PERSONAL EXPRESSION

Avid runner, semi-professional footballer and Instructional Communication undergraduate Adam Nizam, also known by the handle @tha aketony, shares his approach to style

What is your approach to your outfit of the day?

I’m a routine type of person. I can do the same thing everyday of the year. I always have a plain shirt on, tucked in. The highlight of my style is that I build my wardrobe around the shoes that I plan to wear that day, which are mostly sneakers. I’m both a football player and a runner, so I incorporate that into my style. I think that’s the interesting part about today’s fashion and me. I have the best of both worlds by incorporating smart casual with elements of sport.

Do you have a favourite or special pair of sneakers?

It’s the pair that I’m wearing today, the Nike Air Vapormax 95 (pictured). It’s special because it was actually a gift, a reward from Nike for beating my personal best time in running, in a recent marathon held in Bali. Prior to the marathon, Nike offered to put me under a sponsorship programme where I got to train and run in their shoes. When I managed to beat my time, they gave me this (pointing to his shoes). It means a lot because I’ve been dreaming about being a professional athlete and getting recognised for my performance.

What about accessories?

Sunglasses are a must, it’s like a mask, a sort of defence that I can put on when I’m in public. A watch is another everyday must-have.

What do you make of dress codes?

It’s fine to follow a dress code, but you don’t want to just do that. You want to be able to inject a bit of your taste in the required dress code. That’s how I style myself. I try to have a bit of me on the outside. You want to leave a mark in everything you wear. It helps boost your confidence and reaffirm your identity.

How did you discover your style?

It all started from my hair. That’s the one thing that I’ve always been aware of̶my own hairstyle, the Adam hairstyle.

How important for you as an athlete to dress up?

Athletes these days look really good, on or off the pitch. More and more designers are sponsoring them. It’s becoming a culture. When we look good, we feel good. If you want to be a winner, you dress like one. AM