Image via Complex Original
May is officially Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, and when we consider their many contributions to society, we can't help but recognize their influence in style. From streetwear icons like Eddie Huang and jeffstaple to designers like Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang, Asian-Americans have done a lot to shape the way we dress today. That's why we culled some super-practical style tips from men all over the spectrum, from entertainers, creatives, and designers, here are 10 Style Tips You Can Learn From Famous Asian-Americans.
RELATED: The 25 Most Stylish Asian-Americans
Wear your kicks.
Who You Can Learn It From: Michael Chang
Taiwanese, Tennis Player
DJ Clark Kent and Russ Bengtson aren't kidding when they tell you to wear your shoes at the end of each Quickstrike episode. While tennis players like John McEnroe inspired a love of Nike Challenge Courts, many kids remember Michael Chang's equally awesome Reebok Court Victory Pump. Chang didn't wear these for show either, he wore them 'til they practically fell apart. Today's sneakerheads and hypebeasts who flip as quick as they cop could learn a thing or two.
Never underestimate the power of a good haircut.
Who You Can Learn It From: Bruno Mars
Filipino/Puerto Rican, Musician
Bruno Mars' hairstyle has got him almost as much attention as his crooning abilities. Half gravity-defying, half consistently handsome, it pulls double duty of making a suit look even more awesome while classing up even the most casual kit, like a denim jacket and black jeans. Proper grooming speaks volumes, and a haircut like this says "Chill, I know what I'm doing."
Embrace tradition, but take it to the next level.
Who You Can Learn It From: Waris Ahluwalia
Indian, Jewelry Designer and Actor
A turban and a beard are a cultural staple for Sikhs, which is why it's awesome that Waris Ahluwalia takes the two into the future by pairing it with slim suits and denim-on-denim outfits. It's rad that he's found a way to balance tradition with a penchant for modern style. We're not saying you should follow suit, but there are plenty of other ways to mix the classic and contemporary without reaching into the archives of Americana. Mandarin style collars and Nehru jackets can look awesome when mixed with other pieces, for example.
You can't go wrong with well-fitting basics.
Who You Can Learn It From: Richard Chai
Korean, Fashion Designer
Designer Richard Chai made a name for himself with a laid-back yet tailored approach to menswear. The T-shirts and buttondowns were slim without feeling constricting, and the colors were muted without being boring. He eschewed logos and heavy branding in favor of fit and versatility, very in tune with his personal style. It works so well the individual pieces combine to form an overall aesthetic that's stylish but you can't quite put your finger on what makes it stick out—you know, kind of like a minimal Voltron.
One signature accessory goes a long way.
Who You Can Learn It From: Michael Chow
Chinese, Actor, Interior Designer, and Restaurateur
Not everyone has to wear glasses, but for guys that do, it's important to have frames that accentuate your whole look. Restaurateur Michael Chow's thick round frames do just that. In addition to the obvious vision benefits, they're a prominent accessory that adds a unique twist to all of his outfits. A signature accessory is nothing new, just take a look at the numerous chains rappers wear to things like snapbacks and even Slick Rick's eyepatch. If there's something you can't help but rock consistently, find a way to make it fit in with the rest of your style.
It might take a while to find what works for you, and that's ok.
Who You Can Learn It From: Aziz Ansari
Indian, Comedian
Nowadays Aziz Ansari is known as one of the best-dressed comedians ever. He really cleans up well in a suit and has made the shawl-collar tuxedo jacket a style staple, a little bit of a throwback to classic comedians in the '60s. He wasn't always this fresh though, as a quick look at his Human Giant days will attest. But that's perfectly fine: It takes time for every guy to find his personal style, and for some it takes longer than others. So don't lose hope if you haven't found a look that suits you perfectly quite yet.
A little nostalgia in your style never hurt anyone.
Who You Can Learn It From: Eric Koston
Thai, Skater
Skater Eric Koston has a history of dressing well, from limited-edition streetwear gear to suiting up with Kanye West. What's really cool though is when he mixes up athletic gear into his ensembles. While a head-to-toe Lakers uniform is awesome, we think the way he rocks a throwback Orlando jersey with slim khakis and black sneakers is a foolproof look any dude can wear.
"Dressing well" doesn't always mean "dressing up."
Who You Can Learn It From: Alexander Wang
Taiwanese, Fashion Designer
Balenciaga's newly-minted Creative Director got noticed for taking fashion in a decidedly more comfortable direction. In terms of menswear, that means slouchy tees, oversized hoodies, and tons of sweatpants. More recently, he's reinterpreted athletic-inspired silhouettes like baseball jerseys and hockey shirts with luxe fabrics like suede, resulting in gear that's definitely casual, but with the style turned way, way up. No wonder guys like A$AP Rocky love his gear: It's a way of stunting without having to be on your suit and tie shit.
Let your style reflect your personality.
Who You Can Learn It From: Eddie Huang
Taiwanese, Restaurateur
Eddie Huang's known for a boisterous personality and his style matches that perfectly. From his enviable sneaker game to streetwear-friendly gear from the likes of ONLY NY to full-on fur coats and track suits, his bold style choices are equal to the way he carries himself. Huang understands that style is a way of expressing who you are without saying anything, and it's safe to say that his manner of dress does just that.
There's nothing wrong with statement pieces.
Who You Can Learn It From: Bruce Lee
Chinese, Martial Artist and Actor
Move over Russell Westbrook, Bruce Lee was up on patterned shirts decades before the current trend. The thing about Lee's style is that he knew the power of letting a statement piece do the talking. Notice how he balances it out with a tan suit, dark brown shoes, and brown tinted shades. Sure, by today's standards, those flared legs and huge lapels might seem out of date, but we're certainly not gonna try to tell a guy who could kick our ass that he's doing something wrong.
