“What the hell, why not?” Silas Oo says he thought to himself when a friend apprised him of Men’s Folio Model Search 2019. Once an avid weightlifter, Oo had to call it quits when he maimed both his wrists (which still bother him today) and consequently made him to shift focus onto his other interest namely fashion. Having been modelling for just over year, the 23-year-old fine arts graduate confessed that he entered the contest with zero expectations.
From posting OOTDs on Instagram to doing small and then real gigs, Oo wasted no time making his presence felt in the fashion scene. “I’d say my biggest break was my shoot with the one and only TTFGA for one of the ‘TTFGA Take it to the Streets’ phases,” he says. “I had just shaved my head following a breakdown that stemmed from mental and spiritual exhaustion at that point in my life, and shortly after the shoot, demand skyrocketed and has been on a decent high ever since.”
Oo says that he’s well aware that self-discipline is one of the most imperative ingredients of a successful model – and he’s not wrong. “It comes in handy when you’re working, like showing up on time or early, networking at social events, building your social media presence, time management and scheduling,” he says, and adds, “On top of that would be to have motivation, perseverance and the right attitude towards your craft.”
When Oo isn’t working, you can find him rummaging one thrift shop after another. “I enjoy sieving through racks and racks of clothes and finding great pieces every once in a while,” he says. “Even when we [he and his girlfriend] travel, it’s our number one priority. Surry Hills in Sydney and Bricklane in London are two of my favourite locations.” Otherwise, he’d be crafting artworks.
This story is from the February 2020 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2020 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Time Splitter
The TAG Heuer Monaco's latest incarnation at Watches & Wonders Geneva personifies Haute Horlogerie D'Avant-Garde.
One More Dance
Dior heads to one of Venice's most important bays for the Naumachia Ball, designed as the maison's third tribute to the glorious Italian city.
Life, In A Slow Dive
Despite the contradictions and opposing forces acting against Slowdive, the shoegaze pioneers have reunited a little more comfortable in their skin, a little surer in their voice, lifting their chins up a little higher to look into the bright-eyed, blissed-out audience that stand beyond their feet.
Turn A New Leaf
ZEGNA documents its essence in Born in Oasi Zegna: The Book-a vessel for legacy, a conduit for conversation through time, and a plethora of nature's amusements to inspire generations to come.
Setting The Scene
The introduction of the M Social brand in Europe makes staying at century-old European hotels anything but a stuffy, old-fashioned experience. Their secret? A refurbishment in 2021 that has varnished historical, opulent spaces for the interest of the youth, as seen at M Social Hotel Paris.
Italian Decadence
For its second instalment of Kingdom Collection, Royal Salute pays tribute to the magnificence of Italy.
Razor Thin
Piaget demonstrates their technicity in ultra-thin watchmaking with the Piaget Ultimate Concept Tourbillon.
Grade 2x-5
Bell & Ross renders the Bell & Ross BR X-5 with a monochromatic black and grey take.
Nature's Affinity
Grand Seiko's dressy variant of the much-loved \"White Birch\" materialises at Watches & Wonders Geneva with an alternate dial motif.
In Conversation With Laurent Lecamp
Montblanc Watch Division managing director Laurent Lecamp dissects the underlying message of this year's novelties.