HONG KONG – Hong Kong actor and singer Jeffrey Ngai shared his philosophy on fashion and self-expression Thursday while appearing at the CENTRESTAGE international fashion fair, emphasizing that personal taste should never be judged as right or wrong.
Ngai, known for his bold wardrobe choices, told reporters that years of attending both local and international fashion shows have helped him develop a keen sense of style. He stressed that the most important aspect of dressing is feeling comfortable and projecting confidence, regardless of prevailing trends.
“Everyone has different preferences,” Ngai said. “There is no right or wrong when it comes to taste.”
The actor, who frequently receives brand sponsorships, described himself as open-minded about fashion. He said he understands his own physical attributes well enough to try virtually any look without fear of committing a “fashion disaster.” However, he acknowledged that others may sometimes find his outfits unusual.
Recalling one memorable misstep, Ngai laughed as he described a rehearsal outfit for the “6 Glue” concert. “I wore a pair of bright pink trousers, and everyone found them really jarring,” he said. “I paired them with a brown bear hat. I actually quite liked that look.”
Ngai also endorsed moderate exercise as a way to improve overall health and body shape, which in turn boosts confidence and allows clothing designs to truly shine.
Despite his affinity for vintage styles, Ngai said he does not inherit clothes from his father or older brother, even though they share similar body measurements. “Their preferred styles are totally different from mine,” he explained. “My father mostly wears sportswear, and his suits are nothing special. As a child, I rarely wore hand-me-downs from my brother. For Lunar New Year, I always got new clothes. The one I remember most vividly was a fluorescent purple outfit.”
When asked whether he ever wore attention-grabbing clothing to score larger red envelopes during the holiday, Ngai dismissed the idea. “There’s no connection,” he said. “The amount of money in the red envelope has nothing to do with what you’re wearing. It depends on how wealthy the person giving it is.”
Ngai’s comments at CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong’s premier fashion event organized by the Trade Development Council, reflect a broader shift in the industry toward individuality and self-confidence over rigid style rules. The fair, which runs through Saturday, showcases hundreds of local and international designers and is expected to draw thousands of buyers and fashion enthusiasts from across Asia.
As consumer attitudes evolve, experts note that younger generations increasingly prioritize personal expression over brand loyalty. Ngai’s willingness to embrace unconventional looks—and to laugh at his own fashion experiments—resonates with a demographic that values authenticity.
For aspiring fashion lovers, Ngai offered a simple takeaway: wear what makes you feel good. “Confidence is the best accessory,” he said. “If you feel great in what you’re wearing, that energy will show.”
