DRESSED RIGHT

At a wild Republican National Convention, style choices were anything but conservative

- LEANNE DELAP

Republican delegates weag faux ear bandages to emulate presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Fashion is a critical part of political messaging. But this week's Republican National Convention brought forth a whole new take on self-presentation as political theatre. Looks are getting far out in MAGA world.

Typically, politicians curate an image that is professional yet accessible, giving the impression they're working hard on behalf of the people. But it is a hyperbolic time in politics the world over.

As the centre weakens, the extreme edges become louder, and their dress becomes bolder. What better way to signal you are offering something different from the status quo? Under the klieg lights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we saw the now familiar sea of MAGA caps and gear, and the patriotic palette of red, white and blue for pencil dresses and ties.

But there was also an unexpected new trend set by presidential nominee Donald Trump himself post-assassination attempt, and a slew of zanily attired delegates, from flag-emblazoned toga-wearers to the Wisconsin cheeseheads yes, people who proudly wear chunks of cheese on their heads. Here, the most notable fashion statements from the 2024 RNC.

Trump's ear bandage

Donald Trump has one of the most consistent political wardrobes in recent memory: generously cut navy blue Brioni suits and deliberately long ties, worn with his signature hair-sprayed coif and spray-on tan. After being shot in the ear last Saturday, the modern master of political theatre applied a large, white square of gauze to his ear and carried on.

His faithful fans leapt to emulate the look. A bandage affixed to one's right ear became a badge of honour, an instant convention symbol and no doubt a future Halloween costume.

JD Vance's facial hair