Hong Kong icon Bruce Lee’s legacy offers lessons in style, not just kung fu – learn how to dress like the legendary martial arts hero on what would have been his 80th birthday

Nov 27 , 2020

Bruce Lee, kung fu master and fashion guru. Photo: @brucelee/Instagram

Ditch the Tom Cruise Ray Bans and channel the martial arts maestro with lighter glasses that show off your mean stare paired with a wide-lapelled jacket from Tom Ford or classic-cut suit from Thom Browne

Bruce Lee is a hero to many – not just for how he portrayed his on-screen characters, but also for his snippets of wisdom and trailblazing sense of style. Though his flamboyant outfits have been emulated in films and Halloween costumes alike (think yellow with black piping), the clothes the man wore in his daily life were the epitome of confidence and bravado.

On what would have been his 80th birthday, we celebrate the legend’s boldest looks and show how you can cherry-pick to elevate your own wardrobe.

Tinted sunglasses

Tom Cruise famously wore Ray Ban Wayfarers in his early films like Top Gun, a decision which rescued the company from the brink of bankruptcy.

Lee’s vision was less singular – he chose to wear bold and unusual frames, which set a decidedly groovier tone. Lee liked larger aviator styles and opted for lighter amber shades that showed off his intimidating glare, inspiring an entire generation to choose 60 per cent tinted sunglasses. Fashion is cyclical, and tinted lenses are apparently rolling back around again.

Where to find: This new wave style has been endorsed by the likes of Native Sons and Moscot this season. In Hong Kong, head over to Woo Ping Optical Shop (278 King’s Road, North Point) for vintage gems that date back to the 1960s and 1970s.

Iconic white Henley