LIFESTYLE
2009.02.23
In combating Slouchy jackets, ill-fitted trousers and sleeves that virtually reach one’s knuckles in 2009, Menknowpause Style lab rounds up nine world leaders who, admist global economic slowdown and ongoing international conflicts, still manage to maintain a good eye when it comes to suits. If these charismatic leaders haven't lost their nerve to dress-up, why should you?
Nicholas Sarkozy, President of France
When Nicholas Sarkozy was named the 68th best-dressed person in the world in 2007 by the Vanity Fair magazine, the world gasped in disbelief. Simply because:
A.) His flashy personal collections include rapper-style Ray Ban aviator; chunky, gold Rolex Daytona; and a former-model girlfriend.
B.) The French have dubbed him President Bling-Bling for his nouveau-riche lifestyle.
C.) Bitter ex-wife, Cecilia, had publicly accused him of having the husbandly skills of a gnat, the fidelity of a footballer and the grace of a garden gnome.
Vanity Fair, obviously, had put him on the list for none of the reasons above. The magazine special correspondent, Amy Fine Collins, argues that Sarkozy 'owns a vanity'. We're not sure what she meant by that.
But we'll tell you why we pick him: See, the guy is 5'5" (165cm), and unlike many vertically-challenged men, his trousers are always cut to perfection to never make him look too short. Regular middle-aged fashion faux aside, Sarkozi reminds every man (and woman who dresses like a man) of what it means to have style: be comfortable in your skin, be wise about cutting and don't take fashion too seriously.
Barack Obama, President of USA
A wrong suit can be a boomerang to one's bright personality (Gordon Brown, are you reading this?). But for President Obama, his charisma speaks more than his bespoke suits. Obama's classic two-piece suits offset by a peerless collection of red ties might not spell originality, but they never fail to make him look sharp - be it on the podium during the campaign trail or in a studio set striking poses for Esquire cover.
Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia
Last year, Vladimir Putin stirred up a controversy after being photographed fishing topless. The picture was wildly distributed - from CNN news-desk to Perez Hilton's desktop - and he was quickly named the hunkiest world leader. But it wouldn't be wrong to say that, regardless how fit he looks shirtless, he still looks better in suits. His choice is consistent; dark, modernist suits from Brioni and Hugo Boss. Who would have thought an ex-KGB spy with Slavic cheekbones and cold attitude can dress so well?
Junichiro Koizumi, (ex) Prime Minister of Japan
Junichiro Koizumi may be a 67-year-old with slouchy figure. But without a doubt, he is one of the most fashionable world leaders. Ever. With his signature two-button suits, Koizumi always stands out among the crowd of high-powered politicans - be it at UN convention in New York or WTO meeting in Rome - and he knows it.
Koizumi is naturally elegant, but his style is never classic. There's always a splash of edge and a drop of quirk in his appearance. He plays around with accesories like ties, shoes and cuff-links. His effortless sense of style makes dressing up seems so easy for men, even when you're the Prime Minister of Japan with anime-looking hair-do.
Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of East Timor
It's amazing how Xanana Gusmao can maintain such a dashing look considering:
1.) He had tirelessly fought for more than 20 years for East Timor's independence, and
2.) On February 11, 2008 it is reported that the motorcade of Gusmão had come under gunfire one hour after East Timor's President, José Ramos-Horta, was shot in the stomach.
His appearance, however, is nothing like his gloomy past. Although he keeps his suits dark (black, grey and navy blue are his favourite), his shirts and ties are always bold in colour and harmonious in layer. If his preference of ties and shirts is any indication of East Timor's future, we're sure it will be a bright country.
José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain
The Spanish president likes to keep it simple. His look consists of classic suits, crisp white shirts and ties in subtle colours. No gimmicks, no blings. And given his recent appearances, we assume he doesn't like to play around much with his style. Even his shoes are of consistent model and trim. When you have such a traditional preference, it is easy to fall into another banker-looking politician category. But what makes Jose Luis different than say, Hu Jintao (President of China),is that he has a good, classic taste and knows what work on him.
