The word “niche” has become the Internet’s favourite echo, bouncing from post to post. Your feed is a parade of “You could never out-niche me,” #toonicheforthem, and “Who wants to go niche for niche?” In 2025, it seems everyone is locked in a silent contest to avoid the mainstream. Seeing someone at the mall in something you own as well now feels like a fashion faux pas, not a compliment. Even “trending”, once the gold standard of cool, has lost its shine.
This quiet rebellion against the mainstream has inserted itself into our wardrobes. After weathering wave after wave of style-cores and fleeting Internet trends, today’s look slips through labels. Hyper-individualism reigns, and young people have made one thing clear: the only dress code that matters is their own, no matter how cliché that may sound.
Style is now a secret language, spoken through fabric and detail. Outfits whisper clues about passions, backgrounds, and dreams. A flash of horse-riding gear hints at weekend escapes. An heirloom necklace layered over a modern look weaves together past and present. A sentimental watch turns a wrist into a personal story. Every choice is a subtle introduction, revealing who someone is — or who they hope to become.
Yet, amid all this individuality, one thread ties it together: Ralph Lauren. Its pieces live in closets that could not be more different. Some stumble upon it in thrift shops, others inherit it, and some are inspired to buy after a favourite influencer’s vlog. However it arrives, Ralph Lauren becomes a blank canvas, ready to be reinvented by each new owner.
This spirit comes alive in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where Men’s Folio brings together people from every walk of life, each styling this brand that many have known for generations, in a way that reflects their journey. When dressing up becomes an act of self-expression, a single garment is transformed — personal, storied, and always ready for new interpretation.
Nousheen, 21, Student
Describe your style.
Individualistic, eccentric and experimental. To me, style is an expression of who I am, so much of what I wear is inspired by things beyond fashion: the movies I grew up watching, the songs I listen to, and even iconic writers I enjoy reading.
We notice a lot of cultural elements in how you style your looks. Do you have any cultural accessories that you naturally reach for in your everyday outfits?
My jhumkas (traditional indian earrings) and bangles are the ones I always end up wearing. They are simple, but they change everything. Even if I’m in a tank top or a plain T-shirt, they make the whole thing feel more put together. I like how they carry a bit of my culture and add spice to my looks.
Who is your style icon?
Rekha. She was a feminist icon in Bollywood in the 1980s, and looking back, she still feels revolutionary today. There’s a way she could be fiercely feminine and never dim herself in an industry where people expect women to behave and act a certain way.
A message for the readers.
People like to say there is nothing new left to experiment with in fashion, but I don’t believe it. South Asia is so rich in colour, culture, music and art, which almost always gets oversimplified to just Indian. We have Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka… all with untapped inspiration if we explore and credit properly.
Ashman, 20, Equestrian
Describe yourself.
I would say I’m a pretty simple person at heart. I love exploring (travelling is a huge part of who I am) and I really value time with my friends and family. I guess I would also call myself extremely positive. I’m endlessly curious, there is always something about my surroundings that catches my attention.
How do you usually style yourself?
I will admit that I am not very experimental in dress. I like the classics and timeless, polo tees, button ups, a pair of pants with a good cut or shoes with a good shine. It is all about the quality of the clothes for me. And since I do equestrian as a sport, my style is influenced a lot by polo clubs and the classic trope of a horse rider. I have many Ralph Lauren items in my closet.
You ride horses! That is amazing. Serious question: every friend group has a hangout spot. Where do equestrian kids in KL usually go?
We spend most of our time together during training, chatting with our coaches and hanging out with the horses, so we don’t really have a “hangout spot” in the popular sense. Everyone is usually busy outside of training with work or studies. But I do pop by the Kuala Lumpur Polo Club occasionally; it’s close to the city and convenient to get to.
What is the best gift you have ever received?
Confession: I’m sentimental, so the gifts I really remember are always the thoughtful ones. When I was 13, my dad gave me an art kit right before my Pure Arts final. He has always encouraged me to play and explore my creativity, and that gift just felt like a sweet, perfect little push in that direction.
Alia, 24, Model
Describe your style.
