9 to 5 and Beyond: 6 Independent-Minded Dressers - Men's Folio
Interview

9 to 5 and Beyond: 6 Independent-Minded Dressers

  • By Men's Folio

Hugo Escude

Brand Director (Southeast Asia, Australia & South Korea), Zenith

Describe your style as your best friend(s) would.

Enrico della Casa, brand manager of Riva Yachts, describes me as definitely colourful yet elegant and a master of casual chic.

Have you received any interesting comments on your style? 

A Sartorial Superman! It made me laugh since I love the colours blue and red.

Describe your style in your own words, and how many fashion faux pas did you have to commit before getting it right?

I believe my style has been influenced by my two nationalities: Spanish (Barcelona) and French (Paris). It’s a mix between traditional elegance and Mediterranean colours. My style has always been pretty classic, however I’ve had some criticism for mixing colours on some occasions.

Is there a trend right now that everyone loves, but you loathe?

Lady Gaga’s style.

If a watch is a reflection of the wearer, what watch perfectly reflects your style?

My Zenith Stratos El Primero Striking 10th: sporty looking yet elegant, extremely reliable, avant-garde and high-frequency!

Personal style: nature or nurture?

Like my zodiac sign Sagittarius – half-man and half-horse – I’m a mix of both!

Name your style icon.

Paul Newman. An authentic gentleman his entire life.

If you could banish one fashion disaster, what would it be and why?

Gothic Fashion. Maybe because it is the opposite of me.

Is there a look or an item that you covet but is just not your style?

Hats, like a Panama hat, and bowties are great items but they don’t suit my professional environment.

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Harry Ng

Guest Relations Manager, The Spider Room

Describe your style as your best friend(s) would.

Street Military. Probably because I’ll put on my collection of World War II relic headgears, along with whatever plain, dark-colour T-shirts, pants or bermudas that I can find in my closet. 

Describe your style in your own words, and how many fashion faux pas did you have to commit before getting it right?

Comfortable and ready for all kinds of physical activities; I’m not a fashion victim and I don’t abide by a rigid sense of how I should dress. I’m a street-style person by day, so getting it right means putting on stuff that best suits the Singapore weather, polished off with a cool pair of sneakers.

Is there a trend right now that everyone loves, but you loathe?

At the moment, it’s the Korean Fever that’s everywhere. I just think the men look a little too feminine.

Personal style: nature or nurture?

Both! As a teen, I grew up listening to all kinds of punk and rock music. That kind of lifestyle still inspires what I put on today.

What is your definition of style?

Style is 30 per cent the clothes you put on, and 70 per cent having the character and personality to pull it off.

Name your style icon.

Axl Rose of Guns & Roses.

Who would you say is the most stylish man today, in the world, and in Singapore?

In the world, the legendary Bruce Lee; in Singapore, I haven’t met one yet.

If you could banish one fashion disaster, what would it be and why?

Cardigans on men! They always look better on women.

Is there a look or an item that you covet but is just not your style?

A nice, relaxing linen short sleeved shirt, along with a matching pair of linen shorts or pants; it’s not my style, as I’m covered with too much ink all over.

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Longcheng Low

Buyer, Club 21

Describe your style as your best friend(s) would. Any interesting comments received?

My friends appreciate that my style is unexpected and fun. It puts everyone in a good mood.

Describe your style in your own words, and how many fashion faux pas did you have to commit before getting it right?

My style is classic with a twist, and nods to the trends out there. It’s playful and sporty. Comfort is a big requisite for me when I dress. I’m more casual in the day. For events and dinners, I like to amp up my look with colour, prints or accessories. I’m also a big fan of tailoring, especially for nights. A jacket smartens up a man. Everyone should make it an essential item in their wardrobe. I have so many faux pas moments. I cherish them. They put a smile on my face. Fashion is fun and I don’t take it too seriously.

Is there a trend right now that everyone loves, but you loathe?

Not really. I encourage everyone to express themselves through fashion. What I dislike is playing it too safe, and having nothing to say with your outfit.

Personal style: nature or nurture?

Both. Personal style is a journey. Refinement of your style comes with age, exposure and intention.

What is your definition of style?

Style is an expression that flows from within. A strong sense of style is cohesive. It’s an elegant mind, and an equally elegant dress sense and manners.

Name your style icon.

People who have a strong sense of style have distinct personalities that match their lifestyle and fashion sense. I adore Daphne Guinness, Lee Radziwill, Rooney Mara, Mrs Christina Ong, Carine Roitfeld, Jamie Hince, Andrew Garfield, Daniel Craig, Colin Firth, Tom Ford, Tinie Tempah, Ryan Gosling and Lapo Elkann. I’m sure there are many stylish people in the world – this is just off my head. I’m obsessed with so many stylish individuals.

Who would you say is the most stylish man today in the world, and in Singapore?

I’m not sure. This is a tough question. I have no answer for this.

Is there a look or an item that you covet but is just not your style?

