Modi is American media's new fashion icon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was unwelcome in the US only a few years ago, is now being lauded by American media as a “fashion icon”.

After his stunning electoral triumph, three major US publications — Time, The New York Times and Washington Post — lauded the Prime Minister’s dressing style from his “trademark Modi kurta” to his vest.

The New York Times in an article titled “A Leader Who Is What He Wears” said: “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.

“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."

Modi’s dress sense won over the Washington Post even more than US First Lady Michelle Obama.

“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.”

The Time Magazine on Friday carried an article which said: “Narendra Modi is apparently the next big thing in Indian fashion. With his shortened tunic, or ‘Modi Kurta’, Narendra Modi is becoming as celebrated for his style sense.” 

In 2005, the US had denied Modi a diplomatic visa in 2005 for his alleged involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Now, however, Modi is set to meet United States President Barack Obama in late September after the prime minister accepted the latter’s invitation during a congratulatory phone call for his landslide victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.