Peruvian ponchos paraded with panache

LIMA, Peru: It is a card the host country always plays close to its chest. When Pacific Rim leaders wrap up their annual summit, what traditional outfit will they be forced to wear for the press photo?

With models from Paris to New York strutting down runways in Peruvian fleeces, it did not come as much of a surprise when the heads of state emerged from Peruvian army headquarters wearing flowing, brown ponchos spun from alpaca wool.

The tradition began in 1993, when Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation forum leaders donned leather bomber jackets for their group photo in Seattle. Since then, they have exchanged their coats and ties each year for a traditional outfit provided by the host.