TYCOON TAILORING
David Hellqvist tries to make sense of the sartorial choices of World Leaders in his
fortnightly column The Spin
Like many politicians, Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister, is not known for his snappy fashion decisions. But, whether you like his style or not, there is a certain careful consideration to his sartorial approach, which derives perhaps from his being of the grand old age of 73.
However, more than a few fashion faux pas have blemished his career as a media tycoon and politician. He has, for example, the almost unforgivable habit of donning a bandana. And to make matters worse, it’s not even for the purpose of keeping sweat off his brow during exercise – which of course, was Boris Johnson’s defence when he was charged with the same fashion crime.
But Berlusconi has the advantage of his nationality. A wealthy Italian, he has unlimited access to his country’s fashion houses. (If he is an Armani, Versace or Prada man had not been confirmed at the time of going to press.) Whether in a navy blue double-breasted jacket, beige slacks and deck shoes, a light grey pinstriped three piece suit or a causal polo shirt and jeans, he has so far managed to keep the fashion conscious Italian public on his side. It will be interesting to see just how far a Fendi jacket and a Roberto Cavalli tie can carry this contentious dandy.
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