Syrian Rebel Leader, by Switching to Blazers and Ties, Takes Spotlight From Ukraine’s Zelensky, Among Fashion Trendsetters

After capturing Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa dropped his nom de guerre and changed his garb, which seem to be helping him raise funds for rebuilding Syria. Wearing a tie is one of the signals that he is turning his back on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

SANA via AP
Ahmed al-Sharaa, right, meets with the UN special envoy to Syria, Geir Pederson, at Damascus, December 16, 2024. SANA via AP

Move over, President Zelensky, Ahmed al-Sharaa is now the most talked-about world leader — at least among fashion watchers. 

Menswear was never the same after President Kennedy showed up to his 1961 inauguration hatless. Hippies would soon shun barbershops and hat manufacturers went broke. A Broadway musical, “Hair,” symbolized the era and demonstrated how fashion cues from national leaders can at times usher in major societal changes. 

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