Obama Throws Up...A (Hair)Ball

It's always a treat for us here at FiP when POTUS Obama - or indeed, any other Western politician - enters public life in something else rather than a suit. In Obama's case it unfortunately means that is again time for his regular baseball pitch. I wonder how often he has to do it? It can't be just once a year, right? It wasn't long ago since we covered the last one here and on POP (image below)

But it seems that Obama has listened to my critique of his mommy jeans and dreadful Ascis trainers. This time around, as you can see above, he's smartened up and with leather brogues and formal trousers. But I'm afraid it ain't no improvement, Mr President. I suppose it's not helped by that over sized red jacket...

With Mr Obama it's - it seems - either trashy casual or nerd smart. Neither is good on him. I'm (sort of) looking forward to the next pitch..and an improved throw outfit....

The Spin/Barack Obama column for Anothermag.com

http://www.anothermag.com/current/view/184/POTUS_Style

The Spin | POTUS Style
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his fortnightly column The Spin


Like many powerful men on the international political stage, President of the United States, Barack Obama is often upstaged by his wife. This is in no condemnation of the President’s personal style, more a testament to Michelle Obama’s glowing personality, colourful wardrobe and sartorial freedom. Quite often the American leader is even pushed out of the fashion limelight by his two daughters, Malia and Sasha.


Nevertheless, we have a high and mighty POTUS: his slender 6”1 frame makes him stick out in a crowd, and simplifies the process of making him look fashionably presidential. Consider the facts: tall and slim is ALWAYS better than short and stubby. Of course, POTUS also has facial advantages, and there is no doubt that – if there ever were to be one – Obama would score highly in a US Presidential beauty pageant.


Certainly, Obama is better known for his rhetorical skills than his personal style – the compulsory suit offers harsh boundaries in terms of imaginative sartorial adventures. But in his spare time, Obama has both impressed and let down his dedicated following. Recent holiday snaps revealed the president sporting beige slacks and a simple yet stylish navy polo shirt. Less is more, and this guy knows it. Simple colour combinations; easy on the details: let the authority of the office do the talking!


On the other hand, we have seen Obama on stylistic crash courses. Especially in his far too modern wraparound Ray Ban sunglasses, and last year when he pitched the obligatory first baseball throw in the NBA league: he stepped up to the plate in ill-fitting and stonewashed jeans, teamed up with the wrong kind of Nike trainer. Not a good a look for anyone, let alone the Leader of the Free World.




David Hellqvist is a freelance journalist for AnOther Man, Dazed & Confused, i-D,ZOO and a Contributing Editor to American website JC Report

OBAMA XMAS HOLIDAY SNAPS

Golf is often accused of being a ridiculous sport; partly because of the (lack of) sped and its rare occasions of action. Others make fun of it due to the clothes. I think this is a pretty good image though. If anything, more than the sport, it's Obama's length - read long and skinny legs - that makes it comical. I've said it before and will do it again: navy polo shirt and khaki slacks or shorts is a good look. The baseball cap? Well, you can take the man out of America, but you can't take America out of the man...There I said it again...

"Colours are what
keep me alive
colours are what
to hold in my head

colours are where my
my old meets new
colours are where my
my brain finds blue"

Colours, Hot Chip

                         

I could say something about the dress Michelle is wearing; how Hawaiian it is, such an ethnic print, is it a wrap dress from DvF etc. But who cares? I'm more interested in the Secret Service agent holding up the door. what is he wearing? The rule when over sizing an outfit is to just do one piece. Over size the top, leave bottom alone. Over size the trousers but keep the T-shirt 'normal' for optimal effect. This dude has gone for the whole sheebang, and it reminds me of an off-duty Josh Lyman, the Dep Chief of Staff in West Wing. Love josh, not so much his clothes...

                     

But this time around I'll focus on an Obama, rather than the person next to the Obama object (even though I have never been a fan of multi coloured sleeveless hoodies). What is the man wearing? Forget what I said about beige slacks before. Don't like these. I think it's mainly because of the pocket detail. The T-shirt is too big, in the wrong places. See how the shoulder is drooping? Nah thanks, Mr President

Like the look of that ice cream, though....

Obama in Norway - one gold dress and lots of blue colours! And oh yeah; one Nobel Peace Prize as well...

 
Barack and Michelle Obama arriving in Oslo to accept the Nobel Prize for his... (insert reason here, because I don't know one...). If anything this picture shows how difficult it is to look good in front of Air  
Force One...Love that light blue shade...

But I don't love Michelle's dress that much... 

