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September 07, 2007
No skimpy bathing suits for Sydney summit
SYDNEY, Sept 3, 2007 (AFP) - Could the world stomach a family photo of 21 Asia-pacific leaders in swimsuits and flip-flops?
Thankfully, Australian Prime Minister John Howard thinks not.
"The only Australian garb I'd rule out is Speedos and thongs," Howard told commercial television. "I don't think I'd do that, that wouldn't be very diplomatic.
With the leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group meeting in Sydney this week, wags have had a field day making helpful suggestions about how to clothe the leaders for the traditional summit photo.
In the past, leaders from the US president to the prime minister of Japan, have all had to dress up in the host nation's national dress.
But in Australia, a country lacking a distinctive national outfit, this has provoked debate about what not to wear.
Howard ruled out any affront to the dignity of his honoured guests, saying only that the APEC outfit would be "very Australian".
Ruling out beachwear, he suggested that traditional Australian bush outfits, saying: "Think Australian. Think Australian in a very positive way, one we all identify with."
The Akubra wide-brimmed hat worn by Australian bushmen is considered traditional by some, along with oilskin coats and boots.
And that would certainly a relief for many fashion-watchers, commentators agreed.
Posted by ronnie at September 7, 2007 06:15 PM