Back in the 90s, every guy aspired to look like Ekin Cheng from the Young and Dangerous series. You know, the one with the long hair, dragon tattoos and the hot Ah Lian girlfriend.
But now the Jean Paul Gaultier wallet toting Ah Bengs are almost extinct in Singapore (well, probably one or two remain at Sim Lim Square). Nobody can explain their demise and why they were so popular then.
We try to look for some answers with these 12 fashion accessories for Ah Bengs.
1. Sharp comb
A must-have in every self-respecting ah beng's back pocket, the sharp comb provided relief during windy days and gang fights, and added presence to the beng's aura.
2. Motorola Memo Jazz
Back in an era when 51213143344 actually meant more than just numbers, the Motorola Memo Jazz was the most popular pager around. Usually used for booty calls.
Or at the very least, the beng must have this clipped onto the side pocket:
3. Jean Paul Gaultier stuff
Often seen sandwiching the sharp comb, the long wallet was a classic piece of Ah Beng couture.
Mothership.sg asked around but nobody could explain why Ah Bengs used to carry this around.
4. Branded jeans
Brands were a big part of the Ah Beng universe. Naturally, the bigger the logo, the better. Loud was key to an Ah Lian's heart.
5. Rocco Barocco cologne
Because of catchy name. And because it looks like a Zippo.
6. Caps that cover the face
Once a common sight in arcades for Ah Bengs to hide from enemies, the cap has since been known as an accessory for terrorists, as shown in the SMRT safety video.
7. Converse sandals
Before Birkenstock, Converse sandals ruled the day. It had so much street cred that if you left it outside your flat, it would be gone before you could say: "You from where one? See what see?"
8. Good Look Hair Gel
Without this, the next item would never have existed.
9. Centre parting
No gel no curry pok.
10. Ang kong (tattoos)
Preferably dragons or tigers, so that they could look the part:
11. Long fingernails
Excellent for nose/ear digging, long fingernails have stood the test of time and are still useful now.
12. The 360 walk
Finally, apply items one to 11 with this:
Related articles
11 fashion accessories for the 1990s “yo ah yo” S’pore Ah Lians
Slang used by young Singaporeans: 1990s vs 2010s
This movie shows Singapore kids in the 90s face the same problems today
Top photo from here
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.