From the Founder’s Desk
Hello again and welcome to our second newsletter for the month.
Earlier this month, as we launched the 431-88 newsletters with an ode to tailoring – it was nearly serendipitous that the Met Gala theme celebrated exactly that. Sharp blazers, well-cut trousers, long-sleeved cuffs — all that say so much more than just pristine dressing.
One of the things I love most about building 431-88 is meeting people who see style not just as surface but as a story. For this letter, I wanted to bring in someone whose work consistently celebrates that idea.
Aaron Christian(@aaronchristian_), founder of The Asian Man (@theasianman_), has built a platform that documents and uplifts South Asian men’s style from around the world. Fresh off the low-heeled loafers of this year’s Met Gala, I asked him to share his take on what the modern-day South Asian dandy looks like. His list? A mix of designers, creatives and thinkers who bring elegance, character and edge to everything they wear.
Aaron’s POV follows - unedited, as it should be.
— Shweta Kapur
Founder, 431-88
Lucas Hamza Ahmad
I came across Lucas through his dad, Wasim. Wasim’s personal style really stood out, but it was also the way the whole family presented themselves. Lucas, in particular, has taken that influence and made it his own. There’s this subtle confidence, a kind of Scandinavian edge to how he dresses.
Why I Love His Style
Lucas has this elegant youthfulness about him. His style has a quiet strength, really considered, and what I love is how brave he is with his choices. You can see the influence of his dad, but it’s not derivative — he’s got this natural flair, especially in how he mixes tailoring with softer elements.
Mayan Raj
We were introduced by a mutual friend when I was heading to New York. They told me I had to meet him — no long chat, just a WhatsApp pin. We met literally on the street in Manhattan, and from that moment it just clicked — same references, same energy, even the same birthday. Wild.
Why I Love His Style
His style is poetic. There’s a real balance of heritage and modernity — you can see his Sri Lankan roots, but also this kind of romantic, elevated vintage energy. He has a designer’s eye - it's that perfect mix of softness and intention.
Sangiev Sriskumar
I met Sanj nearly a decade ago. I found his Instagram first, then his YouTube. He was one of the few South Asian guys really doing fashion content properly back then. We connected and met up. At the time, he was styling at Harrods. And since then, it’s just been incredible to watch him grow.
Why I Love His Style
He’s got such a range. One minute it’s grunge and raw denim, the next it’s clean, high fashion. What I love most is how he shares his process, even the style fails, and you can see that learning reflected in how he dresses. He’s a proper internet-era dandy.
Lahiru
I came across Kolam, Paris while researching for the podcast. The collabs were sharp — fashion, food, visuals — and eventually I visited and met Lahiru in person.
Why I Love His Style
The way he mixes colour, texture, and layers is just so refined. There’s a European minimalism, but also this clear Sri Lankan influence — it’s subtle, but powerful. Effortless, cool, and quietly expressive.
Suresh Singh, The Cockney Sikh
I remember meeting him in person at a Dishoom event. Then I kept bumping into him around Shoreditch. He’s warm, chatty, a proper East London character who you can’t help but connect with.
Why I Love His Style
He’s like a traditional dandy, but full of heart. Proud of his Sikh roots and East London upbringing, and all of that flows through what he wears. It’s not just the look, it’s the presence, the personality.
Znali
I found Znali through his brand first. As The Asian Man started covering more South Asian designers, his name kept popping up. I later found his personal page and realised he embodied the brand. The two felt totally in sync.
Why I Love His Style
There’s a kind of '70s vintage edge to how he dresses. You see it in the grooming, the silhouettes, even the use of archive family imagery in his collections. He’s one of those people who really understands cut and flow. His presence in photos, even his poses, tell a story.
Porus Vimadalal
I think I found Porus through his husband initially, and then got drawn into his work as a creative director.
Why I Love His Style
Porus’s style is full of joy and expression. He can switch from soft to dramatic. He introduces me to so many South Asian brands, especially jewellery, and as someone in the diaspora, that’s been both inspiring and educational.
Terry Singh
Terry was one of the first people I found when I started The Asian Man. Back then I was searching for anyone repping South Asian style globally, and naturally that led me to New York. He stood out straight away.
Why I Love His Style
He’s got a very clear look - that pleated skirt silhouette, always styled with intent. And what I love most is that even as an older guy, he’s still expressing himself with joy and confidence.
From the 431-88 Men's Collection
