MY WARDROBE

Style is attitude, not clothes

Senior manager Prashant Ashoka favours monochromatic shades.

Prashant Ashoka keeps things simple with monochromatic shades in his wardrobe.
Prashant Ashoka keeps things simple with monochromatic shades in his wardrobe. PHOTOS: LAU FOOK KONG, RETROSUPERFUTURE

Q & A

PRASHANT ASHOKA, 26, WHO IS SINGLE, SENIOR MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING AT HOLIDAYS WITH HEART, A PHILANTHROPIC LUXURY TRAVEL COMPANY

How would you describe your style?

Minimal, and a little futuristic and edgy. I do not have clothes in bright colours.

I get up and am out of the house in half an hour in the mornings, so it is a lot simpler to throw on something black and not have to worry about matching colours.

When did your interest in fashion start?

I do not see myself as a particularly fashion-forward person, although a lot of my friends are in the creative industry. Fashion is one aspect of that creative culture I grew up with and was surrounded by.

Who are some of your favourite designers?

I like European brands such as KTZ, J.W. Anderson, Maison Margiela and Raf Simons. I also like American designer Rick Owens and high-end South Korean menswear label Wooyoungmi.

For suits, French luxury brand Kenzo is amazing. I have a couple of simple black and midnight-blue Kenzo suits. I like them because they are understated and slick.

Who are your style icons?

James Dean for his attitude and rough edges, Tilda Swinton for her eccentricities and Gregory Peck for his refined, old-world charm.

What are the favourite pieces in your wardrobe?

I love my Alexander Wang shoes because they are easy to slip on and are extremely comfortable. They are made of neoprene and also look and feel like diving boots.

Do you have any weaknesses when it comes to shopping?

Sunglasses. A good pair can change your look. I have one I really like from Retrosuperfuture.

What is your favourite splurge piece?

My gladiator sandals from Ann Demeulemeester. They are extremely comfortable and well- made. Good footwear is always worth the money.

What is your most recent fashion purchase?

My Kenzo drawstring bag. It is a great festival bag and I plan to bring it to Wonderfruit Festival, an arts and music event in Thailand, next month.

Is there a purchase you have regretted?

I have a few, but everything I do not wear has already been donated.

What is the best style advice you live by?

Style is more of an attitude than what you actually wear. It is about authenticity and knowing who you are and what you stand for.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 05, 2015, with the headline Style is attitude, not clothes, says senior manager Prashant Ashoka. Subscribe