WELL-SUITED FOR LEADERSHIP
Justin Trudeau cinches world’s-most-stylish-politician title thanks to slim-fitting suits, vibrant colours and his ‘Obama-like levels of chill,’ Robin Levinson King reports
He’s sexy, he’s suave and he’s prime minister — but is Justin Trudeau the most stylish politician in the world?
GQ seems to think so. The men’s magazine editorial board named Trudeau “the most stylish politician alive right now.”
“Justin Trudeau’s meteoric rise from political young gun to Internet superhero might have something to do with the Canadian’s Obama-like levels of chill,” the publication wrote.
To be fair, Trudeau doesn’t have much competition. U.S. President Barack Obama’s dad jeans, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron’s polo shirts and Russia’s Vladimir Putin’s penchant for going shirtless leave much to be desired sartorially.
But there is an undeniable je ne sais quoi about Trudeau’s sense of style, says Jeff Rustia, founder of Toronto Men’s Fashion Week.
“It all goes hand in hand. The watch, the socks, the gear, the cars, it’s all very consistent,” he said.
Rustia says Trudeau has become the ambassador for Canadian men’s fashion, embracing modern trends like slim-fitting suits, bold colours and athletic wear.
“Today, part of this whole movement of men’s fashion and men’s lifestyle is very groovy . . . it’s very fitting of his kind of fashion sense,” Rustia said.
From his striped socks to his tan shoes, Trudeau has shown that he’s not afraid of stepping out of the navy-black-charcoal palette typical of politicos.
But it’s not just what he wears, says Michael Nguyen, general manager of Garrison Bespoke, a Toronto-based custom tailor. It’s how he wears it.
“He knows how to wear the right colours for his complexion and for the setting,” Nguyen said, noting how Trudeau tends to gravitate towards deep blues, which seem both modern and conservative at the same time.
Having grown up in the spotlight, Trudeau has an easy confidence that makes wearing a three-piece suit seem as comfortable as a jogging suit.
“You can’t buy (that) with money,” Nguyen said.
In that regard, Trudeau seems to be taking a cue from his father, Pierre.
“He actually follows in the footsteps of his father very, very well,” Nguyen said.
Although Trudeau’s style of dress is a bit more understated than his father’s pinstripe suits, fur coats and boutonnières, Rustia says they are both icons of their time.
“Like father, like son, Justin Trudeau is on trend,” Rustia said.
Among the many trends that Trudeau has been seen sporting, GQ seemed particularly impressed with his choice of watch, his tattoo and his wavy tresses.
The IWC Regulateur watch, which retails for more than $12,000, is both sporty and formal, Rustia said.
“It’s great because Trudeau wears it for both very dressy occasions and casual occasions,” he said.
And while some might think a tattoo is more appropriate on a biker than a prime minister, Rustia thinks it’s “cool” because the Haida raven design has personal significance to Trudeau. His father became an honorary member of the Haida people in 1976. “It’s meaningful,” Rustia said. Although Trudeau’s long, wavy locks have since been clipped, Rustia said he misses the good old days.
“I actually liked his hair when it was a little bit longer, but I know that it made him look younger and less formal,” he said.
Rustia has one point of contention with GQ’s assessment of Trudeau’s appeal: he’s much better looking than John Mayer, he said.
“He looks like one of those classic Disney princes. With Justin, it’s the whole package.”