5 questions with … Bobby Tonelli

SINGAPORE - Besides dishing the latest tunes on MediaCorp Radio's 987FM's airwaves, Bobby Tonelli has a soft spot for vintage glasses, with a treasure chest of more than 100 pairs. The Fly Entertainment artiste mused: "I've been a big fan of frames for the last few years and I've gotten into collecting and trading it with other collectors from around the world."

Tonelli's priciest frames amount to US$2,400 (S$3,000), but nothing beats his lavish Chrome Hearts bracelet, which costs a whopping US$4,000.

"I think I'm pretty much set on my accessories. I just keep buying glasses - that's my downfall," he said.

How exactly did you get started on this?

Bobby Tonelli: It started off with this pair of frames (points to the one he was wearing) - this is a Tart Optical Arnel. I was looking for the vintage frames because James Dean and Johnny Depp, they wear these frames. I was in California and I went to this vintage eyeglass shop called Old Focals. They didn't have (it) but it's an old rustic vintage shop and they do all the eyeglasses for the movies, so I picked up a few frames there and that's how I started and got this bug. I even source from Japan sometimes, too.



So glasses are your shopping weaknesses as well?

Shoes and glasses are my biggest weaknesses. Really again, there are limited things that guys can wear without going too crazy. A good pair of shoes can separate an outfit completely, like (pairs from) Rick Owens, Louboutins, Bally, Fendi.

 

How has your style evolved?

Basically, the more I learn about fashion, the more I play with things. But I think after a while, you kinda have to go with the pieces that work for me, and what I do like. I gravitate towards darker colours so I stick with that. I'm not a big fluorescent person. I can go whites, blacks or greys because that way, when you buy a piece, you can use it for a few seasons. If you buy a statement piece, it's so bright, it's so loud - that's it.


What complements the outfit?

Accessories, dude, I mean … nice accessories - bangles; a nice watch; a necklace or even a pair of glasses or a good belt - it can change the whole look of it. You can dress it up, you can dress it down and you can look very fresh.


Would you say you'll feel naked without your accessories then?

Er … Yah, it's funny the other day I went out and I didn't have anything on and … I feel lighter. (laughs) You feel a little bit like … (uneasy facial expression). It's good to have (your accessories