Image-building popular among HK politicians  

政治化妆渐成香港政界新趋势 议员学化妆添星味

据报道，有政党为区议员和地区干事展开形象特训，除了邀请专业形象顾问举办讲座，分享穿衣之道和皮肤护理，在面见媒体和公众时的谈吐、举止、眼神交流等，亦过招教路，吸引不少政治新星和助理上课。[查看全文]

(ECNS) — With the 2015 Council election in Hong Kong in two years, the demand for image consultation services from political figures is surging sharply as they realize that creating an appealing image will add extra points to their political battle, the Hong Kong-based Sing Tao Daily reported on Thursday.

Some political parties have invited professional image consultants to give lectures to district council members and district secretaries on how to foster good taste in fashion and knowledge about make-up, hair-styling as well as how to walk, talk and carry themselves in public.

Two years prior to the election, new members of political parties and political assistants must start learning about the art of conversation, beauty procedures and proper dress codes, said Liu Miaoqing, a professional image consultant, adding that her job of helping candidates with their makeovers begins when the list of candidates is finalized one year prior to the election.

Female council members are advised to wear make-up, while male council members should learn how to trim their eyebrows, how to dress and coordinate their outfits, she said. "Cream or khaki-colored clothes are more suitable to win neighborhood votes, while formal business suits are suitable to win votes of the business community."

Image consulting is more than about making clients look good in their outfits, it's also about boosting their confidence: appropriate eye contact is equally important in meeting the public, she added.

Fashion designer William Tang has served as an image consultant to many political figures and council members. In his view, political figures should strive to create images that are presentable. He cited the example of former chief Donald Tsang, who successfully created his iconic image of wearing bowties, saying that Tsang may serve as an excellent model for others to follow.

Before each election campaign, all political parties strive to reshape their image and infuse star power in their campaigns by trumpeting rising political stars to garner more support from voters.

As for male political stars, Tang suggested they try to create an image of experience and discipline. "A nice T-shirt, a pair of khaki-colored long trousers, plus a pair of casual leather shoes are most appropriate to cultivate an easygoing and elegant image."

However, political figures are best advised to create a serious image by avoiding too casual clothing during council meetings.