The NDP leader’s choice of timepiece was once again in the spotlight over Labour Day weekend

New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh speaks to reporters outside the House of Commons, March 28, 2023. Photo by Patrick Doyle/Reuters?File

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s choice of timepiece was once again in the spotlight over Labour Day weekend, as a 2014 portrait of Singh resurfaced on social media.

The image, which was shot by Bryan Adams — yes, that Bryan Adams — was part of a campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, one of the largest and most upscale shopping malls in the country.

In it, Singh is photographed in black and white, save for his watch, which shimmers in gold.

It also features the quote: “Style is an opportunity to express your identity and boldly declare your belief in your own self-worth. Style can act as both social armor to insulate against societal prejudices and as a conversation starter to open the doors to communication.”

Why does the Rolex keep getting brought up?

The portrait is more than a decade old but critiques of Singh’s choice of watch, which he still wears, are ever-present on social media.

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While the NDP platform focuses on progressive policies, including taxation and workers’ rights, the fact that the leader drives a BMW and wears bespoke suits, in addition to wearing a Rolex, continues to rub some people the wrong way.

“Jagmeet Singh, donning a Rolex and a $1,700 jacket, isn’t missing an opportunity to pretend like he is for the ‘working class’ while supporting every cost of living and taxes increase on Canadians, including the ones the Unions employees are complaining about,” reads one post on X.

Why does Singh wear a Rolex?

According to a 2018 profile of Singh in Toronto Life, he actually owns two Rolex models: an Oyster Perpetual Datejust and a -Submariner. The price of the watches ranges anywhere from about $6,000 to more than $50,000, depending on the collection.

While the exact value of Singh’s watches isn’t clear, he told Toronto Life that both were gifts.

As for the suits, he told the magazine that his fashion choices are intended to project strength.

“In a space where I felt a bit powerless, I wanted to convey power,” he said. “I wanted to discourage people who might want to treat me unfairly. That’s when I said, ‘It’s suits!'”

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How did he end up in an ad for Yorkdale?

The year-long celebration for the mall featured a campaign focused on “Toronto’s Style Makers.”

Each person featured, including fashion journalist Jeanne Beker, Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey and actress Lisa Ray, was photographed by Adams.

Singh, who has been featured in various fashion magazines and publications for his style, seems a natural choice to be included, despite the working-class leanings of his political party.

When he shared his portrait on Facebook in 2014, he thanked Adams and all those who made the campaign possible.

“Without a doubt, Yorkdale Mall has become an iconic destination of our amazing city as well as a center for fashion and style,” he said.

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 NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s choice of timepiece was once again in the spotlight over Labour Day weekend,