I really like the slim, neat and elegantly reduced look of Balenciaga Men’s. Unfortunately it doesn’t work with my body shape or personality. We always aspire to dress differently from ourselves I guess.

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Andre Neo

Marketing and Communications Manager, T.M.Lewin

Describe your style as your best friend(s) would. Any interesting comments received?

Quirky and daring at times are what my friends see in my style.

Describe your style in your own words, and how many fashion faux pas did you have to commit before getting it right?

I’m a non-conformist and an individualist. The cut and aesthetics are of importance to me when I select my outfits. As long as the basic fundamentals of mixing and matching in any outfit is met, fashion faux pas will not happen. After all, feeling comfortable in what I wear is important.

Is there a trend right now that everyone loves, but you loathe?

Those (cotton) canvas slip-ons (TOMS) have to go. I can’t relate to it! 

What is your definition of style?

Feel comfortable and know what’s right for you. Never force it. Be yourself.

Name your style icon.

John Galliano. He never fails to surprise me.

Who would you say is the most stylish man today in the world, and in Singapore?

I would say Tom Ford. As for the most stylish man in Singapore, hmmm…

If you could banish one fashion disaster, what would it be and why?

Bell bottoms. Its existence is beyond imagination.

Is there a look or an item that you covet but is just not your style?

High-waisted, straight-cut pants. I’ve always wanted to try it, but it looks hideous when I wear it. I have a short upper body and a long lower body: I’m disproportionate!

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Erwin Widhjoyo

Business Development Executive, Viewquest, and Fashion blogger, The Fetch Blog

Describe your style as your best friend(s) would. Have you received any interesting comments?

My best friend Tyler Leow described my style as timeless with a modern twist. He compared my life to an endless editorial spread and that inspires him.

Describe your style in your own words, and how many fashion faux pas did you have to commit before getting it right?

I have no single specific style but I am a firm believer that predictability is boring. As for faux pas, there are too many to count but also too few to mention. The bottom-line is that one will always have a faux pas every now and then. But how you go about turning it around, now that’s fetch.

Is there a trend right now that everyone loves, but you loathe?

Creepers. I just don’t get it. The leopard print ones especially. Love yourself. If God did not bless you with height, he’ll make it up with your length. I am kidding.

Personal style: nature or nurture?

Nurture. Then again it could be nature. I can’t say what I’m going to wear all the time. When I plan what I’m going to wear next, I find myself needing to break out of that mindset of being too predictable.

What is your definition of style?

It’s when you have reached the level of buying something for the beauty of it, appreciating the piece, and not by how visible or distinctive the logo is – now that’s style.

Name your style icon.

Scott Disick. This pop culture mystery is like the fourth Kardashian sister. He always looks immaculate and his hair never seems out of place!

Who would you say is the most stylish man today in the world, and in Singapore?

Gosh, there are so many. Scott Dissick, Pelayo Diaz, Pharrell Williams and Brad Goreski. Locally, Joshua Cheung, Jumius Wong, and of course Jeremy Tan; he’s a stylist extraordinaire and has the Midas touch. Everything he picks, chooses and touches turns to gold. His body of work is truly inspirational. He just marches to the beat of his own drum. That to me is style. He’s my inspiration.

If you could banish one fashion disaster, what would it be and why?

Just one? There are too many, like Crocs. But sometimes what is bad taste now can become the most incredible thing ever three years later. You just never know.

Is there a look or an item that you covet but is just not your style?

The Givenchy skirt/kilt for men. It is so fetch but if I were to wear it, I will look like I walk the streets for a living. Not just any street but the one at Desker Road.

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Aaron Koh

Creative Partner, Artsyfact

Describe your style as your best friend(s) would. Any interesting comments received?

Casual or street style. I’ve been told that I’m hardly ever in a shirt.

Describe your style in your own words, and how many fashion faux pas did you have to commit before getting it right? 

Back in the day, skating and hip-hop cultures were influential to me. Brands like Fubu, Sean Jean, Nike Air Force-One, Obey and Supreme. An XXL size was the way to go, the bigger the better. Then the punk rock and hipster styles came back and now I think I’ve found a good balance between the two. I still keep to my casual street wear minus the XXL sizing.

Is there a trend right now that everyone loves, but you loathe?

Upturned collars or extremely tight shorts, it’s just ridiculous.

Personal style: nature or nurture?

I have no idea what that means but I will act artsy and say nature.

What is your definition of style?

Style is when you can laugh at what you’re wearing.

Name your style icon.

Dustin Latimer, he’s the most stylish skater on earth.

Who would you say is the most stylish man in the world, and in Singapore today?

World: Luigi from the Super Mario Bros (he be rockin’ them hipster moustaches). Singapore: My ex-boss, Thomas Yang (creative director at DDB Worldwide Singapore).

If you could banish one fashion disaster what would it be and why?

Wearing animal fur, need I say more?

Is there a look or an item that you covet but is just not your style?

The Mad Men style but it’s way too elaborate for Singapore.

Photography: Ivanho Harlim & Shysilia Novita

Styling: Wei Lun