Aquino Dresses for Success in U.S.: Few Shoes and More Leg

MANILA — Philippine President Corazon Aquino, who usually favors conservative clothes, has decided to show more leg when she visits Canada and the United States.

With the return of the miniskirt, Aquino has heeded the advice of presidential couturier Auggie Cordero and will take a wardrobe of suits two inches shorter than her usual calf-length dresses, the Philippine Daily Inquirer said today.

Aquino leaves Saturday on an eight-day North American trip to seek financial help for her cash-strapped country.

Unlike former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who owned thousands of pairs of shoes, Aquino will have only two pairs for official functions, one in silver and the other in gold.

“No fussy clothes for her,” Cordero said. He said Aquino ordered him to minimize the trimmings on her clothes, telling him, “When we visit abroad, we’re always asking for funds.”