Obama: the white shirt man

12 Nov 2008

Obama: the white shirt manAccording to Esquire, Obama dresses well. The magazine ranked him amongst the best dressed men around the world. And his must-have clothing pieces are impeccable white shirts, which are  substituted occasionally in summer or, for example, on his recent travel to Hawaii. There’s nothing more basic than a white shirt… but Obama wears it with the appropriate style for every occasion and four possible options: with and without tie, with and without jacket. He is creating an aesthetic image as a communication strategy. His look is part of his politics project. Obama wants to be connected emotionally and aesthetically with the Kennedy clan, and in particular, with Bob Kennedy, who was murdered in 1968. Bob used to roll up his shirt sleeves (white shirts, too) with the same ease with which Obama does it. The similarities go beyond clothes. The communication skills, the public’s fascination, the happiness and hope that people of all races and economic status feel when greeting him (or by touching him), a permanent smile on his face… Some photos that were taken in 1968 reflect the same sort of emotion in a historical moment, just like thousands of Obama photos during the exciting primary and presidential campaigns.

Obama is aware of the importance of fashion, style and the ability to seduce with a message and cultural archetypes that connect him with people. This way, he has been surrounded by experts, advisers and also by women and  men who are famous by their art and attractiveness. For example, one time, The Mail on Sunday said that actor George Clooney (who, apparently, is the most elegant and sexy man of the world) was one of his advisers about his look and his body language in public speaking. Even, there was a rumor on the media that George Clooney sent him some political ideas by e-mail or SMS. George Clooney denied advising Barack Obama about political ideas… yes, maybe he was only an adviser about fashion and style.

Yeah!, voters like the good taste and suitability in the wardrobe of our politicians, as well as a good physical presence. Nobody wants to be represented by somebody who doesn’t look good enough. Taking care of himself and dressing well is the most respectful way a politician can send several messages to the voter: I represent you and I take care of myself (my image is your image); I represent my country (or my city, or my community) and I compete with other people: for that reason, I take care of myself. Believe or not, the beauty (the global attractiveness, the style…) plays a role in the politics. The sympathy and the smile are important for the political and electoral success.

Obama is also a brand… a fashion brand. During Paris Fashion Week, the designer Jean Charles De Castelbajac  surprised us with a short yellow and black outfit, displaying a picture of Barack Obama and two fun fingerless “yes” and “no” gloves, as a symbol of the presidential election.    However, there is nothing comparable to the participation of some designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Derek Lam or Vera Wang, who will design a collection of clothing and accessories as a way to support the next USA President, just like some musicians and actors supported him. Also, Donatella Versace announced that her 2009 collection will be inspired by the new President.

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One Response to “Obama: the white shirt man”
Cris Osea says:
March 28th, 2010 at 11:07 am

We filipinos love Barack Obama. we think that he would be the best president of the United States and that he always makes wise decisions when it comes to foreign policy.


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