LEROY DIONG, 34, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR OF THERESA SLIMMING & BEAUTY GROUP

This bold fashionista sipped champagne at Zouk with DSquared designers Dean and Dan Caten last month, decked in the labels' khaki-hued camping-inspired togs and its signature candy-coloured trucker cap. Someone else in the same outfit would have easily looked like a fashionista wannabe.

It is all a matter of confidence, says Diong of his bold outfit.

As a fan of 1980s styles, the fashionable bachelor enjoys incorporating the bold elements of that era, like a hint of gold and neon colours, into his outfits through accessories like belts and shoes.

His knack for personalising his outfits started when he was 15 - he recalls accessorising his clothes and bags with Versace's iconic safety pins and metal Medusa-logo badges.

Working in the beauty business for the past eight years has 'played a part' in stoking his appreciation for designer labels. He now counts labels Dolce & Gabbana, Comme Des Garcons, Dior Homme, Jil Sander and DSquared as staples in his wardrobe.

'If you need to wear clothes, you might as well wear bold, beautiful ones.'

Aspiring fashionistas should never be afraid to make a fashion faux pas, he says. 'Every true fashionista has made a blunder or two. They all look preened and polished now because they've figured out what they should and shouldn't wear again. Whatever you're wearing, it's more important to work it with confidence and flash a smile.'

Tell me about the look in this photograph. How would you wear this look today?

This picture was taken in 1995. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I wore this outfit. The oversized jacket is from Jean Paul Gaultier, the shirt and trousers are from Istante, belt from Versace and suspenders from Versus.

It is a fairly classic look in black and white, except an oversized jacket from the 1990s will never find its way into my wardrobe again. I've given everything but the trousers and belt away. Studs are back so I can definitely wear the belt again.

Describe your sense of style today.

I'm adventurous and like bold colours and finishes like gold and sequins. I try not to limit myself to specific labels - each brand moves in a different direction each season, so I mix and match pieces to come up with unique looks.

What other fashion crimes have you committed in the past?

I recall putting on a black and white jailhouse Versace jumpsuit in the 1990s. At one point in the 1990s, jumpsuits were actually quite trendy.

I find the outfit hilarious now because it looks like the jailhouse outfit Lady Gaga wore in her Telephone music video.

Which era do you think had the most faux pas?

I'd say the 1990s - I really don't understand those baggy high-waisted denim jeans. And looking back on that era's teenage style - baggy pants paired with Reebok or LA Gear high-top sneakers, it all looks a bit salah (Malay for wrong) now.

Which faux pas is really not a faux pas to you?

1980s fashion. I grew up observing my mum attending glamorous parties in the era's fashion and took a liking to it.

Everything was about being big and loud - big hairdos, glitter and all-gold bold looks. Plus, 1980s fashion isn't really a faux pas anymore because Lady Gaga has made it fun and cool again.

What are your top three fashion must-haves today?

I love oversized watches with leather straps - leather straps give a softer appearance with large timepieces compared to chunky steel bracelets. My second pick is cologne by Prada or Cartier - one should always smell as good as they look. The last one's a little cheeky but guys really ought to wear a nice pair of briefs because one feels confident in them.

Which Sex And The City character were you then? How about now?

Definitely Samantha, from the very beginning. She is always fashion savvy and ahead of the curve.