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia
Mr. Yudhoyono and suits have a unique story. Three years ago, in the wake of Global Warming call, the Indonesian president called for a collective effort for energy efficiency. He had publicly addressed this issue; instructing his instances to cut down the use of air-conditioning system in the office and advising them to leave their suits at home. The following month, local media reported that tailors and suit-makers nationwide complained that their business slowed down after the President's suit-ditching endorsement.
The irony is Mr.Yudhoyono himself is such an avid suit man. He owns the kind of style that will catch your attention; He never looks sloppy - in fact he always looks sleek - in whatever types of suit he's wearing. And believe us, for a man his size that is not easy to pull off.
His classic look consist of bespoke double-breasted suit, striking ties, power specs and Muslim-influenced Peci cap. In recent months, the President has been seen sporting longer suits that cover half of his thighs - a trend seen in Paul Smith Fall 2009 collection.
Kofi Annan, (ex) Secretary General of the United-Nations
Well known for his modesty and integrity, Kofi Annan is the epitome of everything international. Born in Ghana, educated in United States and Switzerland, and married to a Nigerian in the 70s before finally settling down with a Swedish woman. He is fluent in English, French, Kru, other dialects of Akan, and other African languages. His credential includes, well, UN Secretary General.
His high-powered job required him to be constantly mobile, and Annan knows what one look that suits every occasions and places: pin-stripped, double-breasted suits, clean white shirts and a blue tie. It is not surprising then that over the years he has been listed as international best-dressed men several times. Annan counts Brioni and Ferragamo as his favourite suit-makers.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran
Yes, his suits tend to be baggy. We get it; he desperately needs to shave. GQ even nicked him 'the first casual-Friday head of state'. But think about it: Which world leader can pull off such look without either looking like a struggling Italian poet or a tacky Malibu playboy? And despite his unshaven beard and rather short posture, he actually looks good in his oversized suits.
His no-neckties policy works really well with his naturally rugged features and his love for light-coloured suits. If someone could just tell him to get the suits a size smaller than what he thinks fit him, he could be the next Sarkozy - personally controversial, stubbornly eccentric and isn't afraid to flaunt it!
Nicholas Sarkozy, President of France
When Nicholas Sarkozy was named the 68th best-dressed person in the world in 2007 by the Vanity Fair magazine, the world gasped in disbelief. Simply because:
A.) His flashy personal collections include rapper-style Ray Ban aviator; chunky, gold Rolex Daytona; and a former-model girlfriend.
B.) The French have dubbed him President Bling-Bling for his nouveau-riche lifestyle.
C.) Bitter ex-wife, Cecilia, had publicly accused him of having the husbandly skills of a gnat, the fidelity of a footballer and the grace of a garden gnome.
Vanity Fair, obviously, had put him on the list for none of the reasons above. The magazine special correspondent, Amy Fine Collins, argues that Sarkozy 'owns a vanity'. We're not sure what she meant by that.
But we'll tell you why we pick him: See, the guy is 5'5" (165cm), and unlike many vertically-challenged men, his trousers are always cut to perfection to never make him look too short. Regular middle-aged fashion faux aside, Sarkozi reminds every man (and woman who dresses like a man) of what it means to have style: be comfortable in your skin, be wise about cutting and don't take fashion too seriously.
Barack Obama, President of USA
A wrong suit can be a boomerang to one's bright personality (Gordon Brown, are you reading this?). But for President Obama, his charisma speaks more than his bespoke suits. Obama's classic two-piece suits offset by a peerless collection of red ties might not spell originality, but they never fail to make him look sharp - be it on the podium during the campaign trail or in a studio set striking poses for Esquire cover.
Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia
Last year, Vladimir Putin stirred up a controversy after being photographed fishing topless. The picture was wildly distributed - from CNN news-desk to Perez Hilton's desktop - and he was quickly named the hunkiest world leader. But it wouldn't be wrong to say that, regardless how fit he looks shirtless, he still looks better in suits. His choice is consistent; dark, modernist suits from Brioni and Hugo Boss. Who would have thought an ex-KGB spy with Slavic cheekbones and cold attitude can dress so well?
