Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Sunday 3 May 2009

Tony Ryall faces quarantine threaten the fashion police

Health Minister Tony Ryall should be put into quarantine by the fashion police until he comes to his sartorial senses, according to the head of the self proclaimed Fashion Capital of New Zealand.

“Tony’s a great guy and he’s done well fronting the Swine Flu issue. Over the past couple of weeks he’s kept the public calm with his quiet reassuring words but unfortunately his overly loud suit, tie and shirt combinations scream of mad panic,” says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

“Tony owns some very nice individual garments. Chalk strip suits are great with a white shirt and even a polka dot tie. However a chalk strip suit can be a fashion disaster when combined with a thicker striped coloured shirt and a diagonally striped tie.

“Tony’s clothes are busier than a Tamiflu factory. It’s not so much power dressing. It’s more like paua dressing.”
e should also watch his colour matches. It’s not a good look wearing a salmon pink striped shirt, with fluorescent pink striped tie. A tie with heavy checks on a thick striped shirt would also put the fashion police on high alert.  

Don’t get me wrong, men wearing bold patterns and colours should be encouraged. His clothes are refreshing for a National Party cabinet minister. However if your suit, shirt and tie are all busy clashing, then the total sum is normally a fashion disaster.

“The Royal Family and English aristocracy are famous for mixing up their stripes, checks, and polka dots. But if you want to carry it off, it’s probably best to keep at least one item simple to help promote contrast. A bold shirt and tie can look good under a plain suit, or a plain shirt can bring out the best of a bold suit and tie. All three going in different directions however can be quite hard to pull off and that’s what Tony’s trying to do.”

Cameron Brewer said Newmarket’s fashion stores would be happy to give Mr Ryall some free advice.

“Full marks on quality, he now just needs to make sure the complete package works. Without doubt Tony Ryall’s got a sense of style. He just needs to co-ordinate better. He’s nearly there. In fact I would say he’s two-thirds of the way there. If he focused on wearing two bold items instead of three that would be a great start.

“Tony’s clothes almost make the television go fuzzy and have been a distraction from what he’s saying. Given he’s Health Minister and is only ever talking serious issues, it is important to be able focus on what he is saying. While we may have a laugh, for Tony as a senior politician his presentation is very important. Perception is everything in politics.”

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