My Style: Eddy Chai
Photo: Courtesy of Eddy Chai
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Confidence and stature are more important than what you throw on. Your clothes are not only an expression of yourself, but can also affect how you feel. Fashion isn’t a democracy — be an individual.
Please describe your style in three words.
Difficult to categorize.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing things just because they are trendy.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, but unfortunately people don’t usually choose the right ones.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Tweeds, boiled wool, plaids, and good ol’ cotton.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I’m all for anyone wearing what they want to express themselves, even if I might object to it.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
When you think of 'men', you think of the sophistication found in Milan and London. But if you’re talking about just raw style… New York and Tokyo.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I have a lot of traditional values and core beliefs, but I’m constantly jumping away from that in different directions. There are too many factors and situations in life for me to answer that in black and white.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Don’t overthink it.
Celebrities and style...
I’m not interested in celebrities and their style.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Footwear.
A man should always look like...
He’s comfortable and confident in his own skin.
Who taught you what you know about style?
If New York City in the 80’s and 90’s qualifies as a 'who', it would definitely be her.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It’s based on what I need to do throughout the day as well as my mood. Different tasks put me in different gear.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t know if I have one that I didn’t emotionally recover from and hopefully I won’t have one in the future.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I never plan to go shopping unless I have a need for something. I like it when shopping just organically and spontaneously happens.
We will never see you wearing...
Bell bottoms or Crocs.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Our first sales person at Odin from Japan. Everything just looked stylish on him.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Footwear and a unique countenance.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A lightweight Margiela knit that has holes in over time. A button down with patchwork handkerchiefs on the back upper yoke I got from Japan. A vintage New York Giants Superbowl XXI Tee—perfect fit, feel, age, and of course, team.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I wouldn’t say it’s an enemy because it is important, but it can create complacency and stagnation.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Comme des Garçons, Martin Margiela, Junya Watanabe.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
I’ll leave that to you—I like surprises.
