Australia's last PM (not the current one)was balding but had the ‘daggy dad’ look going - an ‘Everyman’ type of thing. He, very noticeably, tried to use that in the last election, peddling the theme that he wasn’t ‘fake’ in contrast to the new PM that we did eventually elect, who had had a bit of a style makeover. He is also balding, but had lost a bit of weight and invested in better fitting suits and more stylish glasses. The ‘fighting- fit-ready-for Office’ look. A sort of middle/ aged trendy inner-city look.
I can see how Boris was presenting himself as you said @ChristmasChopin . I think you are spot on.
I think the way Trump presents himself is complex and contradictory. At least, it confuses me why people vote for him. The construction of hair on his head which screams vanity but also unapologetic denial of reality. That basic unapologetic denial of reality that I think many people are responding to - especially post pandemic. He’s constantly talking bullshit, constantly contradicting himself - but it is bullshit many people want to believe regardless.
I’ve seen Australian MPs walking about Parliament House in Akubra hats - no sun to be seen. We have seen US senators who wear cowboy boots - no horses to be seen.
Certainly some cos play going on.
It’s actually quite interesting what messages the leaders, or would be leaders, want to send about themselves.