Asian Street Fashion in the Eyes of a British Photographer.

 

Singaporeans are no stranger to the fashion world, especially when we are living in such a cosmopolitan society constantly bombarded by the glamour of media. Perhaps, the fashion conglomerate here could typically be associated to the streets of Orchard, where you will find vibrant displays of individual expressions clad in layers of colours, designs and forms. As a fashionista who would never miss out on any gossips and news from the fashion arena, it has probably not crossed your mind to ponder on the latest frenzy behind the opening of H&M and wonder why people would queue the whole day just to enter the store and get some quick discounts.

While many of us are caught up in this fashion ‘whirlpool’ of which Hollywood celebrity is dressing what, a British writer and photographer has more to say than the tabloids. After all, his site, La Mode Outré (http://lamodeoutre.blogspot.com) was set up to celebrate the beauty of Asian street fashion. We must say we are pretty captivated by the idiosyncrasies that roam the streets, be it in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan or Korea. Not to mention the lovely quotes and journal entries to complement each shot. Some photos even come with matching illustrations by talented fashion illustrators.

Feast for the eyes aplenty, we thought that you guys might be interested to pick up some fashion tips and decide how you could further spice up your wardrobe. in2it.sg speaks to Mr. James Bent, British Photographer, Writer & Learning Consultant, to find out about his passion behind his blogging inspirations, photography and what fashion ultimately means to him.

1) What inspired your passion for street photo-taking?

That's a really hard question to answer. I think finding people to photograph on the street is just one of those things that you can't control and you don't know what or who you'll find, so it's a nice mystery I suppose and I find that quite inspiring.

2) Colours or design? Which do you think is more important when it comes to fashion wear?

I don't think there are any hard and fast rules. I mean, you could say colours are in or designs / patterns are in and from that perspective there are certain things in fashion to follow, but the reality is that it's down to the person. If colours work for you, then use colours, if designs work, then use designs. And I think anyway that every fashion season has a certain colour or design, so maybe you can't go wrong anyhow.

 
3) What do you think is the most difficult part of taking photos of people on the streets?

Finding them, for sure. Because I'm very particular, because I want to satisfy the mystery and suspense, it has to be right for me and that's hard to find anywhere I go. Plus if I take a photograph I find that straight afterwards I'm kind of satisfied and it's hard to take another photograph until I feel that sense of suspense again. It seems like it should be easy, but it's not.

4) We notice you take a particular interest in taking photos of Asians. Why is that so?

Partly coincidence - I just happened to start here; partly point of difference - Western street-style is totally oversaturated while Asian street-style is still relatively small scale (except Tokyo); and partly because I love Asia. I think the life is just right in Asia.

 
5) What do you think of the fashion scene in Singapore as compared to other countries like Taiwan or Korea?

It's a difference in volume - the sheer number of people who look good or interesting. There are "some" people here who dress as well as anywhere, but you don't see hardly as many people as say Taipei, Seoul or Tokyo really doing something that you think "that's interesting and it looks great". Or even as many as Bangkok for that matter. But I would say that Singapore is probably more high-end than Taipei or Bangkok.

 
6) In your opinion, what is one apparel/accessory that any man should have in his wardrobe?

Good leather shoes for sure. Shoes make the man, it's undeniable. I think it's definitely worth spending on good shoes more than anything else - they last and you can have just a few pairs for your entire wardrobe.

 
7) What are some of the fashion faux pas that men typically make here?

Overly tight pants rolled up too far. Not sure why, but it doesn't really seem to come off. And also I see a lot of very stiff haircuts. I'd love to see more guys with a bit more easy-going flare. Sometimes it all seems a bit too contrived or forced.

 
8) What are your future plans?

To travel more around Asia and keep getting photographs, plus I'd love to eventually open a fashion café cum photography studio at some point, have my photographs on the wall and do something like photograph people that come to the place. Let's see how things go.

 
9) Three words to describe yourself.

Tenacious. Passionate. (a bit) nutty!

Article and interview created by Anson Ong