JUST MY STYLE
Hairstylist keeps his look a cut above

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Richie Miao Age: 31 Occupation: Hairstylist and co-founder of Chop Salon in Restaurant Row Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

What I'm dying to buy right now: the 2003 Y3 Collection by Yohji Yamamoto for Adidas. It's streetwise sportswear that's diverse.

The best bargain I ever found: a shirt from Salvation Army — you can always find something there if you look hard enough. And a pair of Evisu jeans in Hong Kong — you can bargain there.

I'm willing to pay more for top quality when it comes to: Fedora hats. They're not easy to come by, so they're worth it.

I can never get enough of: denim wear and comfortable shoes.

My favorite designers: D Square, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Comme des Garcon, Evisu and Yohji Yamamoto.

Three men/women who inspire my look: Helen Lee (my girlfriend) who makes her own clothes and alters some of mine to look different and unique. Kihan (co-founder of Chop Salon) because he is always on the edge of fashion, and Lenny Kravitz (singer) because he is expressive in the way he dresses.

My must-have staples: a three-button Prada suit and Louis Vuitton shoes — you can never go wrong. Evisu denim wear, because it is unique.

My biggest fashion faux pas: During the grunge days, I wore pants and shirts that had too many holes and rips in them. Thank God those days are over.

What I'm wearing: a fedora by Mrs. Dewson's hats (San Francisco), Evisu denim jacket (Hong Kong), T-shirt and belt by Diesel, pants by Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons, Y3 shoes by Yohji Yamamoto for Adidas, and sterling silver wallet chain by Maxi Shop Hawaiian Jewelry.