‘Costume’? Trudeau India trip attire criticized as too flashy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s fashion choices aren’t new to making headlines, but does his latest garb go too far?
While speculation swirls around a possible snub by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Trudeau’s official visit, many observers are questioning some of the photo op threads worn by the Trudeau clan.
A headline out of the Indian English-language news magazine Outlook asks if the family’s attire is “too flashy even for an Indian” and refers to the choices as “special.”
The magazine is not alone in raising an eyebrow.
Trudeau was welcomed at the Golden Temple, the holiest site for Sikhs, on Wednesday as the Prime Minister and his family — adorned in flashy fare — were escorted by locals dressed in suits.
That contrast has some on Twitter wondering what’s behind Trudeau’s apparent all-out embrace of what some have referred to as a “costume” of Indian apparel.
“Meet the newly wed indian couple. #JustinTrudeau wearing indian groom costume,” commented Navdeep Singh on Twitter, in a post that showed a photo of the Prime Minister outside a Hindu temple. “Trudeau wearing wedding necklace (Indian wedding custom) Perfect.”
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted pictures of the Canadian first family’s visit while questioning whether the “choreographed cuteness” of it all was “a bit much.” He added, “Also FYI we Indians don’t dress like this every day sir, not even in Bollywood.”
When Trudeau posed for photographs with Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan — for whom he’s reportedly a big fan — the juxtaposition of Khan’s modern all-black suit and shirt combo may not have helped.
“Very confusing image,” wrote Debarati Majumder. “Is an actor trying to know a thing or two about playing the role of a PM or the PM seeking help from an actor to improve his acting as a PM?”
Outlook Magazine’s editor-inchief commented, “Trudeaus seem to be straight out of a Bollywood set.” And offered a tip if the prime minister wanted to play the role a bit more, adding, “All that’s missing is a karva chauth dance.”
Twitter user H.S. Bantiya offered best wishes to Trudeau, writing that it was “good to see Canadians enjoying their time in our country.” But not before pointing out, “Even at weddings we don’t dress that royally!”
The Trudeau family did step off the long flight to New Delhi wearing their usual wardrobes. However, they may not had their new attire in tow. Outlook Magazine noted that “the Trudeau family has picked the best Indian designers, to make for them, the best ethical Indian attire.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did wear a traditional suit and tie during meetings and roundtables with Indian business leaders as the two countries flushed out a twoway investment deal that will see Canadian investment of $750 million in India and $250 million in investment coming home. As well, Trudeau donned a simple sport jacket and slacks during his visit to the Taj Mahal.
However, the nature of the photo ops with family along for the ride, as well as a reported lack of high-level meetings with Indian officials, has drawn some criticism of its own.
“I’d like to wish the Prime Minister and his family another wonderful vacation,” tweeted Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre.
Trudeau’s India visit is hot on the heels of the federal ethics commissioner’s finding that the Prime Minister’s family vacation to the Aga Khan’s private island in the Bahamas — which also came at a cost to taxpayers — violated ethics rules.
The family is set to make their departure from India on Friday. Postmedia News