With social media exerting a significant influence on both youth and the public, fashion trends can often take unexpected turns, rapidly evolving online.
One such trend gaining traction is the "Old Money" style, also known as "quiet luxury" or "stealth wealth." This aesthetic highlights understated elegance and sophistication, focusing on high-quality, timeless pieces rather than flashy logos or overt displays of wealth. Inspired by the fashion of generational wealth families, it embraces classic styles that prioritize subtlety over trends, with an emphasis on longevity and craftsmanship.
Read: Old Money Style: Why Are Gen Z So Obsessed With The Trend?
The "old money" aesthetic appeals to those seeking a refined and polished appearance, subtly reflecting wealth and sophistication without being overtly flashy. This style stands in contrast to the more extravagant, logo-driven "new money" fashion, which emphasizes conspicuous displays of luxury. The trend has gained momentum through popular media, including shows like ’Succession’ and ‘The Crown’, which portray the lifestyles of affluent, influential families and their preference for timeless, understated fashion choices.
Local Influencer Gets Mocked Online For His ‘Old Money Club’
If you're familiar with local influencers, you may have come across Andika Putera, who is no stranger to controversy. In the past, he sparked discussion when he shared his ambitious goal of purchasing The Exchange 106 building. While many criticized him for being unrealistic, his latest online video about the "Old Money Aesthetic" has only intensified the mockery surrounding him.
In the video, Andika introduces his "Old Money Club," a community he's established that has grown to around 300 members. The term "old money" is often associated with a fashion trend favoured by the younger generation, focusing on timeless, sophisticated pieces like polo shirts and cable-knit sweaters, representing an understated and refined aesthetic.
It seems Andika's community is aligned with the "old money" aesthetic, as his video features the 27-year-old and several members dressed in sophisticated suits and sweaters. The video also shows the group participating in an outdoor photoshoot, which Andika claims caught the attention of bystanders. This isn’t the first time the influencer has delved into the old money trend—he’s previously shared videos discussing how to dress in line with the aesthetic, reinforcing his connection to this style.
Netizens Completely Mock Andika And His Community
After his video went viral, racking up over 3.5 million views on X (formerly Twitter) and 1.8 million on TikTok, Andika Putera’s take on the "old money" aesthetic quickly drew backlash. Many netizens criticized him, calling the content "cringy" and unworthy of the trend. The backlash was fuelled by the fact that "old money" typically refers to individuals with generational wealth, and Andika, with his past financial struggles, didn’t fit the bill.
Critics argued that despite his efforts to dress in a sophisticated manner, he lacked the "aura" of someone from a wealthy family. His community, which he claims to have grown to around 300 members, faced mockery as people pointed out the stark contrast between their aspirations and their actual financial background.
Here’s some of the comments:
Secondhand embarrassment tgk ni 🥹
— Faiz Fayeshz 🇲🇾 (@faizfayeshz) November 10, 2024
Old money yang sebenar. pic.twitter.com/KLHVPCQQ1K
— مُحِبُّ الله اَلعَيدروس. ☀️ (@ibjela) November 10, 2024
Bukan Old Money ni, tpi mcm No Money pulak dah 😂
— John Smith (@Edyeager_) November 10, 2024
Old money dia tak susah2 nk buat Tiktok..
— Syq (@0nly_FABs) November 10, 2024
Tak nampak mcm old money masalahnya 😭😭
— 沙希拉 (@shhraishak10) November 10, 2024
Who are these people? Maybe org pandang sbb MY weather panas gila kot pakai camtu 🥲
— pana (@xxseasighs) November 10, 2024
Netizens Reminded Of Wak Doyok Who Doesn’t Claim To Follow The “Old Money” Aesthetic
Many netizens who commented on Andika’s post pointed out that his attempt at embodying the "old money" aesthetic reminded them of the style of fashion personality Wak Doyok.
If you're unfamiliar with Wak Doyok, he is widely recognized for his signature moustache and British-inspired style. Known for his impeccably tailored outfits, he rose to prominence on Instagram and became a key figure in Malaysia's fashion scene. Beyond his social media fame, Wak Doyok founded The Garment, a clothing label that blends modern fashion with modesty. He is also known for his grooming product line and his active participation in major fashion events through collaborations.
While there's nothing wrong with embracing a fashion trend, it's important to remember that in today’s social media-driven world, people are quick to judge if your style doesn't align with the current norm. In Andika’s case, while his and his club’s attempt at the "old money" aesthetic is commendable, the choice to wear such a look in Malaysia's hot climate might not be the best fit for the weather.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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