US media discovers in Narendra Modi a 'new fashion icon'

WASHINGTON: Narendra Modi, who was unwelcome here only a few years ago, is now a "fashion icon" to the American media.

After his stunning electoral triumph, three major US publications -- Time, New York Times and the Washington Post -- have lauded the new Indian Prime Minister's dressing style from his "trademark Modi Kurta" to his tunic.

The New York Times in an article titled 'A Leader Who Is What He Wears' says that "even by the standards of a world that has seen blogs devoted to Michelle Obama's dress sense, the pre-election makeovers of Francois Hollande and Dilma Rousseff, and the canonisation of Nelson Mandela's shirts, the image-craft of India's new prime minister, Narendra Modi -- and its fashion fallout -- has been something of a case study."

Its says that even by "India's standards where leaders have perhaps understood the use of clothing as a communication device better and longer than any of their international peers...Modi stands out. Literally and strategically."

The Washington Post also lauds Modi's dressing style, saying, "Move aside, Michelle Obama. The world has a new fashion icon. And no, it's not Vladimir Putin, despite his fitness regimen -- it's India's new prime minister, Narendra Modi."

"Narendra Modi is apparently the next big thing in Indian fashion," the Time magazine said in an article yesterday. "With his shortened tunic, or 'Modi Kurta,' Narendra Modi is becoming as celebrated for his style sense," it says.