Don’t Chu Wish Your Boyfriend Was Freak Like Me.
Plumes of many-a-colour ranging from fluorescent yellow to blue, cropped leather jackets, padded dog ears, furry bobtail affixed to a jumpsuit; Ethan Chu aka illKiDD redefines the meaning of dressing up in Kuala Lumpur. A regular fixture in the coolest underground parties in the city, his outrageous getups never fail to induce puzzlement and shock from those who aren’t familiar to his presence.
As stated on Vice Modern Disco’s Facebook group - “He does everything out of boredom to provoke and push the limits of acceptance. Here he is throwing you a party only to prove music and fashion are always side by side. Does he care what you think?”
No, we think not.
I bumped into him at a recent fashion event and took the opportunity to get a shot of him at his most ‘normal’. Which isn’t something he aspires to be I’m sure.
Your style is mad. Where did you pick it up from?
Everywhere I go. I especially enjoy second-hand clothes shopping and re-customizing them. Mixing and matching the old and the new with designers’ items. I especially love most Thai designers’ labels as well as the markets there.
And where are you from?
I’m originally from Johore (Malaysia).
Honestly speaking, we’re getting a tad confused on where you’re involved when it comes to Lap Sap because you seem such a fixture there, are you part of the founding team?
Yes and no. Ha ha… the idea and concept is originally by (DJs) Blink and Xu. We had a discussion on how to throw this party and my part is to dress up however I like to encourage people to dress up as well (which worked). Now, I’m involved in V.M.D. (Vice Modern Disco) with Goldfish throwing two brand new club nights called “Bang-Mi” and “Whatever KL” alongside with Bangkok’s Dudesweet and Gene Futon. Let’s just say that we are a group of friends that enjoy music, fashion and partying so much so it doesn’t matter who is from where…
Fantastic. What made you start organizing the Fashionistas Junkyard sale?
‘Coz I’m short on cash! Ha ha… no! It was one day while moving house when I realised I had so much junk and sentimental stuff… it was just too much to carry! My friends had that problem too, so that’s how the whole thing came about.
What do you do full time?
I don’t have a full time job. I’m completely useless. I’m doing everything I’m passionate about. To answer properly… it would be - running my own clothing shop, freelance styling, making music, customizing clothing and throwing parties…
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What are your biggest influences when it comes to fashion?
I’m a big fan of Comme des Garcons and Martin Margiela. But what really influences me are the club kids, the freaks and the street stylish people all over the world. Icons like Leigh Bowery, the Taboo Era, Kashpoint, Boombox, etc.
What’s the craziest thing you ever did to covet a particular shopping item you had to have?
I was on a trip, spent every single cent I had, realised I had no more money left and ended up starving myself for the whole day. I had to wait for people to rescue me… but at least I was wearing something fabulous…
That’s hilarious.
All pictures property of Ethan Chu.
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Bang Mi’s second party will be held tomorrow night (Wed, June 4th) should you attempt to be as fabulous.
Written by Joyce
