Lima - There are many photographs of US President George W Bush and former Russian president Vladimir Putin talking, and even smiling. But only a few show them in traditional Vietnamese clothes. Such is the original contribution that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has made to the so often dull-looking world of diplomacy: a bit of colour, and the chance to see world leaders in a more self-conscious light.
As the group approaches its annual leaders' meeting - set to be held Saturday and Sunday in the Peruvian capital, Lima - there is at least one differential aspect to look forward to: how will Bush, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Chinese leader Hu Jintao and other world leaders dress for Sunday's group photograph?
The traditional photographs of leaders present at most international summits look the same, with the men and women who direct the destinies of the world all dressed in formal business suits.
However, since they were first held at the top level in 1993, APEC leaders' meetings have dressed political giants in clothes typical of the host country.
Such photo ops relax the general atmosphere, and provide the public around the world with the chance see the world's most powerful personalities in a new light, almost in disguise when they have to cross cultural lines.
Over the years, APEC has shown its leaders in US bombardier jackets, Indonesian batik shirts, Chinese Tangzhuang jackets and Chilean chamantos, among other newcomers to global diplomacy.
Peru's pre-Hispanic roots provide plenty of colour to brighten up the upcoming summit, and ponchos and decorated waistcoats are possible candidates to dress some of the most powerful men and women on earth in. And, If they are lucky, they may get away without a knitted hat with earflaps.
United States 1993 - Bombardier jackets Indonesia 1994 - Batik shirts Japan 1995 - Business suits Philippines 1996 - Barong shirts Canada 1997 - Leather jackets Malaysia 1998 - Batik shirts New Zealand 1999 - Sailing jackets Brunei 2000 - Kain Tenunan shirts China 2001 - Silk-embroided Tangzhuang jackets Mexico 2002 - Guayabera shirts (men); huipiles (women) Thailand 2003 - Brocade shirts (men); brocade shawls (women) Chile 2004 - Chamantos South Korea 2005 - Hanboks Vietnam 2006 - Ao gam Australia 2007 - Drizabones and Akubra hats
