Obama: the white shirt man

omarinho — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:26:40 +0000

According 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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Fashion with meaning

omarinho — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:28:49 +0000

Barack Obama rolls up his shirt sleeves and John McCain wears sweaters under the suit, but in the 2008 presidential campaign, there are not hunting shirts, windsurfing trunks or something resembling Michael Dukakis’ helmet.

The most prominent thing in the wardrobes of Obama and McCain is their consistency, said Ned Martel, who has traveled with both campaigns as Men’s Vogue deputy editor.

According to Martel, McCain’s style is the traditional Republican clothes: a dark suit, a striped tie, solid shirt and, sometimes, a sweater.

Obama often goes without a tie and he wears dark solid suits or khaki pants. He prefers blue or silver ties and white shirts.

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Adidas extends its leadership position

omarinho — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:50:10 +0000

Last year, Adidas expanded its leadership position in Football (soccer) clothing market, Herbert Hainer said yesterday in Vienna. He is the CEO and chairman of Adidas.

Adidas has a share of 40% in the football merchandise market, two points more than last year (38%) and higher than its closest competitors (Puma and Nike) together, according to Hainer.

In UEFA EURO 2008, Adidas hopes to sell merchandise related to soccer, which is valued at 1.8 billion dollars. This would be a sales increase of more than 50% since UEFA EURO 2004, the last European Championship year.

Also, Adidas predicts a good growth rate and a profit growth of around 15 per cent this year.

Press Release

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Obama: the white shirt man

Fashion with meaning

Adidas extends its leadership position