Style Watch: Malaysian Mughni Che Din has a keen eye for fashion

Mughni Che Din now works with brands in Malaysia, advising on everything from creative direction and styling to strategic partnerships. Photo: Mughni Che Din

Fashion is never static – trends come and go, cycling continuously from one season to another. This is something Mughni Che Din is well aware of.

He is not afraid to explore and experiment with his dressing.

“My style is a curation and evolution of the different eras of my life, allowing me to revisit and merge these phases, creating unique, eclectic looks that are quintessentially me,” the 35-year-old notes.

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Mughni previously served as the fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia for five years. He now works with brands in Malaysia, advising on everything from creative direction and styling to strategic partnerships.

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Mughni says that fashion is something he has always loved – even from a young age.

“Intuitively, I’ve known that fashion was always going to be my calling,” he adds.

Can you describe your personal style?

My personal style is a reflection of my journey through series of fashion phases – from the bold statements of emo and goth-punk to the classic vibes of preppy Ivy League and the edginess of 1990s streetwear. I’ve always been experimental when it comes to style.

Today, I’ve adapted to the Malaysian climate with an effortless, breezy Miami Vice aesthetic, though I’m always ready to dress up according to any specific theme.

Who do you look up to in fashion?

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons stand as my ultimate fashion idols. Their innovative approach to design resonates with me deeply. They blend high fashion with practicality and a distinct artistic vision, which I find incredibly inspiring.

Meeting them during fashion week was surreal, like seeing my fashion dreams come true. Their work has influenced my style philosophy significantly, teaching me the power of self-expression through fashion.

Give us a tip or two about styling oneself.

When it comes to styling, the golden rule is to dress for your body type. Understanding what flatters you is key.

Remember, “Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you.”

It’s about making sure your personality shines through, regardless of the occasion. Fashion is an extension of your identity; embrace it boldly and confidently.

Who are some of your favourite local designers?

Kit Woo is a standout favourite among local designers. His relentless pursuit of pushing fashion boundaries while maintaining a strong, signature style is commendable.

His ability to intellectualise fashion and present it uniquely makes his brand my go-to when I need something distinctive and impactful in my wardrobe.

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What’s your advice to a person looking to up their Instagram game? Give us a few tips on taking pictures that look like they’re meant for a fashion campaign.

Capturing the perfect OOTD shot is an art in itself. My approach involves gathering inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, which helps conceptualise the outfit and the overall shot. Finding the right backdrop is crucial as it can elevate the entire look.

I use the VSCO app to enhance my images, ensuring they have a professional and polished feel. And of course, having a friend with a good eye for photography is a game-changer – it’s all about capturing the right moment and angle to bring the outfit to life.