Style goes beyond red carpets and runways. People find inspirations from other scenes too, often away from the mainstream spotlight.
Cosplayer Lee Ming Han is a case in point, unapologetically using underground fashion to express his identity.
“I feel that I have a very unique style where it’s not conformed to a singular aesthetic, rather a hybrid of different subcultures, such as my love for anime and cartoons, and various influences across the alternative music and punk culture scene as a whole,” Ming states.
Calling himself just a regular guy who studied at a local school, the 20-year-old admits he is not always that bold.
He says the turning point in his life came as a teenager, when he stumbled into a bolder fashion scene in his neighbourhood – Taman Paramount, widely seen as a hub for stylish youth in Petaling Jaya – and realised he needed to step up his game.
Ming reveals that his interest in fashion was fuelled both by mainstream media and by his conscious choice to make more friends.
“Growing older has made me realise more about myself, making me want to stand out as my own person,” he shares.
Who would you say is your fashion icon, and why?
I wouldn’t say my fashion icon is a person, but rather a subculture or movement, as I really resonate with Japanese Visual Kei (a fashion and music movement known for its flamboyant costumes) because it’s so unique and challenges the conventional.
It is reflected in my own dramatic, heavily accessorised looks.
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Are there any fashion styles you have yet to try but would love to one day?
I would like to try and incorporate more medieval or dark fantasy style aesthetics into my outfits, heavily inspired by video games and anime such as Dark Souls, Final Fantasy and Soul Eater.
It can range from armour accessories to full weapon props, which I think can be a very unique take on outfits that not a lot of people are trying out nowadays.
Is there a significant moment in your life that changed how you style yourself?
It was at the start of my cosplay hobby, right after lockdown (during the Covid-19 pandemic), that I met many stylish people who are incredibly skilled at makeup and wig styling.
Some of them even went as far as making their own props and outfits.
As I honed my skills and got more into cosplay, I began experimenting with my own renditions of game and anime characters – keeping the core elements of their looks while adding my personal spin.
What I did was mostly changing those outfits and props to give them a unique look. It reached a point where my cosplay style and everyday wardrobe merged, forming the personal style I identify with today.
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Is there anything about how you style yourself that some people might not understand?
I feel that the moment I dress even slightly differently, people judge and stereotype me.
I do get stared at quite a bit, but that’s just how it is in Malaysia.
However, those who are into fashion are very supportive of how I present myself and are willing to understand why.
How does your fashion convey who you are as a person?
I feel like I am a very free spirited person.
My fashion reflects the idea that I don’t conform to norms nor care what people think about me.
I also want to break free of the conventional ideas of style, and to always remind others that everyone can make their own choices and to always stay true to yourself.
