For Malaysian artiste Hael Husaini, being fashionable is about pushing against conventions – and having access to a personal stylist. Photo: Instagram/Hael Husaini
To stand out among the crowd in fashion, one has to be brave and take risks. This is something Hael Husaini understands all too well.
The Malaysian singer-songwriter is not afraid to wear outfits deemed outlandish by the average guy. He embraces bright colours, loud prints and unconventional silhouettes with passion.
Hael, 34, has been showing off his curated fashion looks on Instagram – to the delight of his adoring followers numbering more than 1.8 million.
His secret? He has a personal stylist who helps him plan and create a persona.
While Hael has indeed had assistance, his genuine interest in clothes and accessories is what makes him be open to suggestions. He says he really loves fashion.
Photo: Instagram/Hael HusainiLuckily for him, his career in music is just perfect for him to go the dramatic route when it comes to what he wears.
The Negri-Sembilan-born artiste first surfaced in the entertainment scene when he auditioned for reality singing show One In A Million in 2006.
After many years in the industry, he became a more known name in Malaysia when his song Jampi won the coveted Anugerah Juara Lagu award in 2017.
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Hael then cemented his reputation as one of the country’s popular talents when he collaborated with veteran singer Dayang Nurfaizah to produce Haram, which went on to win the Anugerah Juara Lagu 2018.
More recently, he came up with a Hari Raya song with Malaysian girl group Dolla, who is all the rage at the moment.
In terms of fashion clout, Hael has been seen donning luxury labels for social media. Yet, it is his appointment in March by Onitsuka Tiger as the official face for Malaysia that sealed his reputation in fashion.
He declares that this is the biggest brand partnership in his entire career. Well, it just shows that Hael isn’t just dressing up for the “Gram” or his music performances anymore.
Judging by your social media posts, you are certainly not afraid to take risks. How would you describe your fashion sense?
When it comes to fashion, I won’t put any limitations on my clothes and accessories, as long as they’re wearable and decent for my image or audience.
Has fashion always been something you love? Were you always so fashion-forward?
Definitely a 100% YES! I’ve always thought that fashion is something that can be worked alongside music since like forever. I’ve always been serious about fashion too. Hence, you can see that I have no qualms showing all different fashion styles through my social media platforms.
What’s your decision making process like when picking out outfits for events and appearances?
I have a personal stylist, Johan Kassim, who is responsible for my looks and fashion. We’ve worked together for years and he understands what looks would be good for me. He is also the one who always pushes me forward in fashion, getting me to try out certain looks I wasn’t too familiar with. Basically we have great chemistry, so it’s not very difficult for us when picking up outfits or deciding any looks for my events, shoots or appearances.
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Photo: Instagram/hael Husaini
Some people are regarding you as a local fashion icon of sorts. How do you feel about that?
I don’t think I have reached that level yet but I’m very grateful for such a recognition. I always want to be somebody who resonates well with fashion. I want people to look at fashion as a bigger picture, more than just an outfit. Fashion is art. Wear it, feel it and manifest it.
What’s your fashion advice for guys and how does one emulate your style?
What are your fashion essentials?Be bold and brave in fashion. Believe in your own styles (and your stylist if you do have one). Keep trying new styles until you get it right. My fashion essentials are hats, sneakers and sunglasses.
