Uniformity: Michel Sutyadi, Co-founder and Designer, NLGX Design

Uniformity is a regular magazine column where we ask Beijing personalities about the various outfits that have defined them over the years.

When we asked Michel Sutyadi of NLGX Design to think back over all the uniforms he’s ever worn, we were broadly defining “uniform” to refer to clothes/headwear that:
• He was required to wear in particular situations
• Were not of his choosing and not from his personal wardrobe
• Were either provided to him or that he had to pay for
• Others were also wearing at the same time

Which uniform was the most flattering?
Probably my judo uniform, from when I was 12 years old. Growing up in Germany and being Asian, people thought I looked like the Karate Kid. Unfortunately, my tournament results were not as flattering.

Which uniform was the worst fit?
When I worked as a gardener in a zoo one summer, they gave me rubber boots and overalls that were way too big for me. Every time I had to clear the weeds at the tiger cage, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to run fast enough in those clothes if the tiger decided to eat me.

Did you ruin any of these uniforms?
After high school, I had to do one year of mandatory medical service in Germany instead of joining the military. During that time, I was helping old folks at their homes, doing housework, and feeding and washing them. I probably ruined my uniform every week by getting it dirty with everything from vomit to poop.

Which uniform did you resent wearing the most?
My pizza delivery-boy uniform! A red sweatshirt with the pizza company logo on it and a baseball cap. I got fired after one week.

Which uniform do you feel most sentimental about?
An old soccer uniform. Not that I was a particular good player or my team very successful, but it has my name flocked on the back so I never managed to throw it away.

Which uniform did you have the most fun in?
I played electric guitar in a heavy metal band when I was 15. We dressed in all black from top to bottom every time we were on stage for little gigs in our local live venue. I thought I was James Hetfield from Metallica banging my head to my guitar’s power riffs.

Which uniform were you most mocked for wearing?
Probably my swimming team’s Speedo. No further comment …

Which uniform would be considered the least fashionable?
Definitely my confirmation suit. A suit which was too short in all respects, combined with a hideous bowtie!

Click here to see the September issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photo courtesy of NLGX