A Surface Reading

Sometimes a tie is just a tie. But look closely at those wrapped around the throats of those who would be mayor of Los Angeles. What’s the message? According to a self-described “color” psychologist, Leatrice Eiseman, and three prominent men’s haberdashers--Glenn Laiken (Allendales), Rick Pallack (Rick Pallack) and John Carroll (Carroll & Co.)--the candidates’ dress says more than you might think.

TIES

Richard Riordan:

“Red, even though it is thought of as the color of excitement and aggressiveness, is not unexpected on Riordan’s part. It has for many years been the color of the power tie ... and he’s a pretty powerful guy from what I’ve read about him.” --L.E.

Michael Woo:

“Purple is a very complex color. It’s the marriage of blue and red, two opposite forces. Blue is very stable, calming, tranquil. Red has more excitement. It takes a creative person to wear purple.” --L.E.

SHIRTS

Richard Riordan:

“White shirts are badge of purity, cleanliness. They say to the world ‘I’m above reproach. You can trust me.”’ --L.E.

Michael Woo

“Woo should throw away all his button-down shirts. Being that he’s a Democrat, he needs style to show that he’s progressive. His clothing should reflect that.” --G.L.

JACKETS

Richard Riordan:

“Riordan needs to wear a double-breasted jacket with a little more shoulder that buttons only on the bottom. That will create a long, tubular look instead of the roundish look he has.” --G.L.

Michael Woo:

“Woo needs to wear more shoulder clothing, jackets with a shoulder that extends out. If he wants to be mayor of a contemporary city like L.A., he needs to show that he’s a contemporary guy.” --G.L.

OVERALL STYLE

Richard Riordan:

“He dresses very corporate, which is the way most businessmen, politicians, even studio heads dress--navy suits, white shirts, red tie. All-Amercan, powerful leader, Presidential. Like Donald Trump. He keeps his coat on all the time.” --R.P.

“Riordan looks conservative, more polished than Woo. He spends a little more time on his clothing.” --J.C.

Michael Woo:

(His) visual image--traditional gray suits with old-fashioned shoulders--is too quiet for a Democrat: “If we were talking about running for mayor in Iowa, I’d say keep it quiet. But we’re talking about L.A.!” --G.L.