Model German

Some may argue that being named Best Dressed Person in Germany is like winning the Most Sober Person Award at a bachelor party -- there usually isn't much competition. However, the winds of change may be about to blow through one of Europe's most fashion unconscious states, thanks to one of its most prominent politicians.

In a country where denim vests, white socks and sandals (worn together) regularly challenge lederhosen and plumed hats in the national dress stakes, it seems that statemanship chic could be Germany's saving grace.

According to the German edition of fitness and style magazine Men’s Health, Germany's best dressed person is none other than Federal President and Hugo Boss enthusiast Horst Köhler.

Elegance with dignity

The former International Monetary Fund chief, sworn in as president in 2004, was nominated by a jury of journalists, advertising executives, and fashion designers for his "combination of elegance with dignity".

The 62-year-old, who serves in a mainly ceremonial role, is Germany's top diplomat and therefore the country's most respected representative on the global stage. After the Men's Health accolade, he may also become a role model for the sartorially challenged back home.

While Köhler enjoys the cut of Boss suits, the magazine also salutes him for his application of accessories and welcomes the fact that he buys his neckties at clearance sales, a nod to his austere side.

A who's who of German style

While Köhler topped the charts in the overall Best Dressed category, actor Kai Wiesinger took the title in the style section while Germany's own soccer monarch Franz Beckenbauer snatched the award in the business class section. Designers Karl Lagerfeld and Wolfgang Joop, as well as ex-tennis star Boris Becker and musician Marius Müller-Westerhagen were also marked out among the notable winners.

Special mentions were also given to Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Hamburg Mayor Ole von Beust and the liberal FDP party chief Guido Westerwelle as fine role models for others to follow.

Oli drops the ball in fashion game

At the other end of the scale, however, things averted to type. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was announced as the worst dressed person in Germany, a remarkable feat considering the lack of fashion sense displayed by many of his counterparts off the field.

Kahn, a man with a penchant for garish satin shirts, was joined in the bargain basement of the poll by shabbily-suited Bundestag President Wolfgang Thierse and comedian Dirk Bach who seems to have a habit of dressing in the darkened changing room of a circus outfitter.