These Stylish Individuals Prove Age Is Just A Number With Gentle Monster's 'Nano' Sunglasses

Tiny sunglasses are back, and probably aren't going anywhere anytime soon. South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster is taking the trend to a new high with the Nano collection—a range of 5 micro-mini frames redefining eyewear in a playful and experimental manner.

Through a collaboration with Moscow-based visual artist, AES+F, the accompanying campaign titled The Circle of Life was created "as an homage to the continuity of life where beginning and end are connected." Think: the Nano collection's bizarre styles set against a surreal landscape, in which fantastical creatures float in the sky.

Related article: Your First Look At The Gentle Monster x BLACKPINK’s Jennie Collection

In the same spirit of emotional provocation, we shine the spotlight on philanthropist Peggy Jeffs, and Regional Executive Creative Director of VaynerMedia APAC, VJ Anand, who prove that age is just a number with their bold, eclectic fashion and stylish flair.

Peggy Jeffs

Describe your personal style.

Maximalist. Bold and individualistic, just like my star sign Aries.

Who are your style icons?

The late Isabella Blow—muse of milliner Philip Treacy—and Daphne Guinness for their unique and bold styles.

How did you develop your sense of style? Has it evolved throughout the years?

Growing up, I was inspired by my very fashionable grandmother and my eldest sister who was a fashion model. I always dressed up, and developed great interest in fashion, jewellery, art and music. As I matured, I found myself drawn to artistic and unusual designs with interesting details.

Related article: BAZAAR Most Stylish Women 2020: Peggy Jeffs

What does dressing "age appropriately" mean to you?

Dressing age appropriately is important—no sleeveless dresses if your arms are no longer firm. I stopped wearing mini skirts a long time ago. But that doesn’t mean I can't wear colours, prints and florals to lift my spirits. Be yourself, be comfortable but be realistic.

Your most beloved fashion item?

I have too many! Whenever I buy something, I always proclaim “this is what I've always wanted."

Whose closet would you raid?

Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Iris Apfel. I love Rihanna's effortless chic and unforgettable fashion choices, Lady Gaga's creative and otherworldly costumes, and Iris Apfel's striking accessories (I'm sure I'd want them all).

VJ Anand

Describe your personal style.

It's a range of things. As a person I'm quite happy and always joyful, so I'd say my style is an extension of myself—as colourful as me, as happy as me. I'm a huge sneaker collector—I've been collecting it from the time I was a teen until now—so I try to mix and match my style based on that. I'm super colour-coordinated too, from my clothing to shoes, even right to my socks. Some people say, "Oh you're a creative so you dress like that." I think even if I wasn't in the creative line, even if I was a chef (which I've always wanted to be as well), I'd have always dressed a bit crazy.

Who are your style icons?

When I first started getting into it, it had to be Fresh Prince (not Will Smith) from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air because of his colourful fashion. I started wearing the same caps and started getting Jordans because of him. Now, I really like Jerry Lorenzo—I think he's stylish; simple but very classy. On the other end of the spectrum, there's also J Balvin who's loud and a bit crazy.

Related article: Man With Style: VJ Anand, Head of Creative at VaynerMedia

How did you develop your sense of style? Has it evolved throughout the years?

I've always been experimental and playful when it comes to my style. I made my own stuff when I was younger, but now that I'm working I tend to buy random things that catch my eye. I also have a personal shopper who gives me new pieces that she thinks is suitable for me. I'd walk into client meetings and have global CEOs in front of me, still dressing the way I dress.

What does dressing "age appropriately" mean to you?

I think you shouldn't dress based on your age but you should dress the way you feel and like—don't let society dress you up. Rock it, whatever makes you comfortable and happy. I'm happy with my loud prints, my crazy pants and sneakers so I just keep doing it.

Your most beloved fashion item?

I love my sneakers, socks and bucket hats. I mix and match my sneakers—sometimes I even put two different pairs of the same model but in different colours and wear them together just to be loud. But my absolute favourite would be my Air Jordan 3 in Black Cement—it travels with me and is my piece of comfort.

Whose closet would you raid?

I think Kanye West's got stuff that he's designed and kept in there. The guy's got interesting thinking and I'd definitely rock some things if I can fit into them. Also, Elton John—he's quite mad with his colours and prints, sometimes a bit too much, but I'd keep 60 or 70% of what he has.

Photography: Gan
Hair and Makeup: Manisa Tan

Scroll to see all the pieces from Gentle Monster's Nano collection: