But the rogue state is undergoing somewhat of a style revolution - thanks, in part, to the country's own dictator-approved versions of The Spice Girls and Kate Middleton.

Reports trickling out of the secretive country reveal the new burgeoning middle class in capital Pyongyang and beyond are finding their inner fashionistas, donning tear inducing sky-high wedges and ever shorter skirts.

However, you won't see anyone in the know wearing jeans. They are, it is said, out of fashion.

The style revolution is being led from the front by the Moranbong Band: the all-female pop group unveiled in 2012 and supposedly put together by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The band, which is believed to have around 18 members, was likely designed to try to show a modernisation of the arts in North Korea.

And that 'modernisation' extends to their clothing and haircuts, perhaps surprisingly in such a strict country.

Vicky Mohieddeen, a regular visitor to the country thanks to her job as creative projects manager of Beijing-based North Korea tour company Koryo Tours, revealed the 'in' haircut used to be getting the lower section of the hair permed. 

But now less is more - for both hair and skirts.

'One of the guides I work with had her hair cut very short,' Miss Mohieddeen said. 'She told me, "I saw the Moranbong Band on TV so thought I'd just go for it". 

'All the North Korean men are in love with the band members.

'And the skirts are definitely getting shorter – but by this I mean just an inch or two above the knee. 

'These are not miniskirts by any stretch of the imagination, just a general move away from what's serious and sombre. 

'The women have seen these being worn on TV and thought, "This must now be OK".'

 But it isn't just the influence of the pop band which is subtly changing styles in North Korea.

(dailymail.co.uk)