“As a child, I was very insecure because I never ticked the boxes of conventional beauty standards. I have dark skin and curly hair. Fashion became a safe space and outlet for me to express myself,” says creative director, stylist and former fashion editor, Mughni Che Din.

From emo and goth-punk to preppy and streetwear, he looks back on his different style eras with fondness. These days, his style is geared towards easy, breezy resort aesthetics to survive the Malaysian heat. “But I wouldn’t say my personal style is fixed. I like to revisit those eras. Sometimes, I pair them with each other so that the two worlds meet.”

He concludes, “My style is always evolving but stays true to who I am; it’s an amalgamation of all the different phases in my life.” His prized possessions include a Bulgari B.zero1 ring and Tag Heuer Carrera watches. Both gifts from his mother, he wears them to not only complete his look but also keep her close to him.

As a stylist and chief creative officer and founder of MCD Creative, it is clear that his work reflects his values of authenticity. He helps people realise their “best and truest self”. With MCD Creative, he also aspires to foster a collaborative environment in the creative community and champion the people behind the camera who are “the backbone of this industry”, including make-up artists, photographers, hair stylists and copywriters.

“I want to create a space where all creatives—old and new—can create magic together and thrive. There’s a piece of the pie for everyone,” he says.