In the words of the celebrated Gianni Versace: “Don’t make fashion own you, but decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.”
Here, the four men interviewed have done just that through their unique, interesting and sometimes quirky style.
Alexander Aicolina
A junior menswear designer at Gagliardi. His style is inspired by his love for tailoring.
“For me, fashion is a form of self-expression and individuality. It is something that embodies your everyday appearance and reflects part of your personality to everyone, and it should be a very conscious and personal choice as it affects how people perceive you.
For those who are really into fashion, I’m probably a typical, conservative male
“As a concept, I think it’s important for people to have their own style as it’s a way of expressing your mood, character and your desired aesthetic. In fact, although I personally like to follow trends, I like to dress in a pragmatic nature and I love tailoring.
“My ultimate style advice would be to keep it simple and always have one statement piece – whether that’s a beautiful double-breasted jacket or a great pair of shoes is up to you. Also, don’t forget that less is always more.”
Jonathan Shaw
An enviable style that marries classic chic and dressed-down comfort seamlessly.
“When it comes to fashion, I consider myself a classic conservative and not someone who follows trends. In fact, for those who are really into fashion, I’m probably a typical, conservative male. Nevertheless, I feel that I can be versatile according to the moment and I feel comfortable wearing anything from a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and flip-flops to a nicely cut suit.
“I consider fashion on two different levels: the basic necessity of clothing and also an extension of one’s style, moods and expression. This means that fashion is dynamic and the extent that one relates to it is varying according to the individual.
“I wouldn’t say that I have a particular style secret, but rather an attitude – in that, I have to feel comfortable and confident in whatever I wear. Nonetheless, there are times when one has to push himself slightly out of the comfort zone.”
Owen Bonnici
His style is incredibly versatile and he can pull off a suit (check him all suited out on One Night Stand) as well as he pulls off a T-shirt and a pair of shorts.
“I find fashion interesting as it is very much linked to memories – I have, for example, a T-shirt from when I was a teen and it reminds me of the days I used to go to Axis. I’ve always found it very difficult to get rid of clothes, in fact.
“I am a big fan of colours and I usually start wondering what to wear while I’m in the shower and my choice depends on how I feel, where I’m going and how I would like to look.
“I’ve never been the type of person who would wear something just because it’s currently in fashion, however. Personal style defines your character and also acts as a statement on how and who you are as a person, so it’s a very important thing to have.”
Carlton Agius
Personal/creative assistant at Charles&Ron, his style is a clear mix of a love for fashion and youthful daring.
“At this point, my life revolves around fashion both as a career and as something more personal. In fact, I always say that I dream fashion, I live fashion and I’ll die fashion.
“Due to my job, I do enjoy following trends and looks straight from the runway, but I love to style individual garments to fit my own, personal image. I think style is very much like a plain, white T-shirt: you don’t have to have one, but it’s good if you do.
“Knowing what my personal style is has definitely helped when it comes to dressing others and in design. I think I use my taste as a tool to create something that people will hopefully respond to; whether that’s in my own comfort zone or not.”