I know, I know, you guys probably can't understand why I am so obsessed with Dannii's outfits on a TV programme we don't even get in Africa. Well, let me explain. And no, I am not going to say because she is part of my fantasy book club. Although that is obviously a reason. Duh.
What Dannii Minogue's outfits represent to me — and hopefully to you — is an alternative to the usual offerings of pop stars, actresses and TV presenters who appear to believe that shorter, tighter and shinier is always better. Now I understand the appeal of bright and shiny as much as the next fashion editor who wants her pages to pop. But you can have shiny and trendy, without having to compromise your diginity. Or style.
What Dannii has done this season, week after week, is offer pretty, fashionable, often dramatic cocktail wear that is appropriate and fun and loses nothing in the class of it all. She has systematically out-dressed (and out-classed) her fellow judge Cheryl Cole, who is younger, thinner and more famous. And she has done it in an accessible and fashionable way. I think it is a good lesson for everyone.