If singing at the National Arts Centre wasn’t a shocker now the Prime Minister is singing for Harry. In mailboxes across the country, the preferred customers of high-end clothier Harry Rosen are receiving a card featuring Stephen Harper at a piano promoting the store
“I get by with a little help from Harry’s private sale,” reads the caption. It then offers 40 per cent off ties, shoes, dress shirts and sports jackets. The picture, of course, is that of Mr. Harper at the piano at last month’s National Arts Centre gala.
The Prime Minister’s performance of the Beatles’ tune wowed the audience and Canadians across the country. It made an impression on Larry Rosen, too. The son of the famous clothier, who is the company CEO, said today that he is simply “bringing attention to our private sale in a humorous manner.”
“It’s tongue in cheek,” said Mr. Rosen. “It’s not meant to be critical of him (the PM) or an endorsement of him. It’s meant to celebrate the Canadian political landscape.” Mr. Harper didn’t know his image was being used to promote the sale.
Mr. Rosen says he finds politics fascinating and interesting. In the past, Harry Rosen has used images of Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin and Stéphane Dion. Two years ago, the company used an image of Finance Minister Jim Flaherty standing in front of a microphone with the caption: “Harry’s Private Sale. Now that’s the kind of savings I’m talking about.”
Mr. Flaherty was flattered. His office called the high-end clothier to tell them that but they also mentioned how great it would be if, in return for using the image, Harry Rosen’s would make a donation to a charity in the minister’s riding. Mr. Rosen said he happily donated “several thousand dollars” to the charity.
And while Mr. Flaherty took it with good humour, the Prime Minister’s Office was not too impressed, according to the Toronto Star that spring. “It’s pretty tasteless,” a PMO official told the Star.
Mr. Rosen, however, said today he has never heard from the PMO. But he is hoping to this time. He would like it if the PMO called to ask for a donation. The clothier would not say if Mr. Harper wears his attire.
In response, a PMO official told The Globe today: "Harry's going to run out of friends if he doesn't ask for permission to use their images."
