Sombre dark suits and smart ties may be required ingredients for many politicians' images but in Hong Kong's chief executive campaign, it's a clash of pink jumpers and loud bow ties. While Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Alan Leong Kah-kit pound the pavements and make their speeches, they have been watched not just by the media and the public, but by image consultants who have analysed their dress sense and public image. While Mr Leong's chances of being elected may be slim regardless of what he wears, his choice of pink as his campaign colour hasn't won him any fans in the image stakes. 'The shocking pink is terrible,' said image consultant William Lee Wing-wai of Imagio. 'That's more suited to Valentine's Day or breast cancer campaigns, it's entirely wrong for a political campaign. He should consider using the colour red instead of hot pink. I don't think his pink jumper or his supporters' pink windbreaker jackets are very good.' And Mr Tsang's occasional choice of bright bow ties could also be considered 'a bit loud' for an election campaign, Mr Lee said. Another image consultant, Gordon Walt of Di & Cooke, said the chief executive's bow ties were 'iconic' and marked out his individuality and confidence. Priscilla Chan of PC Image Consultation agreed that Mr Tsang's grooming and dress were 'good', but added: 'I think he can pay more attention to his facial expressions, body language and the connection he creates with the public.' Both men were advised to ensure their clothes fit correctly. Carolyn Chan Kam-wai, vice-president of marketing for the Association of Image Consultants International's Hong Kong branch, said the chief executive's efforts to reconnect with the public was reflected in his recent appearance in a traditional Chinese jacket, but it backfired slightly. 'The collar of his jacket was too loose; the fitting problem did not give him credit but manifested his imprudence,' she said. 'As an image consultant, I hold the belief that one should dress appropriate for occasions. Donald may show his flexibility and sophistication in dealing with the public by some variations: business casual in informal occasions, especially in close encounters with citizens; and Chinese jackets at Chinese New Year - but make sure it fits.' Another image consultant, Annaliza Chan, said both men used colour in their campaign slogans to convey their individual messages. 'Tsang's slogan using a light green colour with handwriting in Chinese and English projects a refreshing feeling and tries to wash away his authority background image.' She advised him to wear more casual business suits with pastel-coloured shirts to make his image friendlier. 'Leong's slogan uses a fuchsia backing. Fuchsia projects passionate feelings which comply with his platform. Besides fuchsia, sending a message of care and love, he uses pink/coral to show consistency.'
