Posh Accents Make a Comeback, Influenced by Nigella Lawson, Alexandra Shulman Observes
Alexandra Shulman notes a cultural shift where traditionally perceived 'posh' accents are becoming more accepted, citing Nigella Lawson's television presence as a catalyst.
The cultural perception of "posh" accents appears to be shifting, with television personality Nigella Lawson credited by commentator Alexandra Shulman as a significant influence in their resurgence. Shulman observes that after years where such accents were often tempered or avoided in media, Lawson's recent appearances have emboldened the use of more upper-class pronunciation.
Shulman, who notes her own upbringing with a Received Pronunciation accent, recalls a period in the past decade where sounding "posh" could hinder career prospects in presenting, with a trend towards more "democratic" accents. She points to the evolution of Claudia Winkleman's voice from her early career to her role in "The Traitors" as an example of this trend.
However, Lawson's "unabashedly posh" demeanor on television, characterized by her voice and vocabulary, has, according to Shulman, prompted a change. Shulman suggests that viewers are responding positively to this shift, indicating a renewed acceptance of upper-class accents.
Beyond commentary on accents, Shulman's notes touch upon other observations. She describes a recent visit to Buckinghamshire where the landscape was significantly altered by HS2 railway construction, rendering pleasant walks difficult and creating "dystopian looking vistas." She also details issues with modern car lighting, noting how complex settings and bright LED headlights have made night driving challenging and potentially dangerous, referencing the tragic accident involving broadcaster Jenni Murray.
In fashion, Shulman highlights the return of the knee-length pencil skirt, a style she favors and recently wore for her wedding, noting its prominence in Miuccia Prada's latest Milan show. She humorously recounts potentially donating such skirts to Oxfam in the past.
Shulman also briefly mentions the fifth season of the Netflix series "Fauda," acknowledging its complex portrayal of events surrounding October 7th and its added resonance due to the personal connection of one of its creators to that day. Finally, she comments on the public image of political figures, critiquing Tony Blair's post-workout gym photos and praising Kemi Badenoch's tailored style, which she attributes to Badenoch's self-assuredness.