Dear Hillary,
Many thanks for this - you're definitely on to something. Among other things, it seems clear to me that this is one of the less explored dimensions of the recent popular uprisings that have shaken the Arab world. One of the defining chants of the 2011 protests in Tahrir Square, for example, was 'the people demand dark grey suits' - seemingly a direct response to President Mubarak's overly liberal sartorial choices (check Google Images for Mubarak, and you'll see a dizzying array of greys, browns and even his infamous 'Mubarak pinstripe'). Similarly, Muammar Gaddafi's eclectic wardrobe of military uniforms, Bedouin jalabiyas and African robes was a key driver of the Libyan uprising. This popular rejection of his fashion tastes was driven home most forcefully during Gaddafi's brutal death - it is notable that rebel fighters stripped off Gaddafi's clothes as they sodomised him with bayonets, all the while chanting 'no more colourful suits'.
In light of all this, it's no wonder political leaders everywhere are increasingly taking safer choices of greys, charcoals and blacks. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Adam
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