Omar Butti
31, Emirati/American. Filmmaker/Presenter
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What’s your favourite wardrobe item?
It has to be my Ninja Turtles T-shirt that says Since 1984. I was born in ’84 and they are an influential part of my childhood and the reason I became fascinated with ninjas. This probably played a role in my decision to live in Japan. Oh, and I’m all about Donatello, the wisest of all Ninja Turtles!
How would you describe your style?
Like most men, I don’t spend as much time on my style as I probably should. I catch my wife rolling her eyes when I wear the same shirt for the hundredth time, which may explain why those shirts sometimes go missing. But if I had to describe it, I’d classify it as a ‘geeky style’. I love E.T, Rambo shirts, Mario gear and Batman hats. If I’m dressing up in my Emirati kandura, then I like to give it a twist by opting for a bold colour or unique tailoring.
What does your style say about you?
I like to think of myself as a serious fan. At the core of everything I wear there is an element of the fan boy. I believe that you choose what to wear because you inherently want to reveal something about yourself to other people. It’s also a great conversation starter. If you were to be walking down the street wearing your favourite Batman shirt and another comic fan comes around the corner wearing a Superman shirt… It’s love at first sight.
What’s the best style tip that you can give our readers?
Nothing looks as good as comfort feels.
What’s the best style advice that you have been given?
My wife once told me that if you can’t find something you want to wear, then make it. In the UAE we’re fortunate to have fairly inexpensive and skillful tailors. My first real suit was tailored, I make my own graphic T-shirts and on top of this I have tailored kanduras. So if I don’t look good I only have myself to blame.
