The Dapper Evolution Of Leading Man, Ken Lim

Words by Jessica Liew

June 08, 2018

There’s never an outfit we don’t like on Ken Lim. Whether it’s a classic black tie suit, or an easy-breezy weekend button-down, the founder of cult beauty emporium Kens Apothecary has a way of transforming gentlemen essentials into his very own style. An astute eye for finishing touches and a preppy outlook make his bespoke wardrobe stand out among his contemporaries, and it doesn’t hurt for a little boyish charm, to make his image all the more endearing. He treads where most men tiptoe around, adapting colourful, quirky checks and sharp suits into his regular looks. Take a leaf out of Ken’s bookish modern taste, in this evolution that dates back to 2013.

Tatler Ball, October 2013

In 2013, Ken was bestowed the Entrepreneur Par Excellence award for bringing to Malaysia modern cult beauty brands like Dr Sebagh, Annick Goutal, Laura Mercier and Dr Brandt, among some. He wore a classic black tie outfit, but added a very European touch by way of a gentleman's cane accessory.

Most gracious hosts feature story, January 2014

Hosting glitzy parties is second nature in Ken's line of work. This also means having the ability to put together an ensemble for when the formal occasion calls for it, which Ken aces. The secret is the bow tie...

Launch of Kens in Bangsar Shopping Centre, June 2014

Give a man a black suit, and he's ready to take on the world. In Ken's case, a thin black tie does the trick!

Tatler Ball, November 2014

Once again, Ken leads in red carpet dapper style, with his partner Hubert W Hoi. Just add a peek of sequins, for a striking impression.

Caudalie boutique spa grand opening, December 2014

One way to punch up any suit? Wear it in lighter colours, and trade a white button down shirt with a checkered one -- a trademark of Ken's.

Opening of AQUA restaurant & bar, August 2015

The fashionista is equal parts foodie too, and although he's shed the jacket, Ken's trim physique is that essential piece to the puzzle that is classic smart-casual.

Sisters in Islam of Equality and Justice, October 2015

There was that time when Ken discovered the pocket square, and showed us how it's properly done. His blue-grey ensemble, too, is a great example of colour coordination.

Dior homme official launch, February 2016

Blue is indeed the warmest colour -- When in doubt, stick to a monochrome colour slate, and go further with little touches like a slim kerchief and a matching pocket square.

Mama San opening party, March 2016

When you've decoded the wonders of colours and found your best shade -- blue; in the case of Ken, the rest of your outfit down to your footwear, will fall into place.

Aziamendi88 opening showcase, May 2016

Ken kept a low-key approach to a fun night out of drinks and fine dining, by loosening his collar and throwing on a checkered black-and-white jacket.

Liam Nasarudin's 1st birthday, August 2016

Cowboy party? If, like Ken, your wardrobe staple is an array of patterned button-downs, denim and leather belt, you're lasso-ing all the cool moves.

Babe launch party, March 2017

Ken brought a Far East touch to his mimimalist getup on a night out with style maven Datin Dian Lee, with a Moroccan collar shirt and khaki slacks to rock his new hair colour.

Business lunch with Malaysia Tatler at Mandarin Oriental, July 2017

Lunch with a view! Ken holds the table transfixed, with a bookish suit and checkered combo that gave his intellectual talking points a run for its money.

diptyque launch party, November 2017

When the occasion arises, dressing the part in a good old power suit automatically makes you the leading man among the town's hottest trend set.

Annick Goutal x Innai Red tea party, December 2017

A little tweak to your smart suit, like a funky print or Karl Lagerfeld badge as demonstated by the discerning Ken, can really cast your image in a new perspective.

Angela Karto's birthday, January 2018

Slumber parties have never looked more cuter or stylish, until Ken came along and rocked a pair of floral jammies.

Above Photo: Courtesy of @keanlim71 / Instagram

Jaipur, 2018

Despite his supernatural fashion powers, Ken shows he's just like us too by repurposing the outfit he wore at the Babe restaurant opening dinner, with a top-up print jacket.