saying: "My barometer is always: 'How am I going to explain this in Loughborough market?' "
"I don't have leather trousers ... I don't think I've ever spent that much on anything apart from my wedding dress."
Morgan, whom May fired from her cabinet position in July and also carries an equally expensive Mulberry handbag, then found herself "disinvited" to a private meeting at Downing Street to discuss Brexit, according to The Guardian.
This sexist storm in a tea cup only highlights the double standards of the criticism May has copped since she took over the top job. Something that eluded her predecessor David Cameron and his pricey suits. Cameron, when he first took office, had a taste for Savile Row suits that cost about $5400.
"Trouser-gate" has also highlighted May's similarities with her Australian conservative colleague Julie Bishop.
Both share a deep appreciation for fashion and understand the message particular clothes can convey.
Our Foreign Minister is a champion of the Australian Fashion Chamber's "fashion diplomacy" campaign and often wears Australian designers such as Carla Zampatti, Dion Lee and Bianca Spender on overseas missions and to highly publicised local events.
May subscribes to Vogue, while Bishop has the Australian edition's editor-in-chief Edwina McCann on speed dial.
Outgoing first lady Michelle Obama will be missed by the American fashion industry when she vacates the White House in January. Obama has the midas touch with her outfits by both high-end designers, such as Jason Wu, and high-street brands frequently selling out.
Across the pond, May's chocolate pants have since sold out and generated unprecedented international press for the Amanda Wakeley brand and a flurry of economic activity within the British rag trade. This is excitement translating into sales, something not seen since the arrival of Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace.