From exciting news that made waves across the world to the most compelling figures and buzz-worthy trends, EnVi looks back at the very Best of 2023. In this installment, we round up the best-dressed Asian men of the year.
There’s nothing like the imminent end of the year to spark reflection and look back on time. At EnVi, however, this is our favorite time of the year to round up everything we loved over the past 12 months, from the top fashion moments to the best beauty products.
And while there’s plenty to talk about fashion-wise, menswear was particularly inspiring in 2023. The world witnessed the renaissance of Louis Vuitton Men by the hand of Pharrell Williams and the brand’s entourage of ambassadors. Male Thai stars emerged as the industry’s new darlings and, buoyed by a slew of well-dressed celebrities, the entire Asia Pacific region continued to consolidate its power as a buzzing fashion market.
To celebrate this rich sartorial landscape, EnVi gathered a list of the Best-Dressed Asian Men of 2023 — from A to Z. Read on to discover the men whose fashion choices stood out the most this year.
A is for Anson Lo, Archen Aydin (Joong) and ATLAS
With an all-embracing style file that ranges from statement-making Diesel fits to business-friendly suits, Canto pop sensation Anson Lo became one of the most prominent Asian faces in fashion. Louis Vuitton, Bulgari and Calvin Klein, were among the long list of brands requesting his presence at events across the continent. Needless to say, the singer delivered fashion slays time after time.
Archen Aydin — best known by the mononyms Chen and Joong — is slowly carving a place among Asia’s best-dressed. The Thai actor made his front-row debut at Saint Laurent’s SS24 show during Paris Fashion Week, quickly catching the attention of fashion connoisseurs. His outlook on modern masculinity is what sets him apart.
T-pop septet ATLAS embraced all the trends making waves in 2023. From red outfits to bikercore sets, the group put its best foot forward to craft a fashion-savvy and recognizable style. What ultimately struck a chord among fashion enthusiasts, however, was ATLAS’ ability to find a balance between individuality and group uniformity.
B is for BGYO and Burak Deniz
Whether conquering the runways or embracing their dorkiest side, the Aces of P-pop, BGYO, are never afraid of a fashion challenge. In 2023, the group practically tried it all, from coordinated CELINE looks to edgy stage outfits and preppy-looking ensembles. Name a more versatile bunch. We’ll wait.
Turkish actor Burak Deniz might be one of the most successful Asian stars in the biz, but he’s also a budding style icon for good reason. It doesn’t matter if he’s rocking Prada on the red carpets or just embracing Mykonos’ all-white dress code during his vacations; the primetime heartthrob is all about tasteful menswear and effortless simplicity.
C is for Conan Gray
There is not a time songwriter Conan Gray is not simultaneously offering lessons on good style and pushing the boundaries of heteronormative style, but 2023 was particularly enriching for his style book. The star attended the Met Gala with Balmain, graced the front row of Saint Laurent (chicly dressed in a figure-hugging sheer top) and rocked the most glam fits onstage.
D is for Donny Pangilinan
Cover boy, singer and Can’t Buy Me Love leading man, Donny Pangilinan has captivated audiences with his roles on Pinoy TV. In the process, he’s also shaped a distinctive style that incorporates staples from brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton into a sporty and casual wardrobe. Bonus points because clearly, he knows how to rock a superhero fit too.
E is for Evan Mock and Eun Woo Cha
Hawaiian actor Evan Mock is always in for a fashion overhaul. The skater boy, turned fashion maven, turned actor has flawlessly transitioned between styles without losing his penchant for streetwear. In 2023, however, the star displayed a more mature approach to dressing. We still saw the urban, skater-infused looks, but Evan often opted for tailored looks for public events. Following a Y2K frosted tips hairstyle, he even had a black hair phase.
South Korean singer and actor Cha Eun Woo is recognized in fashion spheres for his role as Dior and Chaumet’s ambassador. As such, the multifaceted star had plenty of opportunities to showcase his style chops at events around the world. Just to name a few examples, Eun Woo embraced the sheer trend in Paris, power-suited in Singapore and took a contemporary fit to the Japanese red carpets. So stylish!
F is for Felix
With just a few front-row appearances for Louis Vuitton, Felix Lee has become one of the most popular faces in the fashion circuit. From Seoul to New York to Paris, the star has displayed a cultivated sense of style that breaks away from the K-pop idol mold. While he never shies away from reinventing classics for the modern age, he also knows how to embrace casual and age-appropriate dressing. The fashion world is taking notes.
G is for G-Dragon
K-pop trailblazer G-Dragon (civilian name Kwon Ji Yong) has lived many lives as an artist — solo singer, frontman, creative director, the list is endless. While a slew of fashion eras have accompanied this ever-evolving career, there are also recurring elements that have forged GD’s style through the years: the bold nonchalance, the fashion-forward attitude and the super exclusive Chanel staples. As a testament to this sartorial power, the superstar continued to showcase impeccable style in 2023, whether on the front rows or simply posing for a selfie.
H is for Henry Golding and Hongjoong
Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding is well aware of the power of suiting. The actor is consistently one of the best-dressed stars on the red carpets thanks to his fondness for classic tailoring. This consistency, however, doesn’t equate to a lack of experimentation. Golding reinvents the suit in every public appearance without disregarding menswear codes.
ATEEZ’ Hongjoong has crafted a signature style that falls on the intersection of trendy and statement-making. Streetwear basics, heavily embroidered jackets and eye-catching manicures all coexist in his style repertoire. His knack for fashion serves has even put him in the same league as style icons such as Cher and Kim Cattrall, with whom he shared the spotlight at Balmain’s SS24 show.
I is for Iñigo Pascual
Part normcore, part Gen Z-approved, Iñigo Pascual’s style is perfectly suited for modern sensibilities. Knit vests, wide-legged pants and a lot of layering are the foundations of Iñigo’s stylish closet. The best part? He’s also generous enough to share a few style hacks with the world.
J is for Jackson Wang
From the Met Gala to the billboards of fashion capitals, Jackson Wang is recognized as an indisputable fashion icon. The Hong Kong star has practically done it all. He has repped some of the biggest fashion houses (Fendi, Cartier and most recently Louis Vuitton), starred in global campaigns and fronted all the fashion publications worth talking about. Beyond the impressive milestones, Jackson is a force to be reckoned with as a pop culture icon who has mastered the art of dressing with a purpose.
K is for Kanawut Traipipattanapong (Gulf)
While many celebrities prefer to distance themselves from divisive styles, Thai star Kanawut Traipipattanapong, better known as Gulf, is never afraid of experimenting with fashion. Gulf wears tailored Gucci looks and Bruce Lee-inspired Onitsuka Tiger tracksuits with the same ease and confidence. Canadian suits, Astro Boy boots and bright color palettes might not be for everybody, but Gulf can flawlessly pull them off.
L is for Lay Zhang
Chinese pop star Lay is the embodiment of versatility and reinvention. The singer, actor, model and entrepreneur has made waves throughout his career for his ability to adapt to the times and reintroduce himself. This spirit is also evident in his style, which is a mix of high-end brands, outfits that subtly nod at his Chinese heritage and the coolest timepieces — he’s a Hublot ambassador after all.
M is for Metawin Opas-iamkajorn (Win Metawin)
Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, best known as Win Metawin, needs no introduction. One of Thailand’s biggest celebrities, Win has been in the vanguard of fashion since he rose to fame in 2019. The actor is a fixture at Fashion Week, has modeled for several brands and is recognized for his signature grace and Prada-powered wardrobe. Speaking of Prada, as a brand ambassador for the Italian house, Win impeccably epitomizes the Prada man: sophisticated, modern and multifaceted.
N is for Nattawin Wattanagitiphat (Apo)
Rising style icon Nattawin Wattanagitiphat experienced quite a fashion glow-up in 2023. The actor went from leading one of the most popular BL dramas in Thailand to representing Dior and emerging as one of Asia’s most sought-after stars. Nattawin, also known as Apo, perfectly exemplifies what the fashion industry appreciates about Thai entertainers: the refined but laid-back elegance, the approachable charm and the contemporary sense of style.
O is for Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang (Oab)
Exquisite suits, sheer lace ensembles and graphic T-shirts are all part of Thai actor Oab’s lookbook. The quite eclectic mix reflects the star’s daring style game. Not only the actor has repped brands such as Fendi and Diesel, but he also has an eye for trendy items such as the popular COS quilted bag and G-Dragon’s Nike Kwondo 1 x PEACEMINUSONE. Trendy and well-informed, we like that mix.
P is for Phakphum Romsaithong (Mile)
Another Thai style icon, Phakphum Romsaithong, also known as Mile, has clearly understood the assignment when it comes to fashion. Always ahead of the trend curve, in 2023, the Dior ambassador has made a case for logomania — a daring move in a quiet luxury-dominated year — wide-legged pants and even blokecore. The heartthrob has also made a few grooming statements with his retro hairstyle and signature sideburns.
Q is for Quin (Aquinaldo Adrian)
Indonesian model and blogger Aquinaldo Adrian, best recognized as Quin, is the picture-perfect of the modern, style-savvy and idiosyncratic Asian man. Fluid forms, texture contrasts and the right silhouette for every occasion make Quin a fashionista worth following. If you’re also keen on discovering emerging talent, a scroll down his Instagram feed will suffice to come across the coolest Indonesian and Southeast Asian brands.
R is for Riz Ahmed
Unconventional, unapologetic and yet totally in style, Riz Ahmed is one of Hollywood’s coolest dressers. The actor knows exactly how to bring out the best of his sartorial repertoire for every occasion. At the 95th Academy Awards, for example, he put a spin on traditional tailoring with a Prada suit. Meanwhile, he opted for a fashion-forward burgundy ensemble for Pharrell’s first show as Louis Vuitton’s creative director.
S is for Saint Levant and Sơn Tùng M-TP
French Palestinian rapper Saint Levant saw his breakthrough with From Gaza, With Love, released in March 2023. Simultaneously, the singer found his fashion footing through a mix of streetwear, contemporary menswear and a confident attitude. Quirky Casablanca suits, jackets by Bode and elegant Saint Laurent pieces all come together in Saint Levant’s wardrobe. The rapper also has a penchant for honoring his Palestinian heritage with items such as keffiyeh scarves.
As Gucci’s Friend of the House, Vietnamese singer Sơn Tùng M-TP is the poster boy of eclectic but refined style. The star wields the iconic Gucci monogram masterfully and rocks flared pants like no other. However, he also knows how to incorporate variety into his wardrobe. Thom Browne, Vetements and Stüssy are some of the brands he opts for when he’s not wearing hed-to-toe Gucci.
T is for TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
K-pop group TXT made fashion strides in 2023. To reflect the rock-infused spirit of their latest music release, the quintet sported a series of indie sleaze and punk-style ensembles. But Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and HueningKai’s stylistic range wasn’t limited to leather jackets, plaid and ripped denim. The group showed their versatility with deconstructed fashion in “Sugar Rush Ride,” playful menswear in “Do It Like That,” and modern tailoring in their Lollapalooza debut.
U is for U-Know (TVXQ’s Yunho)
Since his debut in 2003, K-pop veteran U-Know, recognized simply as Yunho, has developed a mature style that combines the best of traditional menswear, without neglecting the more laid-back and effortless side of fashion. Off-duty, the singer often rocks the Korean cool guy uniform: baggy pants, long coats and footwear any sneakerhead would be jealous of.
V is for Vachirawit Chivaaree (Bright)
Burberry ambassador, Calvin Klein model and fashion chameleon, Bright Vachirawit has skilfully demonstrated the enduring allure of closet essentials such as a pair of denim pants, a plain T-shirt and a slightly oversized button-up. But that’s not to say Bright’s style is simple in any way. Quite the opposite, what makes him stand out is the effortless, almost off-handed, way in which he elevates every look. The Thai icon also knows how to switch things up. He might be wearing denim-on-denim one day and suiting up in a classy get-up the next.
W is for William Gao
A breakthrough fashion star, Heartstopper’s William Gao brings a youthful and present-day touch to everything he wears. While still retaining a penchant for experimentation, the actor is partial to tailored looks, subtle streetwear and discreet dandy-style details. And ICYMI, William is also a loyal hype man for the Nigo-led Parisian label, Kenzo.
X is for Xiao Zhan
Gucci and Boucheron’s global brand ambassador, actor Xiao Zhan is a regular presence in fashion circles. The star has a track record of sporting the coolest tailored looks, from classic Gucci fits to ultra-glamorous Elie Saab suits. Additionally, in 2023, the actor starred in the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer campaign and fronted several fashion publications.
Y is for Yuta
Japanese it boy Yuta Nakamoto is the epitome of the cool fashionista — the type whose innate rockstar spirit makes him stand out without even trying. Fearless and loyal to himself, the singer is not afraid of making a style statement via striking hair colors, animal prints, dopamine dressing, and black manicures. But even when he’s embracing the tamer side of fashion, Yuta is living up to the cool edge Japanese men are known for. Somehow, he could wear a pair of UGG Tasman slippers and still turn them into a look fit for the fashion books.
Z is for Zeepruk (Pruk Panich)
From Americana-inspired outfits to flamboyant Italian summer looks, Thai actor Zeepruk has been spot-on all year round. Whether he was attending Fashion Week or simply sightseeing in Europe, the actor rarely made a fashion misstep. And it couldn’t be otherwise, Zeepruk has sported some of the most interesting, popular and luxurious fashion brands in the market, from Marine Serre and Versace to Bulgari and the Thai silk powerhouse Jim Thompson.
Want to read more fashion content? Check out the top moments from the K-pop-led fashion wave here.
