Singapore - A change in the travel programme of US President Barack Obama would spoil the traditional costume group photo of 21 Asia-Pacific leaders at their annual summit in Singapore, the organizers said Friday. Obama was set to appear for a photo session on Saturday with other leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) - including China's President Hu Jintao - in a costume inspired by a blend of different Asian cultures.
But as Obama's arrival in the city-state was postponed to late Saturday evening, the picture would now be taken on Sunday, said the APEC organizing committee, adding that "the leaders will be in their business suits."
The leaders were requested to wear the attire at a dinner on Saturday, which Obama, however, would not attend, the organizers said.
The group photo with leaders dressed in a specially designed attire chosen by the host is seen as the highlight of every APEC summit.
For the Singapore APEC summit, organizers have chosen long-sleeved shirts for the male leaders and blouses for the female leaders inspired by Singapore's Peranakan culture, a unique blend of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultural heritages.
Created by local fashion designer Wykidd Song, the clothing is decorated with embroidery in the shape of a lotus flower, with three rings of petals representing the 21 APEC member economies.
Male leaders have a choice of three colours - blue, red or green, while the women will don red attire.
In a break with APEC tradition, the Singapore hosts had already presented the attire, although the outfit of the 21 leaders is generally kept under wraps until the photo session.
