Man With Style: Mr Q, Founder Of Menswear Label ‘The Prefecture’
“Humility, which is a good look on anyone—so be confident yet humble.”
Nqabeni Butholezwe Msimanga aka Mr Q
Much like the men he tailors for, Nqabeni Butholezwe Msimanga—or Mr Q, as the founder of bespoke menswear label The Prefecture is more affectionately known—has a refined sense of style and relishes in the unique and the custom-made. When it comes to dressing, the Zimbabwe-born 36-year-old, who spent his teenage years in London before moving to Singapore nearly 10 years ago and launching his brand in 2014, says it all boils down to “the three Cs: colour, cut and confidence”. The best accessory according to him? “Humility, which is a good look on anyone—so be confident yet humble.”
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Inspiration Behind The Prefecture
Singapore’s cityscape (Photo: 123RF)
“Singapore is like the Riviera of Southeast Asia; the only thing missing is for men in this part of the world to realise that and start dressing accordingly.”
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Competitive Edge
A look by The Prefecture
“We’re the only brand here that specialises in ‘tropical tailoring’—we deliver the same refined and sophisticated silhouette as traditional tailoring, except we operate as a lifestyle brand that makes clothes out of unique fabrics suited for the climate.”
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Keeping Up Appearances
Ultra Facial Cream, $54 (Photo: Kiehl's)
“My daily grooming routine revolves around my Afro hair—worn either neatly combed and high on top or in a twist. For skincare, I use basic moisturisers.”
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Guilty Pleasures
A film still of Attenborough in the documentary 'David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet' (Photo: 123RF)
“I appreciate a good burger and Sir David Attenborough’s wildlife documentaries.”
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Dearly Beloved
“I have a borderline unhealthy obsession with shoes! I make all my own clothes, so those are highly treasured too.”
Espadrilles, about $146, Castañer at MR PORTER
On Overcoming Creative Blocks
Photo: 123RF
“My advice is, when all else fails, look to the sea or look within. Therein lies every answer you seek because both places are one and the same.”
If Personality Were A Movie…
British actress Tilda Swinton at the world premiere of 'Doctor Strange' (Photo: 123RF)
“... Mine would probably be any film made by Wes Anderson or the Coen brothers. If we’re talking about an actor, though, who captures my character in his or her repertoire of roles, I’d be Tilda Swinton.”
Most Stylish
Bahamian- American actor Sidney Poitier in 1967. (Photo: 123RF)
“I think my grandfather is a very fashionable man. I also admire Sidney Poitier in his younger days—he exuded an incredible sense of sophistication and unimposing masculinity.”