If you want to stand out from the fashion crowd, here's some style advice: Get quirky.
That means finding a signature look and working that niche.
From fashmag maven Anna Wintour and her helmet bob to rapper Kanye West and his shutter shades and even our favourite TV character Phua Chu Kang and his yellow boots, it's going your own way with a unique look that shouts 'You, You, You'.
Urban tracked down five people - both celebrities and lesser known folk - who are, in their own ways, kings and queens of quirk. They spurn being mere slaves of fashion trends to express their individuality.
Take nightclub head honcho Andrew Ing, 40. While the dance-floor action may be hotting up, he's the dude in the oversized overcoat.
Others wear only a certain colour, such as student Kevin Kwan, 23, who always has something pink on him.
Working their look can be hard work. Fashion designer Thomas Wee, 60, for example, goes to great lengths for his signature suits.
He designs them, draws up the patterns and even supplies his tailor the fabric, padding and sleeve crowns to get his suits made.
For those who dare to be different, it's all about creating an image they identify with.
'There were times when I wanted to be a redhead, but I've always pulled out. Being blonde has become a part of me,' says Henne Mercer, 43, marketing director of Toni & Guy Hairdressing Singapore. She has sported a platinum blonde crop since she was 19.
BLONDE AMBITIONS Henne Mercer, 43, marketing director of Toni & Guy
Her platinum blonde crop has made her a head-turner since she was 19, when she got a job as a house model at Toni & Guy's headquarters in London. The hairstylist who sheared her ash brown locks and bleached them blonde is none other than David Mercer, director of Toni & Guy in Singapore, whom she eventually married.
These days, getting her hair attended to is not as easy. 'David puts his clients first,' she says. 'I get my hair cut at home in the kitchen, or sometimes when we're on holiday.'
Which famous blonde have you been compared to?
Annie Lennox. It's a huge compliment. She is an awesome blonde with both beauty and brains.
What's the best blonde joke you've heard?
Q: Why do men like blonde jokes?
A: Because they can understand them (laughs).
SUITS HIM FINE Thomas Wee, 60, fashion designer
Since he became a fashion designer, Wee has made sharp, slim-fit suits his signature look.
He designs his own suits and sends the patterns to a tailor, who then makes them according to his exacting standards. He spends between $500 and $1,000 for each suit. 'I have sloping shoulders so I cut the pattern myself so that when I wear the jacket, I feel the 'grasp' on my shoulders,' says Wee.
How many suits do you own?
At last count, about 52 suits with about 30 in regular rotation.
Do you ever wear anything else?
The only time I don't wear a jacket is when I'm going to the market or the food court.
How dressed down will you go?
I'll wear a shirt and tailored pants - but no jeans. I don't own jeans. I find them too heavy.
'TRENCH COAT' GUY Andrew Ing, 40, chief operating officer of St James Holdings
Those in the nightlife circle know him as 'the guy with the trench coat' - except that trench coat is really a misnomer. What he wears is an overcoat.
When a staff member blogged about his penchant for trench coats, he had to tell him that he got his terminology wrong.
What made you start wearing overcoats?
I started when I was in high school in Sydney. We were allowed to wear overcoats in winter and I saw it as a way of accessorising myself.
What do you wear your overcoat with?
I do a classic look with shirt, pants and shoes.
At night, I can't look too shabby and I have to dress my age, so I'll wear my overcoat - but no ties for me.
What's the strangest one-liner anyone has ever said to you?
'Can you flash me?' That's a classic one.
I've also had people ask me: 'Can I hide in there?'
PINK PASSION Kevin Kwan, 23, student at Parsons the New School for Design in New York
To spice up his blue and white uniform in junior college, Kwan picked up a pair of pink-rimmed Adidas Superstar sneakers in 2003 and has been in the pink since.
What's the most you've spent on a pink item?
My Alexander McQueen shirt which I got for US$200 (S$281) at American store Barneys.
What will it take for you not to wear pink?
If you can guarantee that English soccer team Arsenal will win next year's premiership. A lot, basically.
Anything pink you want but can't find?
I wanted a pink car but my mum said it was out of the question.
PRINT PRINCESS Pamela Hong, 21, graphic designer
It's easy to spot Hong. She's the one cutting a dash in a multi-coloured print dress. Her wardrobe is packed with dresses and tops printed with shapes including stripes, spots, flowers and even flamingoes.
What's the most you've spent on a printed outfit?
I don't ever spend more than $50 on what I wear. One of my favourite dresses is this yellow vintage number that I bought for 10 euros (S$21).
Tell us a funny incident about your habit.
A group of friends and I went to take some neo-prints and when the pictures turned out, everyone went: 'Where's Pam's body?' My dress had blended right into the background.
Phase or here to stay?
Here to stay. I don't think a patternless place would be any good for me. I'd be so unhappy.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 15, 2008.
