SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

Retro chic is currently all the rage in the fashion business so I suppose it is only part of a natural progression that the body language of celebs known for their cutting-edge chic should take on this kind of period feel too. P DIDDY, aka Sean Combs, and SARAH JESSICA PARKER's greeting gestures as they pose at the Council of Fashion Designers of America fashion awards in New York have the look of another era, which is completely in keeping with their 50s 'Rat Packer meets cigarette girl' attire. The handshake is old-fashioned, formal and obviously staged, as their torsos are both turned towards the camera lens rather than one another. Although Sean's smile registers respect for the Sex and the City diva, his status signals still look competitive.

He's treating Sarah to a presidential handshake here: low-slung to pull her hand down and out towards his body, placing him in control and trapping her in situ, while that pat on the back is the kind of semi-paternal, congratulatory gesture a boss gives an employee to register a job's been well done. As a result, Sarah's smile looks a trifle forced as she gazes up into Sean's eyes - but don't underestimate her ability to fight back. She's met Sean's handshake with a strong grasp of her own, holding him in a grip so firm you can see her bicep stand out and the sinews go taut in her arm.

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