Thursday, 25 September 2014

What will Narendra Modi wear to visit the US?

Modi me.

During his campaign to become Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi made a lasting impression with his eye-popping color palette, signature (now trademarked) half-sleeve kurtas, and incredible hats.


He really does wear many hats.


So what will he wear for his upcoming four-day tour in the US, which will include delivering an address at the United Nations General Assembly, a visit to the 9/11 memorial, meetings with corporate leaders, and meals with US vice president Joe Biden and president Barack Obama? Let’s have a look.


Though he’s still no shrinking violet, Modi’s style has quieted considerably since his election in May.




Modi wears a tweedy sleeveless Nehru jacket to host Afghan president Hamid Karzai in New Delhi.Reuters/Adnan Abidi

The PM has recently favored neutral shades of bandi jackets layered over both long and short-sleeved kurtas. Earlier this month while hosting Chinese president Xi Jinping in India, there was nary a saffron-colored headpiece in sight.



modi fashion

Modi takes a turn with Chinese president Xi Jinping and first lady Peng Liyuan in Ahmadabad, India.AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

Modi has dressed more conservatively still for diplomatic visits overseas. For an audience with Japanese emperor Akhito in Tokyo earlier this month, Modi went for a relatively modest mushroom-colored suit with a nehru collar.



modi fashion

Modi meets Japanese emperor Akihito in a sedate suit.AP Photo/Imperial Household Agency of Japan

We predict Modi has packed some of his signature bandi-kurta combinations to address the General Assembly, and will probably go for something more formal for his visit to the White House—perhaps like the black suit he wore for a photo call with fellow BRICS leaders. We are hoping for a bit of flair, and it seems the UN would be the proper venue.



modi fashion

Modi works a sharp look for the BRICs and winter in Brazil.Reuters/Sergio Moraes

Modi is said to have contracted Indian designer Troy Costa to prep his wardrobe for the visit. Costa is known for sharp, western-style suits and tuxedos, but we can’t imagine Modi abandoning his signature style entirely for such an important visit.




Is that a hanky square?Reuters/Nacho Doce

He has also scheduled meetings with leaders from corporations such as Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs and Boeing, so we imagine he’ll have some sharp—but still Nehru-collared—suits in the mix. He could pair socks with his sandals, and fit right in at Google.




What will Narendra Modi wear to visit the US?

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