Speaking of blue. Obama went all black and sombre, but the Norwegians kept on parading beautifully electric blue outfits... kämpe bra (which I thinks means 'very good' in Norwegian...)

Dirty Dancing

We like him, but not that much. I feel slightly uncomfortable watching the world's most powerful man dancing and fake boxing his way through an American chat show. Oh my God, the Obama backlash has even reached Fashion in Politics - who would have thought... 

Ten-Hut Obama

I'm not going to say anything about what Obama is wearing in this picture; sometimes fashion cannot just express emotions strongly enough. I think the look on his face and cramped posture says more than suits - and even words, for that matter - can ever do. This is the moment Obama went out to the airbase in Dover, Delaware, to greet the caskets coming back from Afghanistan. With great powers come great responsibility, someone once said. (Can't believe I've just quoted Spider-Man...)

BONO At It Again

Some people can't stop themselves, They have to be everywhere, all the time, Our dear Bono is one of them. A few weeks ago, he popped up (in a video message) on the Conservative conference in Manchester, not really coming out as a Tory, but definitely giving the re-branded party his blessing and thumbs up for changing and aiming to fix Britain (whatever, likes that gonna happen..)

Now, he's been to New York and there he launched a career as a staunch Obama supporter, which - let's face it - not everyone is anymore. In regards to Obama winning the Noble Peace Prize (a tad too early, maybe?), Bono said: "I think the virtual Obama is the real Obama and [I] think the man might deserve the hype. I believe Mr Obama could well be a force for peace and prosperity – if the words signal action." Geographically and politically, Bono is everywhere...

Obama smiles, the world collapses....

It can't be easy to be president of the United States of America. The last one was attacked by US liberals and the rest of the world for single handily having destroyed the world and any prospect we had of survival. The new one is not given the national support he needs to rescue whatever can still be saved in this war torn world and - from a domestic point of view - he's not even given the opportunity to provide health care to the entire population.

Besides that, he is now accused of smiling too much!

During the recent Pittsburgh meetings, the POTUS was photographed with 130 celeb obsessed world leaders, and blogger Eric Spiegelman helpfully put all those photos together in this video to prove that.....Obama is popular, friendly, approachable, smily and....dare I say it....a nice person, as opposed to a Bush. "No human being has a photo smile this amazingly consistent," Spiegelman said. We say: Keep on smiling, Barack!

Obama brands Kanye West a "jackass"...

Barack Obama was waiting to do a CNBC interview when the POTUS was casually chatting with reporter John Harwood and the topic of Kanye West came up, as I'm sure it often does at the White House. Obama said this, in regards to West's characteristic stage crashing at the MTV video awards:

"I thought it was inappropriate, it's like she's getting an award, why are you butting in? The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person, she's getting her award, what's he doing up there? He's a jackass."

In Obama's words - cut the man some slack, he's got bigger things to deal with. Besides, he's right, isn't he...

The different faces of Barack Obama

I saw this picture in the Times the other day and it made me realise that man in Barack Obama's position - and maybe Obama specifically - will suffer from this kind of attempts to brand him as something or someone he isn't. It started a while back with the Joker image and has only detoriated since

This is a selection of Obama images that has been distorted and changed - some are politically polar opposites, such as the brown shirted Obama and the Che inspired portraits. Nevertheless, it shows the impact this leader has one all political camps. He's even been given a Obamunism logo...

The West Wing vs The White House

There's an uncanny similarity between POTUS Obama and The West Wing's Matt Santos - played by Jimmy Smits - and according to this New York Times article, the Santos role was actually based on Obama, who at the time of writing TWW was an up-and-coming US Senator...

This is the Guardian's Jonathan Freedland's Barack Obama v Matt Santos comparison:

Barack Obama

Young, handsome and charismatic member of Congress, attempts to become America's first non-white president.

Began political career as a community organiser in a big city (Chicago) before winning first election at local level. Married, with two young children.

Faced stiff opposition in Democratic primary against occupant of the White House during previous Democratic administration (first lady Hillary Clinton)

Rivals attack him as inexperienced after just four years in Congress, but triumphs through grassroots support, inspiring speeches and message of change.

Republican opponent is veteran moderate senator from a western state, unpopular with conservative base (John McCain of Arizona).

Matt Santos

Young, handsome and charismatic member of Congress, attempts to become America's first non-white president.

Began political career as a community organiser in a big city (Houston) before winning first election at local level. Married, with two young children.

Faced stiff opposition in Democratic primary against occupant of the White House during previous Democratic administration (vice president Bob Russell).

