Wardrobe documents five unique individuals and their transformation through the fine tailoring of bespoke suits to inspire Malaysians to suit up.
One of Malaysia's finest bespoke tailoring houses, Wardrobe, brought together five individuals from five different backgrounds for 'Made to Malaysiana Season II', a series of creative films that showcases their transformation through fine tailoring.
Helming the project is Wardrobe CEO and true blue sartorialist Lim Fang Heng, who says “We started this campaign two years ago, which is unlike any other fashion campaigns. The whole essence of it is to spread a message that dressing is important in today’s society. As much as we are a business, what we are doing now is aimed towards nation building.”
Just who are the five spirited muses featured in 'Made to Malaysiana Season II'? Julian Oh, tattoo artist; Jiman, PR consultant; Sueann Chong, editor; Aiman Asmawar, art gallery owner; and Edwin Raj, musician.
We met with these five personalities to find out their wardrobe philosophy and how they feel about wearing a bespoke suit.
Julian Oh, Tattoo Artist, Wayang Kulit Tattooing
To Julian Oh, 'ordinary' is not a word he likes. He has a flaming passion for all things unique and customised, which explains his profession as a tattoo artist where every creation is one-of-a-kind for his patrons. So the collaboration between the artist and Wardrobe makes perfect sense in every way.
When asked about the importance of suits, he says, “Honestly, I think every man should have at least two to three suits in his wardrobe, regardless if it’s worn daily or not. There are always times when you need to suit up and a well-tailored suit makes all the difference.”
But being the rebel that he is, he prefers to wear his sartorial look with just its vest, shirt and pants. “I’m wearing it this way for two reasons: one is because it’s too hot here (in Malaysia) and the other is to showcase my tattoos in the pictures for Wardrobe. After all, the campaign is about showing our different personalities and backgrounds.”
Jiman, PR consultant, Recording Industry Association of Malaysia
As a public relations consultant, Mohd Nizam Khamis or known to most as Jiman, is no stranger to the suit and tie concept but this is his first time with bespoke tailoring, so it was an immediate ‘Yes!’ when the CEO of Wardrobe himself approached him. Despite being a white collar, Jiman has a flair for the rock and roll culture in his styling choice. Jiman explains, “I have a touch of rock and roll in everything I wear. Even in the bespoke suit by Wardrobe, I added on my Dr Marten boots for the campaign shoot.”
No matter what you wear, Jiman believes in adding personal touches in dressing to show the world who and what you are. When we talked about dressing habits, Jiman says he has a tendency of wearing something he fancies continuously no matter the occasion and time until he gets bored, but he adds, “The thing about bespoke suits is that it is fitted to your body and so its one of a kind. I will never get tired of bespoke tailoring but there needs to be different styles of it.”
Sueann Chong, Editor, Hanger Magazine
As the editor of a fashion and lifestyle magazine, uber chic style comes naturally to Sueann Chong, whose motto is “never take fashion too seriously” and just have fun.
Sueann has been an advocate for Wardrobe since the day she discovered the brand, “I’ve known Wardrobe for a long time since I live in Bangsar. So when anyone asks me where to find a suit, I‘d always recommend Wardrobe because they know how to make a suit for the generation now.”
As for her style, a suit fits perfectly into her closet, which she says is all about androgyny. Sueann explains, “I’ve always been fascinated with menswear. I would think that I’m more comfortable in wearing a suit, than a tight bandeau dress. That’s where fashion actually began – with men.”
Aiman Asmawar, Founder, Seni Enam Sembilan
Curently holding two professions, Aiman is in the peak of his career. During the day, he runs a fine art gallery named Seni Enam Sembilan with his partner Patrice Valette and by night, he is a refined silat master, spending his hours spreading the beauty of the martial art.
Wardrobe has always been a part of Aiman’s wardrobe but this is his first time owning a bespoke suit. When we asked him about his bespoke experience, he says, “I'm quite astonished that the details to the lining, material, and cutting really suits me well. It was a new knowledge for me to see how much attention Wardrobe puts in and the time it takes to understand the character before putting design at play.”
It was a true eye opener for Aiman as suits have become his main dresscode ever since he co-founded Seni Enam Sembilan. He says, “I like to wear neutral-coloured suits and accent it with coloured shirts, inserts and accessories to give it more character.”
Edwin Raj, Lead Vocalist/Guitarist, They Will Kill Us All
Like any other kid, Edwin Raj looked up to his father for his passion in music and impeccable taste in suits. Edwin says, “Looking at my father's pictures, he was a very fashionable rock star and he brought the 70s and 80s to life with his style.” Hence he is a keen supporter of tailored dressing.
As a musician, Edwin thinks that suits are important to a man’s wardrobe even if he does not wear it on a daily basis. He explains, “A suit is like the credit card to businesses. It makes a good first impression for you and like it or not, we all judge each other from the way we dress. So it helps to always have a suit for important affairs like these.”
Business aside, to this talented musician, dressing up also means respect for others especially when you’re out on a date. Edwin laughs and says, “Ladies take so much effort to dress up and as men, you shouldn’t turn up in a football jersey. Suit up!”.
(Photos: Wardrobe)
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