Dawn Images

A suit worn by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that gathered worldwide fame for having his name embroidered all over it has entered the Guinness World Records after selling for a record sum.

Modi attracted mockery on social media for the tailored, pin-striped suit, which he wore during a meeting with US President Barack Obama on a visit to India in January 2015.

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When images of the prime minister were enlarged, it became clear that the subtle gold stripes were made up of the words “Narendra Damodardas Modi” woven in tiny letters.

Bought by diamond tycoon Laljibhai Patel in Gujarat last year for 43,131,311 rupees ($642,426), the personalised suit has now entered the record books as the most expensive ever sold at auction.

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“The most expensive suit (clothing) sold at auction is Rs. (Rupees) 43,131,311... and was bought by Laljibhai Tulsibai Patel (India), in Surat, Gujarat, India, on 20 February 2015,” said a statement on the Guinness World Record website.

The website said the proceeds from the auction were donated to the Namami Gange Fund, a project to clean up the heavily polluted Ganges River, which is considered sacred by Hindus.

Originally published in Dawn, August 21st, 2016