Men With Style: Matthias Selvam, Video Director and Content Creator
The 24-year-old has big plans for 2026, and is all revved up to go.
By Gracia Phang - published
When Matthias Selvam speaks of his work as a video director and content creator, and being a part of RYOT, a content collective, there is a strong sense of excitement and passion emanating from him. Blessed with a boyish charm and easy-going spirit, he describes fashion as a way in which one carries energy and expresses feelings. His fashion energy is grounded in comfort, street, and a tinge of boldness.
When asked about what he’s most excited for in 2026, he says, “My potential. I feel like there’s so much to accomplish and experience, and I’m just getting started. This is the year that I will take the most risks and create more intentionally.”
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When was the exact moment you fell in love with fashion?
“I may have been 12 years old, and was allowed to start hanging out with friends outside of school a little more—I wanted to look the flyest in the group. I remember I bought this fake pair of red Nike sneakers at a Bangkok street market, and thought it was the best thing ever. I was wearing t-shirts with crazy prints, and always made sure I had a good fit on before I went out. What I wore was at the top of my mind, because it helped me feel confident and good when I had a good fit on.”
In your line of work, who do you look up to, and why?
“If you’re talking about directing, I would say Gabriel Moses and Cole Bennett. They are individuals that have created generational work that has shaped culture so strongly all whilst being able to have a personal brand that is rooted in who they truly are. That inspires me especially as a young man navigating this creative jungle. The world is actually built to make you conform to trends, styles, and perceptions of who the world thinks you are. But these guys show me that it is possible to get to the highest level without selling out—standing firm in their craft.”
Tell us about RYOT. How did it come about, what are your goals, and what is your proudest moment thus far?
“RYOT started simply with my friends and I making TikToks during Covid, which got a lot of engagement. From there, we knew we had to do more together and a content collective was formed. My proudest moment is the campaign we did for Nike and JD Sports. Not only was it my first directorial work on a billboard, but we featured friends who had been supporting RYOT. The reaction on their faces after being flashed on ION Orchard’s billboard was priceless. The goal for RYOT is for our content to eventually have a global voice.”
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The theme of our January 2026 issue is “peak performance”. What does the term mean to you?
“That’s something I think a lot about. To me, it’s being in a flow state and having momentum—everything becomes effortless. You’re flowing with ideas and energy that radiate to those around you. With that energy, you’re working on your next project and building momentum in that process.”
What is the most treasured piece in your wardrobe, and why?
“It would be my Prada sneakers. It’s a pair that I wanted for a long while, and I just thought it was such a cool pair of shoes. You could rock it formally as well as on the street too—exactly my vibe.”
What is your favourite collection of all time?
“I love Tyler, The Creator’s capsule collection for Louis Vuitton—it was mindblowing. Growing up, Tyler The Creator was a big reference point for my style, and a lot of his words shifted my perspective on the world. I used to watch Loiter Squad, where he and his friends made these out-of-pocket skits, and years later he had this collaboration. It made me feel like nothing was impossible, especially if you stay true to yourself.”
What is your vice?
“My current vice is fragrances. I started getting more into it recently, and Byredo is a favourite; I have Blanche, Alto Astral and Desert Dawn. Their scents and storytelling are brilliant.”
Matthias’ Five Wardrobe Must-haves
1. A double-breasted tailored suit
“It makes me feel like a superhero.”
Dyllan double-breasted wool-flannel suit jacket, about $4,857; Dyllan straight-leg wool-flannel suit trousers, about $1,804, Tom Ford at Mr Porter
2. Timberland boots
“I’ve been rocking these ever since I was a kid. It’s part of who I am.”
Men’s Radford mid lace-up waterproof boots, $309, Timberland
3. A good duffel or travel bag
“A Louis Vuitton Speedy, Prada Buckle, or Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo for sure.”
Large Andiamo, $11,280, Bottega Veneta
4. A dope sweat set
“My full grey one from Sweats Collective is too fire.”
Cozy sweater, $108, Sweats Collective
5. A pair of Levi’s
“Because everyone needs a good pair of jeans.”
Levi’s® Men’s 568 loose straight jeans, $104.93, Levi’s
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