Akshata Murthy stood beside her husband Rishi Sunak during his final speech outside 10 Downing Street after his party suffered a crushing defeat in the UK elections. While the results and the future of the Conservative Party were the main topics of discussion, social media couldn’t stop itself from focusing on Ms Murthy’s outfit.
Her red, white and blue chevron gown, identified as the 395-pound (Rs 42,000) Lena Dress by designer Omi Na Na, attracted a lot of attention. Comments ranged from the colour scheme to the design and even the price. Although she was in the background, her outfit sparked speculation, with some wondering if her bold fashion choice – which incorporated the colours of the UK flag – was a tactical move to make a subtle statement amid the country’s changing political dynamics.
“Akshatha Murthy’s dress is perfect for the occasion. The multi-layered symbolism is *chef’s kiss*,” wrote a user on social media platform X.
Other electoral matters and tribal loyalties aside, Akshatha Murthy’s outfit is perfect for the occasion. The multi-layered symbolism is *chef’s kiss* pic.twitter.com/mlTf0ZxGu9
— Saran (@__Saran__) July 5, 2024
However, not all reactions were positive. Some users speculated whether the outfit was deliberately worn to divert attention from Mr Sunak’s speech.
“This is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from Sunak’s speech,” one user wondered, while another echoed the sentiment, adding, “Akshata is trying her best to divert attention from her husband in her horrible outfit.”
This is hurting my (tired) eyes. Is this a deliberate attempt to divert attention from Sunak’s speech?
— blue bean wearing a mask ???? (@bluebean76) July 5, 2024
Akshatha is trying her best to divert attention from her husband in her horrible outfit#generalelection2024 pic.twitter.com/FB48bWHoof
— Charles Mossman ??????????????????? #FBPE (@charles_mossman) July 5, 2024
Others praised the outfit, calling it “so stylish and fun” and “beautiful.”
Obviously got rid of her husband, but I personally thought Akshata’s outfit was quite stylish and fun.
— Dominic Dean (@DrDominicDean) July 5, 2024
Akshata’s dress was so beautiful! pic.twitter.com/AkkiWl7oyx
— Helen ?????????? Reasons to be happy, one, two, three (@errjustsaying) July 5, 2024
Someone joked that “it looked like she was disguised as a zebra” while another commented, “That costume is a sign of distress and a cry for help”.
When I first saw it the red part wasn’t visible and it looked like she was disguised as a zebra.
— Contrary Mary (@ContraryMary_74) July 5, 2024
That dress is a signal of distress and a call for help
— Louise Maving (@LouiseMaving1) July 5, 2024
The cost of the dress also attracted attention, with one user writing: “Akshata Sunak’s dress costs £395 which she will probably never wear again. With that money I can feed my whole family for more than a month.”
akshata Sunak’s dress cost £395, which she will undoubtedly never wear again.
With that money, I could feed my whole family for a month.
— Helen Seber Bridgwood (@Knitknurse) July 5, 2024
Rishi Sunak has the distinction of being the richest person to have served as the UK’s Prime Minister. His wife Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys billionaire founder Narayana Murthy, adds to his financial status. According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2024, the couple’s combined wealth is estimated to be £651 million. This immense wealth makes them the wealthiest residents of 10 Downing Street to date.
