The day fashion became political

By ANNE BESTON AND NZPA

Just two Christine Rankin look-alikes could be spotted on the chilly, damp streets of Auckland yesterday, but Wellington appeared to take Christine Rankin Day to heart.

In the windy city, the Leader of the Opposition, a mannequin in a menswear shop and a male staff member of a political party wore short skirts or big earrings in a show of support for the former Winz boss.

An e-mail circulated this week encouraged women to dress like her yesterday, dubbed Christine Rankin Day.

"I completely respect Christine Rankin's right to dress the way she does and I have dressed this way today because I demand to dress the way that suits me," National Party leader Jenny Shipley said.

Mrs Shipley, whose skirt was just shy of the knee, said Mrs Rankin had been selected to head Winz on merit and no one raised her appearance as any sort of job limitation.

"The Labour Government must be ashamed of itself, that it is taking us back 20 years in its perceptions of women."

The Act party press secretary David Young added long pearl earrings to his wardrobe of a new (men's) pinstripe suit for a tour of the press gallery at Parliament.

Harfords Menswear in Lambton Quay, Wellington's main shopping thoroughfare, boasted a Rankin mannequin in a purple ensemble complete with camel-coloured coat, brightly coloured dangly earrings and blonde wig.

A sign in the shop's window urged the embattled senior state servant to "keep your chin up, Christine."

In Auckland, Tania Saunderson, a 26-year-old office temp, marked Christine Rankin Day by arriving for work in black mini-skirt and big heels.

"I think people should be allowed to wear what they like within reason, and she's within reason."

In Tauranga, 11 women at the Greerton Winz office dug out their dangly earrings, and two male workers also joined in the fun.

It was a show of support for their ex-boss, not poking fun, said Greerton case manager Julie Clark.

Ms Clark was the only one brave enough to show off a short skirt - with the help of some heavy dark stockings.

Team coach John Westerman got his first taste of wearing dangly earrings but drew the line at a mini-skirt.

"I haven't really got the legs," he joked.

"I didn't have a chance to shave them this morning."