Bruni May Have What It Takes to Be First Lady

Former supermodel Carla Bruni may be catching some flack from critics who think she's distracting Nicolas Sarkozy from leading France, but those who would dismiss her as just a model don't have the whole story, writes the New York Times. The award-winning singer is intelligent, cultured—and strikingly similar to the last Mme. Sarkozy.

Influences from her concert-pianist mother and composer/tire magnate stepfather give Bruni an artistic (and moneyed) background that could serve her well at state dinners—and she's "warm," explains Paul Cavaco of Allure. Former First Lady Cécilia Sarkozy also boasts a composer in her family, once did modeling, and, like Bruni, has a rather cavalier take on wedding vows. (More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)