By Margaux Levy,
In the ’60s, it was referred to as the peacock revolution – when rock stars such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie redefined the look of virility with their gender-blurring wardrobes (paisley shirts, slim-fit pants, silk kimonos!).
Fast-forward to present day and a whole new generation of men is bringing back that same enthusiasm and adventurousness towards dressing up. They love to shop (a lot of them from vintage or vintage-style stores). They tend to mix-and-match garments, accessories and influences – including those traditionally considered to be from the women’s wardrobe – to create their personal look. And they’re unafraid to show it off because, if they’re anything like the 25 men here, why not?
Welcome to the new era of sartorial liberation when (to paraphrase Damon Albarn) regardless of gender, one should always be wearing something they really love.
MARCUS ANG, 24, FOUNDER OF @KUMOTORA.SG, AN INSTAGRAM STORE SPECIALISING IN ANIME PRINT TEES
His sense of style: “Thrifty fits and, if Singapore’s weather is playing nice, I go for textures and knits for flavour. Also, making accessories is my kind of therapy.”
Last fashion item bought: “Another pair of Balenciaga socks – don’t judge me, please. I’ve a thing for designer socks because they make my feet feel appreciated.”
Favourite fashion labels: “Issey Miyake and Sillage by Nicolas Yuthanan.”
One fashion item he can’t live without: “The beret that was given to me by my late mum – it’s become a staple that ties all my outfits together.
Style icon: “Besides the artistic collective Drain Gang, I get inspiration from the video games I play – the likes of Habbo Hotel, Grand Theft Auto V and RuneScape – as they allow limitless character customisation.”
His sense of style: “I like to mix workwear with vintage items from the ’80s and ’90s. Currently, I’m into garments that are in darker colours and have an interesting cut or shape.”
Favourite fashion labels: “I’ve been enjoying Miu Miu’s sensual take on professional attire. I’m also obsessed with Heaven by Marc Jacobs – I appreciate the fact that the brand doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
Last fashion item bought: “A pair of Levi’s 684 jeans, which I bought from a thrift store in Malaysia. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time because it’s a rare bell-bottom vintage design.”
His sense of style: “I wouldn’t put myself in a box as I love trying out new styles. I often find myself gravitating towards vintage and retro looks from the ’70s and ’80s, and sometimes I wear my grandparents’ clothes.”
Favourite fashion labels: “Graph Layer from Hong Kong and LR3 from Spain.”
Style icon: “Tyler, the Creator. I’ve been following his every move since Cherry Bomb and never have I doubted his style, music and persona. From his old skater look to the preppy aesthetic he’s recently adopted, his style evolution has to me transcended perfection.”
One fashion item he can’t live without: “My moonstone necklace!”
Style icon: “Axl Rose, Sid Vicious and Keith Richards.”
Time he takes to dress up: “Between 20 minutes and an hour-ish? I usually take the time to plan the mood, colour and details of my outfit before the day begins.”
One fashion item he can’t live without: “A good pair of jeans.”
His sense of style: “Relaxed, elegant and always ‘five-star hotel bar ready’.”
One fashion item he can’t live without: “A good pair of pants, which is the cornerstone of a great outfit. It should preferably be high-waisted, wide-legged or have big flares!”
Favourite fashion labels: “Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli.”
Last fashion item bought: “I thrifted a tie-dyed Online Ceramic T-shirt from a colleague, and it was the deal of the century! I bought it because of its interesting graphic print and throwback to the ’70s.”
Style icon: “The style influencer Wisdom Kaye, South Korean designer Hyein Seo and Bleach from the eponymous Japanese manga series.”
Last fashion item bought: “A pair of Gurkha shorts with double buckles from (Singapore vintage-inspired boutique) Chota House – I have always loved its handmade goods.”
Last fashion item bought: "It would be a vintage jacket from Ashitagaaru, a vintage shop here in Singapore. I got it because it fits the ‘biker’ look I’m going for."
Last fashion item bought: "Saint Laurent's Opyum sandals. It’s like collecting a piece of art."
One fashion item you can't live without: "My bleach red shirt from Haider Ackermann's Spring/Summer 2017 collection."
A version of this article first appeared in the June 2022 Male Edit issue of FEMALE