Looking sharp, gentlemen

Operating in a society that prides itself on not showing off, their mission to promote the style and concept of a "modern gentleman" has earned them some unflattering epithets.

But, staying true to their ethos, they are undeterred.

After all, they are The Pride: strategic planning director Nicholas Cho, 36; fashion merchandiser Nick Chong, 30; singer-actor Benjamin Kheng, 24; marketing and public relations head Eugene Lim, 34; entrepreneur Kevin Ou, 36; and actor Daren Tan, 32.

The six-man group banded in November last year to become "influencers" - a term used to describe trendsetters who have reach on social media - promoting the idea of a modern gentleman, a movement that they named The Gentleman's Pride.

Style is a significant part of The Pride and their Instagram account (thepridesg), which has more than 1,100 followers, reflects this.

On it, they share photos of themselves decked out in suits and stylish outfits.

Members, who met over the years at lifestyle events, hope the account will be used as a style resource that will inspire men to take more, yes, pride in the way they look.

Indeed, anyone can be part of The Gentleman's Pride movement by using the hashtag #thegentlemanspride on Instagram photos that exemplify a gentleman's lifestyle.

MORE THAN JUST LOOKING GOOD

Mr Lim, who spearheads both the group and the movement, says: "There are so many female influencers, but very few male ones.

"One of the reasons is that both women and men like to look at women, but people are less interested in male influencers, so we thought the six of us coming together would make more of an impact."

Then he adds: "Unless you're Ben Kheng - in that case, everyone will want to look at you," drawing laughter from the rest of the group. Mr Kheng is a member of local band, The Sam Willows.

Although they espouse the suit as the uniform for the modern-day gentleman, they also have plenty of ideas for casual outings and playing sports.

Given the humid climate, men who want ideas on how to incorporate elements of a suit for a smart casual look will also find plenty of inspiration from The Pride's Instagram account.

For instance, Mr Kheng arrived at the interview in a tight polo T-shirt with a vest over it, black skinny jeans and a pocket watch - a favourite accessory of 19th-century gentlemen.

Mr Chong, who works for multi-label store Rockstar, also adopted a relaxed look for the Urban video shoot, pairing a denim blazer and vest with linen trousers. The look was finished with a dressy pair of monk-strap shoes.

Mr Ou, who co-owns The Lumenere Group, an entertainment consultancy, says: "Rules are meant to be broken. It's about maintaining the concept of a gentleman and dressing for the occasion."

The movement may have a strong style focus, but the members of The Pride acknowledge that being a gentleman is more than just looking good.

They plan to start a platform for articles and videos addressing etiquette.

Mr Ou says: "We're not experts on being a gentleman. In fact, dressing and behaving like one is also a learning process for all of us, but it's something that we embrace and we hope that people will come on this journey with us."

PREENING POSEURS - NOT

The men's romantic partners also seem to have no qualms about the vanity project, with some showing up for the video shoot last week.

Ms Kate Cheong, who is married to Mr Cho, says she no longer needs to buy him formal clothes and accessories.

"He used to do only streetwear and I'm glad that he's exploring a different style, so he can put the ties I got him to use," says Ms Cheong, 39, who owns lifestyle company CoolCore Singapore.

The other members are single.

However, not everyone is as kind to men who care about their appearances.

The group concedes they have been called names, like "douche-y", but it is not getting them hot under the collar.

"We're not doing this to show off or prove something," says Mr Ou.

To those who think The Pride is just a bunch of preening poseurs, Mr Chong says: "We would like to extend an invitation to those people to hang out with us and they can decide after that."

staceyc@sph.com.sg

WHAT SOME SAY ABOUT THE PRIDE

Seah Sherilyn, 19, student

"They can come off as slightly ostentatious, mostly due to their poses, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

"It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but I think this is something that stemmed from the guys' personal sense of style and dressing, and I don't see anything wrong with that, as everyone is entitled to dress however he likes."

Shirley Wee, 40, associate lecturer

"It is a good sign that this group of guys recognises the importance of dressing well. They look stylish in the different blazers, which look well-cut and fit their figures."

Jonathan Chua, 27, trader

"I feel that they are trying too hard to stand out in their dressing.

"I agree that everyone should dress well, but dressing uniquely does not mean that one dresses well.

"Personally, I disagree with their fashion statement as it is impractical and over the top.

It's definitely inventive but too much for my liking."

Chrisye Tan, 22, student

"They look quite dapper. But if they do it all the time, then it's quite pretentious."

Has Sidik, 34, DJ

"I approve. It's nice to see a collective of men dressing up and showing off their style on social media."

Justin Ong, 25, researcher

"I think it's alright for formal occasions, but not for normal Singapore weather."

Mariya Kalyamina, 20, student

"I like their style because it looks really neat. My favourite is Benjamin Kheng."

Kareem Jenson, 29, broker

"They look stylish. In Europe, it is not uncommon for men to dress like this."

SUIT YOURSELF

- Every modern gentleman should have a suit.

- This is what to look out for if you are new to the game.

- You will get the most out of a navy suit, which is more casual than a black one, but still dark enough to look formal. If you are feeling adventurous, a navy blazer also goes well with trousers of a different colour.

-Grey suits are good for a more casual setting and flatter most skin tones.

-To assess if your jacket fits properly, you should be able to slip an open hand under the lapels with ease when the top button is fastened, and the suit should tug at the button if you make a fist while your hand is under the lapels.

-Trousers should mirror the fit of the jacket. They should not look looser or tighter than the jacket.

-Always leave the bottom button on your suit jacket undone.

-Your suit jacket sleeves should end at the top of your wrist bone.

-The hem of your trousers should graze the top of your shoe.

-Suits made of 100 per cent natural materials, such as wool, cotton or linen, compared with those made with a mix of natural and synthetic fibres, tend to be more durable and breathable. -Stick to a good cotton shirt to keep cool. Polyester shirts can get very warm.

-Socks should match your trousers, so that they do not break up the look.

-Pair navy blue and light grey suits with black or brown shoes. Wear black suits with black shoes.

Putting on the ritz

Nicholas Cho, 36

Co-owner of streetwear brand Flesh Imp

"I've been inspired by the suit-wearing men in the Central Business District, as they always look so important. Even though I don't need to wear a suit in my line of work, I try to mix elements of a suit and streetwear together."

Kevin Ou, 36

Co-owner of the entertainment consultancy The Lumenere Group

"When you dress up, people treat you more seriously. I started dressing up because of my business. I had to step into boardrooms with investors, and I just couldn't be that kid with a baggy T-shirt and baseball cap worn backwards."

Nick Chong, 30

Fashion merchandiser at multi-label boutique Rockstar

"My other half, Charmian, thinks that when I wear a suit, I behave a lot more gentlemanly. I'm more aware of my behaviour and actions when I am in a suit."

Daren Tan, 32

Actor

"Ever since I had the chance and means to afford suits, a well-cut suit has always been at the top of my styling list. A good suit gives me an incredible sense of empowerment."

Eugene Lim, 34

Head of marketing and public relations at fashion company Goodvine Group

"I like the challenge of mixing old-school looks with modern and quirky styles. It's fun to dress up."

Benjamin Kheng, 24

Singer-actor

"The pride that you take in dressing up reflects the pride that you have for your craft."

This article was first published on March 20, 2015.
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