Julia Gillard had a dream.
In 2013 she gave a speech about what would happen if Mr Abbott won the upcoming election:
“I invite you to imagine it, a prime minister, a man with a blue tie, who goes on holidays to be replaced by a man in a blue tie, a treasurer who delivers a budget wearing a blue tie, to be supported by a finance minister, another man in a blue tie, women once again banished from the centre of Australia’s political life.”
She’s a bloody psychic is what she is. Watch out Nostradamus, Juliadamus is on the case. Because now the dream is real.
The blue tie features so prominently in Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s wardrobe that at first we believed it to be some sort of high-stakes Karl Stefanovic blue suit prank.
It’s not. He is serious, he loves a blue tie. A shady blue tie, for all the shade being thrown at Gillard.
Only just today, talking very seriously about national security, he sported a jaunty white-shirt-blue-tie combo.
Again.
The adventurous look has been called “daring” and “seriously on point” by zero fashion commentators.
The blue tie look has been taken up with gusto by the PM.
Despite the Prime Minister claiming a ‘fresh start’ after the posed Liberal spill, the reassuring blue tie remains a wardrobe staple, with hues ranging from aquamarine, to powder blue and even ultramarine.
It’s a sartorial selection gladly accepted by the coalition:
And has become central to their policy platform.
Those that stepped away with rogue tie colours have been swiftly punished.
With certain questions being asked of rogue tie bandits during the parties ‘unofficial’ question time.
Media personality Ita Buttrose last week had a crack at the PM’s choice of attire, saying she wished Mr Abbott would get rid of the “stupid” blue tie. But the PM said ‘ol bluey is as central to his public image as his budgie smugglers.
“I have quite a big collection of blue ties.” Mr Abbott told the Ten Network.
“There’s dark blue, there’s light blue, there’s blue mixes.”
Colour psychologists say that blue conveys peace, trust and stability. That it is a safe colour, universally like by both men and women, however it has a certain predictability about it and suggests ‘conservative’.
Some commentators say it’s gone on so long that it now symbolises stubbornness, tribalism, and lack of ideas. Which might be why Malcolm rocked up to Q and A with this little number:
Aw SNAP.
In any case, all this talk of MEN’S fashion choices in politics is refreshing. How does it feel, Julia?
Yup.
Top Comments
People, the Liberals' colour is BLUE - these men are representing their POLITICAL PARTY, not making intentionally boring fashion choices! Maybe this article should have focused on what Julia Gillard was really getting at - the lack of women in a cabinet led by Tony Abbott.
I'd take the blue tie over the Woman's Weekly feature of her knitting any day!