Martin Looi says says looking well put-together is important, especially for someone in the entertainment industry. Photo: Martin Looi
For Martin Looi, dressing up in a well-tailored suit is almost like part of his job as a violinist. Being an entertainer, he just can’t afford to look slovenly.
However, he says that he does not spend too much time fussing over his looks.
“I’ve become so used to getting in and out of suits regularly,” the 24-year-old relates.
“It usually just takes me a few minutes to throw everything on and I’m out the door either straight to a performance or meeting a prospective client.”
Hailing from Melaka, Looi performs for gala dinners, award nights, anniversaries, launchings, private events and corporate functions.
He started learning the violin at five-years-old. He then went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in audio engineering (2020) at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney, Australia.
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During his studies, he has also worked as a studio musician for local artistes such as Aubrey Suwito, Alyph, Sonaone, Joe Flizzow, Vince Chong and Jaclyn Victor.
Looi says looking well put-together is important.
“My job is undoubtedly a major reason why I do spend more time and effort than in the past in keeping myself well-groomed,” he shares.
“More than that, however, I find the routine of doing so helps build self-discipline and introduces an element of consistency and order in my life.”
Your Instagram snaps show you mainly in suits. Would you say that’s your defining style?
Yes, because I think the fit and comfort of a bespoke tailored suit is incomparable. It all started when I was invited to perform at a concert and I put on my first bespoke suit because I wanted to look the part – and here we are today.
Streetwear has become a huge trend, where it is even embraced by luxury fashion houses. How do you view the trend, versus the classic look?
I believed that while it’s fashionable now, it might not necessarily still be around in the long run. Classics are classics for a reason. However, streetwear is still something I would want to try out. I will be wearing a more artsy, casual outfit designed by Melinda Looi (of no familial relation), in my upcoming instrumental album cover – to be released before the end of the year.
Do you think that the general belief is men do not care so much about fashion?
Honestly, I think that stereotype is a little misguided because if you look at how men have dressed over the years, it has always been representative of the times. That usually involves some care and consideration as to what we put on to an extent. I guess men have always been somewhat fashion-conscious.
What are some of your essential fashion accessories?
My essential fashion accessories would consist of a plain white pocket square, a dress watch and a tie. Similar to how I took an experimental and genre-melding approach towards my upcoming album, I look at fashion accessories as a physical expression of my creativity. The plain white pocket square forms a “blank canvas” of sorts which allows me to play around with different colours and textures on the rest of my attire.
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Give us a tip or two on rocking a tailored suit. How does a guy look perfectly polished wearing suits?
A suit should always be well-fitted. I’d suggest to drop the belt if you’re trying to achieve a sleek and dapper look. When it comes to pairing a tie and pocket square, complementing is better than matching. Good dress shoes are essential to create a more cohesive look. Lastly, put in the work at the gym because having a decent physique helps to elevate whatever you wear.
