Style consultant, influencer, and model Tejeshwar Singh is often recognized as the first turbaned Sikh to be featured in many of the spaces he works in. Otherwise, a full-time project manager with a background in civil engineering, this international superstar is simultaneously blowing up on social media and collaborating with renowned brands like H&M, UNIQLO, Harry Rosen, and Reebok. As he steps forward, stereotypes are being shattered, signalling a positive shift in the fashion industry.
Since childhood, Singh exhibited a keen interest in fashion, passionately selecting his clothes, with his father often capturing his oomph-factor moments through photographs. Singh attributes his knack for dressing to his paternal grandfather, a military man who personified the importance of presenting oneself in a well-groomed manner.
Recalling his teenage years, Singh shares experiences of being bullied for changes in his facial hair growth. However, Singh made a personal choice not to trim his beard and learned how to maintain and style it. He connects his kundiya mucha to the concept of chardi kala, or high spirits. The proud Sikh embodies the sentiment that one can truly maintain their identity without compromising on personal choices, such as unshorn hair. When it comes to maintaining beard health, Singh's advice is to be patient, avoid artificial products, and go the natural way.
Over the years, as Singh has become more acquainted with editing and social media, he has started gaining popularity online, realizing that he can utilize his platform to inspire others. "Contrary to what some may assume, content creation is not an easy task and requires hard work, whether it's a 10-second or a 10-minute video. My focus is on the message behind my ideas, and I genuinely value the impact of my work. I'm happy even if only a few people watch my content and learn something meaningful, rather than chasing thousands of views.", shares Singh.
Rather than blindly imitating someone else's style choices, the stylist emphasizes considering three factors when dressing: occasion, weather, and personal comfort. His advice entails making thoughtful purchases based on personal needs and investing in versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Moreover, by not succumbing to impulse buying, a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly fashion industry can prevail.
Singh's style tips for the summer include:
- Wear light and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, and seersucker.
- Go for looser fits, like straight or regular fit, instead of skinny or fitted.
- Incorporate colour.
- Skip the shoes and choose sandals.
- Take the bold route and add prints through shirts, silk scarves, pants, socks, or accessories.
- Don't be afraid or insecure about showing off some skin, for example, shorts.
- Accessorize with sunglasses and a nice watch, but don't overdo it. The last thing you want on a hot, sunny day is a bunch of metal chains clinging to your neck.
Moving forward, as cultures evolve, fashion trends are also undergoing transformations. However, Singh highlights the importance of balancing cultural heritage, fashion, and personal style, as he maintains a harmonious blend of cultural identity and contemporary style. Undoubtedly, with his distinct appearance and admirable personality, the sky's the limit for all that Singh can achieve. As the man himself puts it, "It is one thing to be recognized among thousands of people, but another to be recognized among thousands of sardars!"