Clark too constrained, Key's pretty conservative

Media release – July 31, 2008

Helen Clark too constrained, John Keys pretty conservative, Gerry Brownlee – lose the white shirt

Helen Clark is too inhibited, John Keys needs some contrast, Gerry Brownlee could lose the white shirt look and Michael Cullen is pretty good for an older chap.

These are the image views of New Zealand stylist Stephanie Rumble just three months out from the general elections.

Rumble has been a stylist for years, was Best Dressed woman at Cup Week two years ago and tomorrow launches her new style brand Flair Image.

Today Rumble offered style tips for some of New Zealand’s leading politicians as they jostle to line up on the campaign trail.

``Helen Clark’s style is constrained which is what you would expect from a female politician. She has improved a lot over the last five years, but there are some obvious areas which appear to have been overlooked…

``John Keys is pretty conservative. He always seems to always be wearing the same suit (probably the Canelli one he bought for $2500 from Harrods) and a shirt with a different tie. He is tidy and well presented. It would be interesting to see him in something a little more contrasting.

``Bill English has that wholesome boy next door look about him. His clothing choices are pretty standard for a politician. I would like to see a bit more colour all round. Gerry Brownlee is a big man and it is not a good look with a yellow tie. He could lose the white shirt and try something a little more interesting. Michael Cullen passes the test.’’

Rumble names Petra Bagust as one of the best styled New Zealanders with a public image public. Others include style icon at Otago University Rachael Laing, Christchurch hairdresser Niq James , Cup Week best dressed winner Debbie Truesdale, fashion expert Lynn Woods and Tv hosts Pippa Wetzell and Carly Flynn.

She lists Helen Clark, The wizard, Radio DJ Pauline 'Polly' Gillespie, Tv weather presenter Jim Hickey, political TV journalist reporter Mark Sainsbury and radio and Tv presenter Marcus Lush among the worst dressed New Zealanders.

``Thanks to global TV shows we are really moving with the times. We have heaps more people interested in styling. The pressure to look good is hug. It is becoming more accepted and more people are interested in looking stylish than ever before.’’

Rumble has a masters degree in clothing and textiles, has worked part-time as a fashion model for 15 years and has been a group exercise fitness instructor for the same amount of time. Her style business has grown rapidly after being judged the best dressed woman in 2006 during Christchurch’s Cup Week.

``I love the style business and am passionate about helping others. I have been sewing and knitting clothes since I knew how to hold a needle and spent hours as a child styling my dolls. Anyone who came near me had their hair done and was dressed up.’’

Rumble is on the corporate speaking circuit talking about style and presentation.

ENDS

www.flairimage.co.nz