Samoa's government has decreed that anybody attending state functions will in future have to wear a new national uniform, complete with coconut shell buttons.
A government statement says the cabinet required that at all state functions the new national costume or "Laei Samoa" was to be worn by both men and women.
It says outfits to be worn by both males and females will be made of 'Elei'.
Elei can be of any material on which traditional designs are featured.
It specifies that the picture of a Teuila, Samoa's national flower, must be printed on the left hand side, the pocket side of the men's shirts.
And both men's and ladies' outfits must use buttons made from coconut shells.
