Mrs Obama vs Mr Modi: Battle of the fashion icons in New Delhi

US President Barack Obama (second from right), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right), Indian President Pranab Mukherjee (second from left) and First Lady Michelle Obama (left) wave during a reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Pala
US President Barack Obama (second from right), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right), Indian President Pranab Mukherjee (second from left) and First Lady Michelle Obama (left) wave during a reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Palace, in New Delhi on Jan 26, 2015. -- PHOTO: AFP

On a recent three-day visit to India, United States President Barack Obama often found himself between two fashion icons, his wife Michelle, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr Obama praised his host's style at a state dinner in New Delhi on Sunday, saying: "One of our newspapers back home wrote, 'Move aside, Michelle Obama. The world has a new fashion icon.'"

Was he being polite? Revisit Mrs Obama and Mr Modi's looks and decide for yourself.

Day One, Jan 27

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Mr Modi made a fashion statement with a saffron paisley shawl, welcoming the Obamas at Palam airport. Mrs Obama wore a black, white and blue floral printed dress and matching jacket by Indian-American designer Bibhu Mohapatra.

For a talk with Mr Obama, Mr Modi changed into a suit with pinstripes that were actually embroideries of his own name.

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For the state dinner, Mr Modi picked a beige suit and Mrs Obama chose something brighter, a navy and red brocade jacquard dress by Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera. Unfortunately, as The Guardian noted, she also "managed to match and/or complement the carpet, chairs, floor".

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Day Two, Jan 28

Mr Modi's hat stole the limelight at the Republic Day Parade.

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Mrs Obama's outfit at a reception was more muted than Mr Modi's.

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Day Three, Jan 29

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Mrs Obama wrapped up the visit in a black floral dress.

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