Aussie APEC leaders warned: Beware the 'budgie smugglers'

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

SYDNEY (AFP) — The 21 presidents and prime ministers heading for an international summit in Sydney in September should be afraid, very afraid.

A tradition of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum's annual get together is that the leaders don the host country's national dress for a group photograph.

Over the years the VIPs -- including the US, Russian and Chinese presidents and a host of regional leaders -- have been pictured in a range of bright Asian silks, Chilean ponchos and Canadian leather jackets.

Speculation over what the leaders will be asked to wear in down-to-earth, 'G'day mate' Australia has begun to preoccupy the chattering classes.

A popular guess is the rugged look of a classic Australian oilskin raincoat made famous in the...