Junichiro Koizumi, (ex) Prime Minister of Japan
Junichiro Koizumi may be a 67-year-old with slouchy figure. But without a doubt, he is one of the most fashionable world leaders. Ever. With his signature two-button suits, Koizumi always stands out among the crowd of high-powered politicans - be it at UN convention in New York or WTO meeting in Rome - and he knows it.
Koizumi is naturally elegant, but his style is never classic. There's always a splash of edge and a drop of quirk in his appearance. He plays around with accesories like ties, shoes and cuff-links. His effortless sense of style makes dressing up seems so easy for men, even when you're the Prime Minister of Japan with anime-looking hair-do.
Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of East Timor
It's amazing how Xanana Gusmao can maintain such a dashing look considering:
1.) He had tirelessly fought for more than 20 years for East Timor's independence, and
2.) On February 11, 2008 it is reported that the motorcade of Gusmão had come under gunfire one hour after East Timor's President, José Ramos-Horta, was shot in the stomach.
His appearance, however, is nothing like his gloomy past. Although he keeps his suits dark (black, grey and navy blue are his favourite), his shirts and ties are always bold in colour and harmonious in layer. If his preference of ties and shirts is any indication of East Timor's future, we're sure it will be a bright country.
José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain
The Spanish president likes to keep it simple. His look consists of classic suits, crisp white shirts and ties in subtle colours. No gimmicks, no blings. And given his recent appearances, we assume he doesn't like to play around much with his style. Even his shoes are of consistent model and trim. When you have such a traditional preference, it is easy to fall into another banker-looking politician category. But what makes Jose Luis different than say, Hu Jintao (President of China),is that he has a good, classic taste and knows what work on him.
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia
Mr. Yudhoyono and suits have a unique story. Three years ago, in the wake of Global Warming call, the Indonesian president called for a collective effort for energy efficiency. He had publicly addressed this issue; instructing his instances to cut down the use of air-conditioning system in the office and advising them to leave their suits at home. The following month, local media reported that tailors and suit-makers nationwide complained that their business slowed down after the President's suit-ditching endorsement.
The irony is Mr.Yudhoyono himself is such an avid suit man. He owns the kind of style that will catch your attention; He never looks sloppy - in fact he always looks sleek - in whatever types of suit he's wearing. And believe us, for a man his size that is not easy to pull off.
His classic look consist of bespoke double-breasted suit, striking ties, power specs and Muslim-influenced Peci cap. In recent months, the President has been seen sporting longer suits that cover half of his thighs - a trend seen in Paul Smith Fall 2009 collection.
Kofi Annan, (ex) Secretary General of the United-Nations
Well known for his modesty and integrity, Kofi Annan is the epitome of everything international. Born in Ghana, educated in United States and Switzerland, and married to a Nigerian in the 70s before finally settling down with a Swedish woman. He is fluent in English, French, Kru, other dialects of Akan, and other African languages. His credential includes, well, UN Secretary General.
His high-powered job required him to be constantly mobile, and Annan knows what one look that suits every occasions and places: pin-stripped, double-breasted suits, clean white shirts and a blue tie. It is not surprising then that over the years he has been listed as international best-dressed men several times. Annan counts Brioni and Ferragamo as his favourite suit-makers.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran
Yes, his suits tend to be baggy. We get it; he desperately needs to shave. GQ even nicked him 'the first casual-Friday head of state'. But think about it: Which world leader can pull off such look without either looking like a struggling Italian poet or a tacky Malibu playboy? And despite his unshaven beard and rather short posture, he actually looks good in his oversized suits.
His no-neckties policy works really well with his naturally rugged features and his love for light-coloured suits. If someone could just tell him to get the suits a size smaller than what he thinks fit him, he could be the next Sarkozy - personally controversial, stubbornly eccentric and isn't afraid to flaunt it!
