January 2, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR – Unlike some men today who dress just for social media “likes” – a phenomenon often referred to, derisively, as the “performative male”, Daniel Hazeq approaches style with intention.
For the 30-year-old Malaysian, fashion is not about showing off. He sees it as a genuine form of personal expression instead.
Daniel believes clothes can communicate who you are without saying a word.
“Dressing up isn’t vanity for me. It’s clarity. It’s how I show up for myself before I show up for anyone else,” he shares.
He says every wardrobe choice he makes is deliberate. It expresses a confidence grounded in a clear sense of identity rather than seeking anyone’s approval.
Daniel says his upbringing taught him to take pride in dressing well.
Daniel Hazeq loves how loose tailoring is making a comeback in fashion. PHOTO: DANIEL HAZEQ/THE STAR
“I’m now running my own design studio, so visual storytelling is part of my world. Fashion naturally became another medium for me: a way to express mood, identity, and intention without saying a word.”
How would you describe your everyday style, and what influences it most?
My everyday style is effortless, but intentional – clean lines, soft structure and pieces that let me move through the day with ease. I like clothes that feel lived-in, but still say something.
Most of my influence comes from mood and environment: the weather, the energy of the day, and the kind of work I’m stepping into.
I dress to feel aligned, not to impress.
An indispensable clothing item for Daniel Hazeq is a tailored shirt. PHOTO: DANIEL HAZEQ/THE STAR
What is the one piece in your wardrobe you reach for when you want to feel confident, and why that item?
A crisp, tailored shirt. It’s simple, universal and quietly powerful. It frames the face, sharpens the silhouette and can shift from creative to formal without overthinking.
When I put it on, I feel grounded – like I can walk into any room and take a breath before I take the lead.
Where do you usually get your style inspiration from?
Everywhere. People-watching in cafes, films, the vibe of cities I travel to, and even the colour palettes of interiors I work on. I absorb little details, the way someone cuffs a sleeve, the drape of a jacket on a stranger, the mood of a street at night.
The online world helps spark ideas, but real life is where the true inspiration happens.
What is a fashion trend you’re loving right now, and one you would never try?
I love the return of relaxed tailoring – slightly oversized blazers, soft trousers, silhouettes that breathe. It feels modern without trying too hard.
A trend I’d never try is anything overly loud just for shock value. If an outfit wears me instead of me wearing it, then it’s a NO.
Running his own design studio, Daniel Hazeq views the clothes he wears as an extension of his professional world. PHOTO: DANIEL HAZEQ/THE STAR
If you had to pick one item that best represents your personal style, what would it be and why?
A well-cut black blazer. It’s versatile, understated, and adaptable, the same way I try to approach work and life. It can be dressed up, dressed down, layered, or thrown over a simple tee.
It travels well, works hard, and doesn’t shout for attention. It’s a quiet staple with presence.