My Wardrobe: Q&A

Going for bold

Mr Yung Ong mixes textures and goes bold with colours. By Leslie Kay Lim

Jacket from Moncler. Boat shoes from Car Shoe. Watch from Panerai. M. Cohen bracelet with tiny subtle skulls in brass and silver. Thom Browne spectacles.
ST PHOTOS: DANIEL NEO

YUNG ONG, 35
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROOF LIVING

How would you describe your sense of style?

I try to keep things crisp and clean. I tailor my clothes to be a bit sharper and more tapered. Recently, I've been mixing more textures and been bolder with colours. I've been going for whiter whites and brighter blues. Blue is my favourite colour; it has been since I was little.

Who are your favourite designers or go-to brands?

Without sounding too biased, I obviously love Suitsupply (the Singapore franchise of the brand is under the Proof Living group). Paul Smith and Dolce & Gabbana are two other brands I like, especially for their fit. It's about body type and those brands work for me. You need to wear the clothes - the clothes shouldn't be wearing you. I constantly re-alter my clothes, too, to ensure the best fit according to how my body changes. Do you have a style icon you admire?

David Beckham. He's very flexible in his style and there's always something to learn from his outfits. He's daring, but classic.

What are three favourite pieces in your wardrobe?

It's like asking me to choose a favourite child. I love clothes so much. This Moncler jacket

(photo 1) is great. The olive colour goes well with blue. It's neutral but interesting, with a slightly military feel. I have a few pairs of these boat shoes from Car Shoe (photo 2). I like that not many people wear them, because the brand is better known for its car shoes.

What is your weakness when it comes to shopping?

I'm always on the lookout for cool bracelets and pocket squares. I guess it's these small details that tend to catch my eye. Ties as well.

What is your favourite splurge piece?

I have a few watches from Panerai (photo 3). Although the prices are expensive, they are not super crazy. The brand always introduces cool new materials.

Is there a purchase you've regretted?

I bought a grey Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo because I thought it was unusual. But I had no use for it. When I finally tried it on again I found that it couldn't be altered to fit me properly, simply because with a tuxedo, there's only so much you can do.

Is there a gifted item in your closet that you love?

This M. Cohen bracelet (photo 4) was given to me by my ex-girlfriend. I love skull motifs. It's got tiny subtle skulls in brass and silver.

What was your most recent fashion purchase?

I just bought a pair of Thom Browne spectacles (photo 5) in Tokyo. It's a nice mix of materials - a matte tortoiseshell frame with black metal temples.

What is the best shopping or style advice you live by?

Always have a blazer or jacket handy. You'll stand out as the more stylish person in the group or blend in at a more formal event.

Photo 1: Jacket from Moncler. Photo 2: Boat shoes from Car Shoe. Photo 3: Watch from Panerai. Photo 4: M. Cohen bracelet with tiny subtle skulls in brass and silver. Photo 5: Thom Browne spectacles.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 16, 2015, with the headline Going for bold. Subscribe