A sartorial morning: Elegant get-together with the Gentlemen's Mamak

The meetup was held at W.P.S Coffee, an open-concept café in One Utama Shopping Centre. This was my second time joining a program organized by the Gentlemen's Mamak. Unlike the first event I attended—a more structured soiree back in May—this gathering had a laid-back setting, making it all the more interesting and easier to converse with fellow attendees.

The scene was delightful. Gentlemen, impeccably dressed in sartorial elegance, mingled and shared their love for classic menswear. The dress code for the occasion was "dress to impress," and indeed, everyone embraced it with enthusiasm. One member even arrived in a morning dress with a tailcoat, a rare sight that made me feel perfectly at home in my double-breasted suit and bowtie.

Despite our varied interests, backgrounds, and reasons for dressing up, we all shared a common trait: a love for sartorial style. Personally, my passion for dressing up stems from my upbringing and enthusiasm for gentlemanly culture. Others were deeply into fashion, some loved the vintage look, and a few saw it as a pure personal statement.

The meetup was a simple affair, akin to a relaxed "teh tarik" session, with no fixed agenda. It was purely about getting together and enjoying each other's company while dressed to the nines. There was no pretense or rigid structure—just a group of gentlemen appreciating the art of dressing well. At one point, the conversation turned to watches, and a member proudly showcased two pieces from his collection. This sparked a lively discussion about horology, a subject close to my own heart. The excitement was palpable as we shared our passion for fine watches.

I also had the chance to talk to Zane Gan, a Malaysian who runs a menswear marketplace in New York. It was fascinating to hear about his experiences and the intersection of cultures in the international menswear scene.

Yang

Yang, one of the founders of the Gentlemen's Mamak, shared an interesting anecdote about the group's name, which originated from their activity of "lepak" at mamak stalls while wearing suits. It was a charming nod to local culture with a twist of sartorial elegance. Yang has a keen interest in fragrances—a subject I am slowly learning about—and much of my knowledge has come from him.

Keng

Keng, another founder of the Gentlemen's Mamak and a master tailor, was another highlight of the day. His expertise in coat making is exceptional, yet he remains humble and eager to share his craft. As fellow tailors, we found ourselves engrossed in conversation about our respective tailor houses, and before we knew it, the clock had struck noon and our morning had slipped into midday.

In a city where casual attire is the norm, this gathering was indeed a refreshing change. It was a celebration of sartorial culture and a testament to the fact that dressing well is an art worth preserving. The Gentlemen's Mamak provided a space for this appreciation, allowing us to connect over our shared passion and enjoy a leisurely morning in style.

As we sipped our coffee and engaged in conversations, it became clear that this wasn't just about fashion. It was about a way of life, a statement of who we are, and a commitment to maintaining the elegance and grace that defines a true gentleman.

Keng, Amir Benzaki, Yang at Gentlemen's Mamak soiree back in May.

Contributor

Amir Benzaki

Amir Benzaki is a realtor, with profound appreciation for gentlemanly culture and timeless elegance. He finds solace in his passion for suit-making at the small sartoria he owns. Balancing his professional life with his love for classic tailoring.

Instagram: @amirbenzaki