09.04.2023

The Top 10 Old-Money Aesthetic Man in 2023: Class & Sophistication

We pick the 10 man par excellence exuding a discreet elegance and epitomising class and sophistication.

By Raja Izz & Amirul Ashraf

Exuding a discreet elegance and epitomising class and sophistication, ‘old money’ is often defined as covertly luxurious clothing distinctly lacking in logos. Picture minimalist designer pieces, high-quality tailoring, and timeless lifestyle and you’re on the right track.

It’s currently all the rage on social media, bringing to the fore pieces that were once thought to be the preserve of the royalties and elites.

Accordingly, the aspiration to live a literal old money lifestyle seems fruitless, given you quite literally have to be born under the right circumstances, with the right family name, to ever achieve it. Perhaps this is why the aesthetic, at least in the eyes of the younger generation, has become so style-centric. ‘Old money’ is now an aesthetic trend rather than a lifestyle goal.

Throughout this article, we pick the 10 man on the planet, who in our opinion, embody old-money aesthetic best. Whether you’re a seasoned style enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of elites, this guide will help you effortlessly incorporate the old money vibe into your daily wardrobe and showcase your classy taste and elegance.

  1. KDYMM Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah (Malaysia)

Tengku Hassanal Shah is a member of the Malaysian royal family, and as such, he represents a long tradition of understated elegance in Malaysian society. The Malaysian monarchy has a history dating back centuries, and members of the royal family have long been associated with genteel upbringing and refinement.

Tengku Hassanal Shah, in particular, has been noted for his appreciation of classic elegance - be it in meswear (tailored suits, classic baju melayu) or sports (polo, equestrian).

All of these factors have contributed to Tengku Hassanal Shah's reputation as a representative of old money aesthetic man in Malaysia. He embodies the grace, sophistication, and refinement that have been associated with the Malaysian monarchy for centuries, and his style and taste reflect the enduring legacy of royalty and "kerabat" in Malaysian society.

Education: Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations, National University of Singapore

Key item: Classic menswear

Key mindset: Lineage, Tradition, Upbringing

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  1. Y.M. Tunku Abang Faisal Amir (Mac Bakar) (Malaysia)

Y.M. Tunku Mac Bakar is a living embodiment of gentlemen style. You can tell that an education at Harrow has molded him to be a polished man with an exquisite taste in clothing and high-standard in mannerism. A great role-model.

Education: Harrow School, King’s College London

Key item: Unstructured blazer, natural fabric

Key mindset: Chivalry, nonchalance

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  1. Danial Deen Isa Kalebic (Brunei)

Daniel Deen demonstrated through understated, well-fitted garments in synergistic colors, with impeccable grooming.

Education: Jerudong International School, Kings College London

Key item: Fitted wardrobe

Key mindset: Confidence, Posture, Nonchalance

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  1. HRH Prince Abdul Mateen (Brunei)

A beautiful tuxedo defines the elegance of the old-money aesthetic able to make an evening occasion a classy affair. Prince Mateen is the embodiment of sophisticated style. His code: simplicity and stick with no more than two colors.

Education: Jerudong International School, King's College London, University of London

Key item: High-quality bow-tie

Key mindset: Tradition, Discipline, Precision

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  1. Sawai Padmanabh Singh (India)

As a member of the Jaipur royal family, Padmanabh Singh has been exposed to a rich cultural heritage that emphasizes art, music, and craftsmanship. He is known for his love of polo, a sport that has long been associated with royalty and gentlemen in India. He has also been photographed at various events and on social media wearing bespoke suits, traditional Indian attire, and luxury watches, demonstrating his appreciation for fine fashion and luxury goods.

In addition, Padmanabh's family has a storied history of wealth and power that dates back centuries. The Jaipur royal family has been known for their patronage of the arts, architecture, and literature, and their palaces and estates are renowned for their beauty and grandeur. This legacy has imbued Padmanabh with a sense of tradition and refinement that is often associated with old-money.

Education: Millfield, Università e Nobil Collegio Sant'Eligio in Rome

Key item: Double-breasted suit

Key mindset: Tradition, Regal, Cultured

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  1. Victor The Class Journal (Switzerland)

Old-money dresses discreetly, meaning no-logo, subtle, and a sleek leather watch. Think Vacheron Constantin, as opposed to flashy watch.

Education: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid , EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht, IE Business School

Key Item: Elegant Watch (picture: Vacheron Constantin)

Key Mindset: Intellect, Professional

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  1. Christian Sieber (Austria)

Cast your mind to some of the classy lifestyles that have spread on TikTok this decade. Tennis, polo, ancient aristocrats villa at Lake Como, black-tie, all of them are offshoots of the old money vibe. When many facets of this aspirational life are unattainable, through Christian Sieber, it is natural to his way of life.

Education: Università Bocconi, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Key item: High-quality fabric (cashmere, virgin wool)

Key mindset: Minimalist, Renaissance Man

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  1. Mathias le Fèvre (Denmark)

The wise old men said: "Tell me your role-model, and I will tell you your destiny". Mathias classic style and growth trajectory as one of the world's best dressed men, are arguably due to his inspiration of his role-model the Duke of Windsor.

Education: University of Greenwich

Key item: Peak-lapel suit

Key mindset: Role-modeling, Perfectionist

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  1. Miguel Viana (Switzerland)

Take a good note of the color pallets used in Miguel outfit: the tops are almost always a muted and inoffensive color (e.g: white, baby blue) and the bottoms are also neutral colors (white, khaki, earth).

Key item: Neutral colors palette

Key mindset: Appreciation of heritage

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  1. Andréa Riom (France)

The top 10 list will not be complete without a representative from France, arguably the world's most elegant nation.

We pick Andréa Riom on his understated style, topped with an overarching air of naturalism. His wardrobe is a masterclass in stylish minimalism. He's always excelled when it comes to tailoring, bringing finesse to public appearances with refined cuts and crisp sartorial looks.

His Instagram account @andreariom is a great example of the old money aesthetic. The account features images of ancient villas, classic cars, boats revolving in Lake Como Italy. The images are often set against a backdrop of nature, such as lakes, mountains, and country clubs. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and sophistication.

Education: Lycée Carnot, Sup de Pub, University of California, Berkeley

Key item: Tailored white shirt, loafer

Key mindset: Minimalist, Nonchalance

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One of the best things about old-money aesthetic is that it timeless and never goes out of style. It is a quality that has been revered by cultures all over the world for centuries. And it is a quality that will continue to be admired for years to come.

Once you master the concept of old-money aesthetic, it will be part of you that cannot be changed or tarnished by the passage of time.

It is the one thing that we can always look up into – no matter what happens in our lives. So if you want to be the man par excellence, aim for old-money aesthetic. It is the one quality that will never let you down.

In short, being classy and sophisticated is about being the best version of yourself that you can be. And when you are your best self, you inspire others to be their best selves too.

That is the true power of old-money aesthetic.

All pictures belong to the respective owners on Instagram.

Read more:

In Search of an Elegant Living Man

The Most Elegant Men in the World in 2022

Of Aristocratic, Blue Blood, and Old Money Style

Writer

YM Raja Izz

A recipient of "Gentlemen Style of the Year 2019" by Malaysia Fashion Week, GC Co-Founder Raja is on continuous quest to capture the best of men's elegance, refinement, and sophistication, in Malaysia, and around the world.

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Amirul Ashraf

A disruptive innovation investor and stock trader, Amirul has deep passionate interest in bespoke menswear and sartorial elegance living.

He joined GC community in 2018 on a quest to cultivate the culture of man of class, a fascinating subject that continue to shape him everyday.

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