President Obama donned an Indonesian-style shirt at an Asia-Pacific Conference, days after he and other world leaders rejected aloha shirts in Hawaii.
Posing for photos at the Association of Southeast Asian nations or ASEAN meeting in Bali, President Obama and 17 other world leaders wore a traditional ikat, a common form of business attire in the region.
"I think those are beautiful shirts, absolutely elegant ikat and a wonderful design. and they looked great on them," said fashion write Paula Rath.
But on Sunday in Hawaii, President Obama and other leaders declined to wear a custom Tori Richard designed aloha shirt for the annual APEC photo, which usually involves an outfit reflecting the region.
"I didn’t hear a lot of complaints about us breaking precedent on that one," Obama said.
No complaints from the delegation but an earful from others and not just in Hawaii.
"The Guardian" in London said "Barack Obama has shunned a 20-year tradition…What a massive fashion faux pas"
And when the ikats were worn in Indonesia, the world took notice.
"French Press" noticed, "The tradition of dressing leaders in colorful local costume was revived in Bali Friday, after briefly falling victim to the economic crisis. "
That because of an undertone in Hawaii that perhaps the suits were chosen over the aloha shirts to look more businesslike. Yet none of the leaders in Bali were accused of getting less done. The president even got props for his selection.
New York magazine wrote "Whoever said President Obama can’t work a print is wrong. Wrong!"
Fashion experts say it’s not too late for Obama to make amends with aloha wear and maybe the first lady too.
"Certainly if he comes back at Christmas I hope that we will see him in aloha prints and also see Michelle in some of our beautiful Hawaii dresses," Rath says.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