Sometimes I feel as though I dress like a little boy who just grabbed whatever was in the closet. I don’t really have any reference or inspiration, only a look at what I have and I would put it on. Like today, I paired this Polo Play with my jorts. I really just dress like… whatever feels right at the moment.
Let’s talk about the wolf cut. Why did you decide to chop it all off?
I have always thought girls with really short hair are beautiful. I have admired it for years, and always thought about doing it myself. Then one morning, I just woke up and realised my long hair didn’t feel like me any more, so I chopped it. But now I sometimes catch myself yearning for my long hair again. I confuse myself at times.
Give me one thing you absolutely cannot stand about the fashion scene here.
Plagiarism. People get away with copying more here than in other cities. I don’t mind drawing inspiration, but seeing exact copies of international brands slapped on a tee and sent to the runway frustrates me so much. I wish more people would call it out.
And one thing that makes you want to stay in it despite all that?
Malaysians are so supportive. You could share the most absurd dream, and people would still clap for you. I guess I have been fortunate to meet people like that. Just like the country is often portrayed as welcoming, I feel the same way about the industry here.
Razeq Jeffrey, 26, Archive Reseller
Describe your style.
The best way to put it is probably avant-garde, mostly because I move through a lot of different elements on different days. But no matter what mood I’m in, my silhouettes always end up very Hedi Slimane circa the 2000s, with fitted jackets, skinny jeans, and that sleek, elongated look.
There’s this sense today that everyone is terrified of being mainstream. Do you feel that shift when dealing with clients?
It really depends on the clients. In Kuala Lumpur, most people gravitate toward Vivienne Westwood and Rick Owens pieces. In China, it’s similar, but many clients there are also aware of niche labels like Kmrii, Goa, and other under-the-radar Japanese designers. In the United States, clients tend to prefer newer archive pieces. Most are looking for fresh finds and want to avoid anything too ‘popular.’
You seem like you know your runway history inside out. Which Ralph Lauren season lives rentfree in your head?
Spring Summer 2003, the dramatic long-train denim skirt. The campaign was shot on a beach, with the fabric draping down onto the sand. I think that’s something I’ll always remember. It’s also one of my dreams to actually get that skirt.
The best place to hunt for archives in KL is…
The flea markets in Kota Damansara or Jalan Raja Bot. Truthfully, most of it isn’t really archive material, unless you get lucky and stumble on a gem. [laughs] Or, you know, I could just shamelessly plug my own store, Archive Gems, in Ampang. I curate pieces I actually love, so the chances of finding something good there are way higher.
Ameera Khan, 25, Influencer
Describe your style.
I would say I’m very minimal. I know what I like, and for me, chicness is everything. While some people let their mood or current interests influence their outfit, my style mostly shifts with the country I’m in.
Are you a shopaholic? Spill, what is your go-to shopping spot?
Yes, absolutely, and I’ll admit, I’m impulsive too. If I see three polo tees in different colours, I don’t hesitate, I get all three so I don’t have to choose. Mykonos is dangerous for someone like me; Nammos Village is just irresistible. The boutiques have pieces you can’t find anywhere else, and I’ve completely lost myself there, walking away with more than I expected.
What does an average day look like for you?
Family always comes first. I usually wake up and spend an hour downstairs with my parents. In the afternoon, it’s brunch-hopping with my sisters. That’s when we figure out our day, invite each other along if we’re running errands or shopping, or just see where the day takes us. By evening, I’m back at home, calling cousins or close friends over. We’ll hang in the garden, talk nonsense, laugh, or just sit together.
Speaking of your family, you guys have quite the watch collection. Out of all the treasures you have, which one is the favourite you pair with almost everything?
My Cartier Panthère. I was given it on a random day by my dad while I was watching TV in my room, and I felt it reflects so much of how he treats me. Even on ordinary days, he has a way of making things special.
Production Crew Credits
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Photography Vyvian Goh
Fashion Coordination Liew Hui Ying
Grooming Rachel | Plika MakeUp
Hair Assistants Juno Kim
Photography Assistant Bernard Chong
Styling Assistants Aqil Karlzafri, Alexander Cassius
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