IT was a clean cut, albeit drained-looking, Julian Assange that finally emerged on to the balcony of the Ecuadoran embassy in London last night.
Gone were the open neck shirts, the thick coats and the wavy blonde locks.
In its place Assange sported a new close-cropped haircut, crisp blue shirt and tie.
Appearing in public for the first time since seeking asylum at the embassy two months ago, Assange spoke confidently as he called on US President Barack Obama to stop his government's "witch hunt".
A straight-faced Assange read a prepared statement, thanking Ecuador for granting him asylum and thanking his supporters for rallying behind him.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange holds up his legal papers as he addresses the media outside the High Court in central London, on December 16, 2010. Picture: Stefan Wermuth/AFP Source: AFP
But the two months spent inside the imposing red-brick apartment block in London's posh Knightsbridge area, practically next door to the luxury department store Harrods, may be taking its toll on Assange's health with the Wikileaks founder looking noticeably thinner.
He appeared pale from lack of sunlight, and has no chance of getting any any time soon as British police have warned he will be arrested the minute he sets foot outside the embassy.
Details of Assange's living conditions emerged late last week.
The Ecuadoran mission has no bedrooms or guest accommodation. People who have visited Assange say he is living in an office that has been outfitted with a bed, access to a phone and a connection to the Internet.
A shower has been installed, and the embassy has a small kitchenette.
Julian Assange with his legal adviser Balthasar Garcon talk inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London ahead of his first public appearance in two months. Picture: Sean Dempsey/AP Source: AP
"It's not quite the Hilton," said Gavin MacFadyen, a supporter who has met with Mr Assange at the embassy.
A treadmill provides some opportunity for exercise, and a sun lamp helps compensate for the lack of natural light.
Mr Assange's mother, Christine, has said that visiting friends "turn the music on and encourage him to dance with them."
But Ms Assange has expressed fears for her son's health. She said last month he was facing severe stress after weeks of confinement and more than 18 months fighting legal battles while under strict bail conditions in Britain.
"He is under a lot of stress and it's been long-term stress now for nearly two years and in conditions which are similar to detention," she said.
Assange was given asylum by Ecuador last week amid moves by British authorities to extradite him to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault.
Assange denies the allegations and fears being transferred to America where he could face life in jail for the 2010 WikiLeak revelations of thousands of secret diplomatic cables.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pictured during a media conference in London in 2011. Picture: Lefteris Pitarakis/AP Source: AP
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