KDYMM Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah (Malaysia)
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 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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Andréa Riom (France)