Thai heartthrob Gulf Kanawut, actor and bona fide style icon, has a way to embrace fashion’s most divisive and unconventional styles and make them occasion-appropriate. Whether it is a Canadian tuxedo, high-heel boots or simply a tracksuit, the actor knows exactly what to do to pull off polarizing looks, elevate them and even inspire people to recreate his wardrobe.
The latest look in Gulf’s style book? A midriff-baring ensemble that has fashion enthusiasts collectively looking back at the heyday of ‘80s style.
Attending Demna’s inaugural Gucci runway, Gucci Primavera, the actor made a case for midriff-exposing ensembles for men. Embracing monochrome dressing, his front row ‘fit featured baggy elastic waistband pants and a neoprene top. The cropped top flaunted swimwear inspiration with raglan sleeves and high neck construction, as well as visible seam details.
As for accessories, Gulf opted for black boots, a pair of statement sunglasses and a crossbody bag with Gucci’s colored logo scheme. He also relied on his trusted beauty formula: a sleek, but fashionable sweep-back that channels both old school heartthrobs and edgy modern-day models.
If you’re acquainted with fashion, you might know that male crop tops have been experiencing a resurgence in recent years.
Influenced in equal parts by the return of retro fashion—crop tops were a thing back in the ‘80s and early ‘90s—style experimentation and a collective departure from heteronormative fashion, trimmed tops in all their variations have successfully entered the menswear mainstream.
The world has famously seen stars such as Paul Mescal and Jacob Elordi, as well as K-pop singers such as Kai, Taemin or Wonho, showcase their love for crop tops on stage, magazine editorials and the streets to great acclaim. In tandem, fashion brands like Prada, Dsquared2 and Martine Rose have all sent crop tops for men down the runway.
Gulf Kanawut now joins the list, expanding on his daring style portfolio and affinity for experimental fashion —although, this isn’t the first time the actor rocks a cropped tee and certainly won’t be the last. At the latest Gucci runway, Demna Gvasalia made a loud case for midriff peeking designs for men, whether in the form of fitted tees, trimmed leather jackets or snakeskin tops. As a brand ambassador, Gulf will very likely embrace this new Gucci aesthetic in upcoming events.
