Where is the fun in traditional icebreakers — card games, “21 questions”, or the dreaded “truth or dare”? In our quest to truly understand a person, would it not be tempting to skip the awkward small talk altogether? Imagine, instead, cracking the code to their personality by having them swing open their closet upon first introduction.
If eyes are windows to the soul, then the wardrobe holds its own mirror. It reflects not just the image we project but offers a more nuanced glimpse into who we truly are. Opening a closet door, then, becomes a surprisingly intimate act — an act stripping away facades to expose the self through our sartorial choices.
A closet is a chameleon, morphing into a mirror reflecting our evolving selves — a memory box overflowing with sentimental relics or even a mere utilitarian space for storing clothes. Between the tangled hangers and the forgotten pieces from a bygone trend lies a series of unspoken narratives about our past and personality. The Saint Laurent hoodie, a cherished relic from a past love; the Rick Owens jacket, a hard-earned trophy, a reward to a younger self; or the worn Adidas Superstars — etched with memories — have accompanied one through life’s milestones.
Yet, one truth remains irrefutable: clothes — while not a guarantee of identity — offer a window into the wearer’s story. Our attire acts as a tool in shaping both how the world perceives us and how we express ourselves within it.
Fashion has functioned as a potent language for centuries. Historically, it has been a signifier of wealth and status, and it has evolved in the modern world to become an extension of our very beings. This concept resonates deeply with today’s youth, a generation blessed with unprecedented fashion freedom. Often stereotyped for their “main character syndrome”, they embrace the idea of dressing as the protagonist in their own lives, with wardrobes becoming costumes in their personal expressions — a performance not just for others but for themselves.
Yet, with this newfound liberation comes a lingering question. As we are empowered to curate our portrayals, do we truly dress for ourselves, or are clothes a mask we wear for the world? In this exclusive feature, Men’s Folio unlocks the wardrobes of Razeq, Evonne, Cabi and Jaden — are they, in essence, what they wear?
RAZEQ
Archive Collector
“I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m entirely defined by what I wear. Certainly, clothing can be a powerful tool for selfexpression, but it’s not always that deep. For me, it’s more about crafting an image — a way to show the world who I am at that moment. Clothes let me project a vibe, an aesthetic and maybe even play around with different sides of myself. It’s like a silent language, a way to express myself without even speaking.”
CABI
Influencer
“My clothes are definitely this super cool, curated version of myself! I take all the things I love and adore, throw them on, and that’s my outfit for the day. Honestly, to answer your question, ‘Am I a reflection of what I wear?’ directly: definitely, to a certain extent. I might have unintentionally dressed up as my stereotypical MBTI type — ENFP. We’re always described as cheerful, fun, and expressive, and with one look at my closet, you would figure all of that out.”
JADEN
Model
“I love using clothes to play with different versions of who I am instead of sticking to just one “core authentic self”. Every side I show — the feminine, the masculine, the soft and the edgy — is truly me. Stepping back, I can see how my style might come across as intimidating to some. Which is, you know, kind of good — mysterious… [Laughs] I feel that vibe comes through in my nonchalant style: indie sleaze, the whole ‘I’m not trying too hard’ look. I like that. If you see me, I hope my style tells you that I really don’t care.”
EVONNE
Stylist
“Here’s a confession: I’m actually quite introverted, but my clothing choices are eclectic and bold — some might even call them loud. It’s a bit of a contrast, wouldn’t you say? The ritual is usually simple: I wake up, head to my closet, and pick an outfit based on instinct, “This feels like the vibe for today.” Sometimes, I totally catch myself dressing the opposite of how I feel. If I’m feeling down, I might throw on a bright, cute outfit to give myself a confidence boost. And guess what? It works, for me, at least.”
Photography Joe Ng
Interview Asha Farisha
Styling Liew Hui Ying
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2024 issue.