LOOK: How Cyril Ramaphosa used power dressing to represent South Africa at the G20 Summit

The article examines the fashion choices of South African leaders at the G20 Leaders' Summit, the first hosted on African soil at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. President Cyril Ramaphosa led with a conservative outfit—a dark tailored suit, crisp white shirt, burgundy tie, and subtle South African flag lapel pin—symbolizing authority, stability, and hospitality, keeping the focus on the summit's global political, economic, and social agenda. Other male leaders, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Minister Ronald Lamola (navy suit with pink and red tie), and spokesperson Vincent Magwenya (green attire nodding to national colors), opted for classic dark suits with occasional pops of color. Female leaders wore elegant, conservative ensembles incorporating national pride through accessories and palettes. The piece highlights fashion as 'non-verbal diplomacy' and 'dressing as strategy,' a form of soft power using color psychology and tailoring to convey trust, professionalism, warmth, and competence in international relations.