BDRM2014

Here I stand at the end of the night at KPO for Singapore Esquire's Best Dressed Real Man 2014. It's been a hell of an experience going through this competition for the past 3 months. Honestly, I thought I would be competing against 14 snobs, I thought wrong! I met really cool, down to earth dudes who I will definitely keep in touch with. 

A picture of me that was chosen for Esquire's BDRM 2014 (August Issue), my first national magazine feature. Never in a thousand years would I have thought to see myself in such a spread, it is pretty awesome! The shoot was pretty quick, probably took about 20 mins. We had the photo shoot at a small studio called The Pond in Joo Chiat. A really cozy and chill studio. 

Luisaviaroma sponsored this year's BDRM and we had to pick a few items for the shoot. I picked the umbrella and the cuff links, both by Alexander McQueen. Yes, I went for the Shanghainese Mafia look. ;)

After hustling for the last 3 months and posting OOTDs everyday on Instagram, I had a glimpse of what it is like being an influencer, someone who inspires others to dress better. In my opinion, this is the very essence of Best Dressed Real Man. Apart from dressing well, he has to be real. A character that shines through the crowd. Many associate men dressing up as vain and frivolous, I beg to differ. How you dress is how you carry yourself and how you express yourself without saying a word. Why look like 99% of the people who commutes at Raffles City? We all have a choice and wardrobe options to do better.

 I came up short after all the hard work and spamming my page to get some votes. Was I surprised? I would be lying if I said I wasn't, but at the same time I didn't. At the end of the day, it was a really good experience and I am thankful that I was chosen to be in the finals. To all my family, friends, new friends and strangers who supported me since day one of BDRM, thank you for the love. I appreciate it. 

Last but not least, a big Thank You to the big man up above who gave me such an opportunity which has been opening more doors for me.

Stay Handsome!

.

Joel