For Nicholas Caoile (pronounced Kay-ol-ee), fashion is all encompassing. He appreciates both the form and function of each outfit he puts on.
“There is a trend right now that reflects a broader shift in our lifestyles, where men value versatility and functionality in our clothing,” says the 29-year-old sports buff.
“There is a changing perception of what fashion can be, as well,” adds Caoile, who was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur.
He co-founded Ascaro, a company that runs a padel racquet sport venue and a clothing line.
His belief is that comfort and performance don’t have to be sacrificed for style.
With a diverse cultural background – his father is from Malaysia, and his mother, the Philippines, Caoile offers a unique perspective to the evolving world of men’s fashion.
How much attention do you pay to your day-to-day dressing?
I pay quite a lot of attention to how I present myself – especially these days as I frequently go out for business meetings. I would say my style veers more towards smart casual.
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What are some fashion accessories that you think a guy should not leave the house without?
For me, it’s less about what every guy should wear, and more about what complements their personal style.
I prefer a few subtle, thin bracelets and a delicate neck-lace. They add a touch of personality without being overwhelming.
I’ve found that less is often more when it comes to accessories.
I’m not a watch person myself, as I find it can sometimes look a bit bulky on my wrist, but I appreciate how it works for others.
Ultimately, confidence and comfort are the best accessories a man can wear.
Do you believe that the current generation of men are more enthusiastic about dressing up?
I definitely think we’re seeing a shift in how men approach fashion.
There’s a much greater acceptance of men expressing themselves through their clothing, and it’s no longer seen as something exclusively feminine.
I think social media and the digital age have played a big role in this, as they’ve exposed men to a wider range of styles and encouraged more experimentation.
The fashion world has been quite enamoured with activewear in recent years. What’s your view on this coming together of two very different worlds?
I think the fusion of activewear and high fashion is a fascinating and inevitable evolution.
We’re seeing a growing recognition that comfort and performance don’t have to be sacrificed for style, and vice versa.
The fact that luxury fashion houses incorporate sporty looks into their runways validates this approach.
It shows that the lines between these two worlds are blurring, and that there’s a real demand for clothing that seamlessly blends athletic functionality with high-end design.
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Big-name athletes have been taken up by fashion brands as ambassadors. Certain sports stars have also professed their love for fashion. Do you look to any athletes for style inspiration?
While there are many athletes with great style, I’ve always admired David Beckham’s approach.
He strikes a really nice balance between classic and modern, effortlessly blending tailored pieces with casual wear.
There’s a timelessness to his style that resonates with me. He also demonstrates that you can be both athletic and impeccably dressed.