Rivals attack him as inexperienced after just six years in Congress, but triumphs through grassroots support, inspiring speeches and message of change.

Republican opponent was veteran moderate senator from a western state, unpopular with conservative base (Arnie Vinick of California).

The Obama's Wineyard Holiday....

It's holiday season for everyone and that includes the Obamas. This is the golden couple coming off Air Force One, looking casual yet glamorous. The light-blue plane is nicely reflected in Barack's shirt, and Michelle's shirt jacket is just the right amount of Chanel.

Obama as the Joker? No thanks!

Barack Obama on the POP Blog....

http://thepop.com/2009/08/01/pop062/

POP 062/ SATURDAY, 1 AUGUST 2009

Today’s Pop is David, the younger. You know, the political fashion policeman. This week he turned a corner, as it seems he’s actually found someone who listens to his rants…

It seems that US President Barack Obama, in response to a recent POP blog about his baseball attire, has defended his choice of jeans on live television. But - truth be told - it wasn’t only THEPOP.COM that noticed the poor fit of the trousers and the surprisingly sporty design of the trainers he wore to his obligatory ball throw. No, the subject also surfaced on NBC’s Today show, when host Meredith Vieira challenged him over the outfit.

To his defence Mr. Obama said the jeans were “comfortable” and pointed out the fact that his wife Michelle was the fashionable Obama: “She looks fabulous - I’m a little frumpy”.

But wearing the trousers, dubbed ‘mom jeans’ in the US, is one of Obama’s few fashion mistakes. He has tackled the notoriously difficult casual wear by choosing navy polo shirts and beige slacks, which equals the ‘I might have dressed down but I still mean business’ - look.

Being tall and slim can be a problem when buying suits and, if anything, Obama has suffered from looking like his suits are swallowing his fragile silhouette. POTUS Obama needs to find himself a reliable tailor that truly understands his need of a smart and formal look, as well as a working world economy. Obama also sounded this warning to the American people: “Those of you who want your President to look great in his tight jeans, I’m sorry, but I’m not the guy!”

Well, praise the lord for that!

Go Home And Change, Barack!

Ahh, the obligatory baseball throw. Every American Prezzie needs to do it, as the images below show. Now it was Obama's turn and I'm afraid he didn't fare very well. How did the throw go? What do I know - I'm referring to his stone washed jeans and Nike running shoes. 

Also, I'm not sure about these jackets they started wearing a few years ago. That's all about sucking up to the electorate. No, I prefer the first pictures of JFK, Jimmy and LBJ in suits, looking dapper. At least Georgie's dad...eh...Georgie wore a shirt and tie...

It looks like he's got two balls, but we all know he only had one... (you can read that any way you like, mate...)

The most ridiculous one? The Nineties was never good for sportswear, not even on Bill Clinton...

Ahh, the man, the suit, the legend.

What to think about LBJ - did he kill JFK?

No one seems to be looking or to be remotely interested. No I'm not talking about Carter's presidency, I'm referring to his throw....

Sky shows it real colours

When Sky's political editor Adam Boulton interviewed POTUS Obama in Ghana recently, just as many people were gob smacked byt the choices of outfits as they were reassured by Obama's calm and sensible answers. Obama wore  a casual navy blue polo shirt, nothing wrong with that. Boulton, who had been instructed to also dress casually, entered in suit, wrinkly shirt, red socks and loafers....Fashion in Politics (and journalism) viewed the spectacle with a terrified feeling of despair....And Adam's apparent defence doesn't calm us down...

"It was dictated by the White House. They do set certain conditions. We were told that the president would be in casual gear. We were asked to match that."

Foreign Assets are studied by Obama in Italy

So many jokes come to mind. Check out the story on Gawker, who asks if the POTUS will be sleeping on the couch when he returns to the White House. I wonder what Sarkozy is thinking...

Italy's G8 meeting in focus...

Malia Obama does her bit for world peace. I don't mind the peace sign per se (even though slogans, logos and signs shouldn't really be on T-shirts) but what is that gey patch behind it?

Silvio Berlusconi and Barack Obama seems to be racing up the stairs to secure the best seat at the negotiation table. Obama has longer legs, so he should have won...

Two things spring to mind; It looks like Canada's Stephen Harper is having is very own Clinton/Lewinsky moment and the fact that Japan's Taro Aso has a very distinctive style and colour palette compared to his colleagues. Well done to him!

