APEC首脑穿防水风衣亮相“全家福”-英语点津_时事

APEC首脑穿防水风衣亮相“全家福”-英语点津

APEC首脑穿防水风衣亮相“全家福”

World leaders in oilskin coats for this year's group photo

The brown, knee-length modified Driza-bone coats, normally favored by horse-riding stockmen mustering sheep, were at least suited to the rainy Sydney weather on the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.

Past APEC summit photos have seen the world's most powerful people dressed in everything from brightly-colored wedding shirts in Mexico to leather bomber jackets in Canada and Batik-print shirts in Indonesia.

Media speculation on the possible options had run wild in recent weeks, ranging from "budgie smugglers" -- scant male swimwear -- and thongs (flip flops) to khaki shirts and shorts in memory of late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

But Howard chose a less elaborate outfit to represent Australia, which does not have a national costume.

The only touch of bright colour on the coats, which also had an APEC emblem, were the lapels which were red, blue, yellow and green to represent Australia's dusty deserts, rugged coastlines, fine sands and vast bush.

"The wearable and usable coat aims to depict Australia's unique culture and environment," APEC organisers said.

A cowboy hat, such as that worn by the archetypal Aussie bushman in the 'Crocodile Dundee' movies, was also given to leaders. But only Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper donned his rabbit skin Akubra and he whipped it off when it came time for the photograph in front of Sydney Opera House.