Armed with his beloved Canon in his hand, Nicholas Ng is a modern day hunter purveying the streets of Malaysia and snapping what he sees. Through his lens, the streetstyle identity of Kuala Lumpur as chronicled on Garbagelapsap has never seem more vibrant, teeming with highstreet UK brands as well as runway influences that are paraded on the arms and soles of the masses.
Having been featured in multiple local and international publications and exhibitions, Korea, Australia, China, Singapore to name a few as well as one very prolific New Yorker magazine, you’ll be surprised to know that streetstyle photography is a mere side project for Ng who balances a managerial position at one of Asia’s prestigious publishing house amidst the stylehunting. Here, we talk ‘real fashion’, Crocs, embracing the blogging industry.
Nicholas Ng, 28 years old, Senior Brand & Sales Manager at Esquire Singapore and Malaysia as well as Streetstyle Photographer at Garbagelapsap.
Tell us about your background.
My name is Nicholas, and I am a KL home-grown boy. I spent a couple of years in Taipei with a record label and have since been back.
What was your first job?
A coffee barista in a small coffee shop name OLE, but that was a basic part time job. Later on, I worked in music production with a record label.
Were you always interested in fashion?
Not always, I started in high school.
How did you decide to create Garbagelapsap and what was your inspiration behind it?
Garbagelapsap started of as my personal blog. I decided to turn it into a street style blog when I found that there were no specific websites or blogs dedicated to Malaysia’s fashion scene. Furthermore, photography and fashion have always been two of my big passions in life.
Describe a typical workday for you.
I wake up at 7am and reach the office at 9am. I’ll try to finish work on time before 6pm so I have time to hit the gym or go fashion street snapping.
Zara blazer, RayBan sunnies, Tommy Hilfiger shirt, Zara pants and pocket square, Et Ed Al shoes and Prada clutch.
How do you balance your day job and passion for street style photography?
You’ll never get tired when it comes to your passion. I really enjoy street style photography very much.
What are your favourite and least favourite things about running Garbagelapsap?
The feeling is priceless when someone comes to you and tells you that they really appreciate what you do. Least favorite would probably be the long exposure under the hot sun.
A common myth about my job is…
People think that I party a lot, but in fact, I do not. I’m very much a 9 to 5 man.
What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to be a street style photographer?
Make sure street style photography is something you’re really into and don’t give up when you get rejected sometimes. Keep pushing through.
The one thing I wish I had known when first starting out…
How to approach people to take a picture of them. I got a lot of rejection when I first started .
In your opinion, how has the rise of social media and blogging affected the fashion industry and where do you see it in the next 5-10 years?
I think blogging, especially street style, and social media definitely has changed how the fashion industry operates and market their brand. People now prefer ‘real fashion’ – fashion that is more approachable and not just runway anymore.
Zara jacket, Tommy Hilfiger shirt, Prada creve, Moscot glasses, H&M velvet slippers, Club Monaco belt
Who is your style icon?
Steve Mc Queen & George Cortina.
I will never be caught dead in …
Crocs and upturned-collar polo shirt.
I splurge on …
Watches, suits and shoes.
(clockwise from l-r) Christian Louboutin leopard print sneakers, Et Ed Al leather shoes, H&M velvet slippers, Car shoes.
I skimp on …
Travel. Backpacking can be just as fun!
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Prep, dandy & grunge.
Hermes cuff and RayBan sunnies.
Givenchy Jacket and t-shirt, Balmain jeans and belt, Christian Louboutin shoes.
What are your personal style rules?
- Never try too hard. Looking effortless is the key
- You should take the effort to dress up for yourself, not for others
What is your most treasured possession?
My camera and my watch.
When are you at your happiest?
When I get to spend sometime with my loved one, just the two of us doing nothing but watching TV together.
What is your beauty regime?
Don’t sleep too late and please don’t use soap to wash your face. Use proper facial foam products.
What is your favourite scent / smell?
Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo.
Oscar de la Renta blazer, Massimo Dutti pocket square, Club Monaco shirt, Zara belt, Prada pants.
Rolex Sea Dweller watch, and assorted arm candy from Topman and H&M.
Yay or Nay? Instagram.
Yay! The photo editing part of Instagram is just brilliant!
I hate it when a woman …
Keeps gossiping.
I love it when a woman …
Knows what she is after and goes for it and knows when is the time let go as well.
What’s currently playing on your iPod?
My Morning Jacket and Sigur Ros.
My idea of a perfect holiday is …
A place that has no Internet access or email access at all.
What’s in your bag?
Inside Ng’s Prada Clutch: Moscot and RayBan glasses, car keys, Samsung phone, Parker pen, Chivas notebook, Tumi namecard holder, Gucci wallet and iPad (in orange case).
To see more of Ng’s ongoing love affair with chronicling streetstyle, visit www.garbagelapsap.com or visit the Facebook page and Twitter @garbagelapsap.
Photography by Shahrina Sharin.
Tags:
garbagelapsap, industry insider, interview, Q&A, streetstyle