Obama and Medvedev talks Fashion

The Obama family arrives in Russia for talks with President Dmitry Medvedev. It appears trench coats will be big for kids next season and peach dress/coats combos for the adult, at least the female ones...

But why is it that Russia always insist on over sizing their military hats? They have always gone for volume when it comes to formal uniform caps...

Medvedev's wife Svetlana went for an innocently white outfit, matching her pale skin. Michelle looks radiant, though, but I think the see-through belt in plastic was a bold move, which won't win her any new friends. 

BO: So, what tailor do you use?

DM: This is Bernhard Willhelm. I like his diffusion line.

BO: I didn't know he had one...is it new?

DM: No, it's been around for ages. I thought you knew your fashion? But I heard your tailor went bust...tough luck mate!

BO: Yeah I know! My wife makes me buy from JCrew now, it sucks!

DM: You should try Kris van Assche - he rocks!

BO: Do you mean his own line or Dior Homme?

DM: Always do Dior, Barack. Always!

BO: Thanks, I'll give it a go. I like your tie by the way - nice colour!

Bruno talks Fashion in Politics with the Guardian

The British political scene is in crisis, MPs have never been so reviled. How would you restore confidence?

Ich do not like to talk about politics. Ze last time an Austrian got involved in politics it resulted in ein horrific var, which resulted in ze annihilation of all major European fashion shows for six years. Ich know it's controversial – but in my opinion – Hitler vas a bit of a bitch. I know someone who vas ze grandson of his personal assistant; apparently behind ze scenes he vas a real tyrant. Vorse zan Elton!

The ex-home secretary's husband tried to claim his adult movie habit on expenses. He watched Raw Meat 3 – do you know it?

Nein, ich do not vatch adultmovies. If ich am feeling horny ich vatch Daniel Radcliffe movies. Zey are best watched on DVD vhen ich can pause it, und not run ze risk of accidentally finishing meinself off vhen ze old vizard ist on the screen.

Britain is about to be taken, if not roundly thrashed, by a group of smooth-cheeked public school boys. What should we do?

If you're you are not into ze spanking, pull out ein dildo. Most guys will run quicker zan an Austrian child who has just found ze door to his dungeon unlocked.

How should Gordon Brown improve his YouTube hit count?

Lose ze grimacing: he has ze sort of creepy smile zat makes you check your drink for Rohypnol! He alvays looks so sad – ich think he needs some new batteries in his love eggs und ein makeover. He needs to go in some skinny jeans, und change his name to "DJ Shadow". Und get some shpray tan – hello.

The crypto-fascists of the BNP are on the rise in our country. Do you have a message for them?

It is the wrong vay to get your message across! Look at Adolf, everyone remembers him for ze invading und ze fighting. No one remembers his bold use of colours and inventive accessorising. Or ze fact zat he could co-ordinate zose big shows vith thousands of people und hundreds of costume changes. Let me tell you, if Donatella Versace had been in charge of ze Nuremberg Rally, it vould have been a disaster! Ich have seen zese angry men mit zere shaven heads hanging abaus outside gay clubs. Too scared to come in. Ich says zere's plenty of room in ze Jacuzzi for all types of guys. Not all gays like immigrants you know, so it's no big deal, vassever.

How do you feel about Barack Obama's first 100 days?

He has been OK, but Bruno vould have liked it more if he'd have set up en actual Fashion Police Department vith full powers of arrest. Zey should be able to baton-charge anyone in sweatpants.

Would you style him differently?

Ja, ich vould set that hot body free from its prison made of suits! He should follow Bruno's rule: treat your clothes like you would do a pet. Love zem for a week, zen stick zem in a zip-up bag und throw zem in ze Danube. Then again Obama has to vear ein suit, or else zose gay marines who guard him vould be all over him like puppies on ein dropped ice cream.

Are you planning more Prop 8 demonstrations?

Of course! It is disgusting zat gay people don't have the same rights as straights: the right to be trapped in a loveless sex-free marriage that ends in a massive legal fight over a house. And as for kids, why shouldn't gays be able to adopt? Ein Third World baby is zis season's must-have accessory, and it is discrimination to deny zem this.

Is Bin Laden right? Is Obama antagonising Muslims?

Zose Al Qaida guys are so touchy! But then if all ich had to vear vas a black sheet und some sandals, I vould blow myself up too.

What three changes would you make you heal the world?

* Ban ze elasticating of jean vaists.
* Free colonic hoses on street corners.
* Make Karl Lagerfeld head of ze UN – he got Tyra Banks to appear on ze same runvay as Naomi, he could easily fix ze Middle East.