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.”
Related article: Yoo Yeon-Seok Is Starring In A New Film With Bond girl Olga Kurylenko
Inspiration Behind The Prefecture
“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.”
Related article: Man With Style: George Lee, Tech Support Lead
Competitive Edge
“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.”
Related article: Man With Style: VJ Anand, Head of Creative at VaynerMedia
Keeping Up Appearances
“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.”
Related article: All Hail Yung Raja, The Rapper Who Is Making Singapore Proud
Guilty Pleasures
“I appreciate a good burger and Sir David Attenborough’s wildlife documentaries.”
Related article: Here’s What You Don’t Know About Nathan Hartono
Dearly Beloved
“I have a borderline unhealthy obsession with shoes! I make all my own clothes, so those are highly treasured too.”
On Overcoming Creative Blocks
“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…
“… 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
“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.”
