At ELLE Singapore, we're all about championing women, but this February, we're showing some love to the guys of Singapore. For the hottest men of the moment (literally and figuratively), they're carving their own paths when it comes to life, work, and love. From content creators and music producers to models, chefs, and actors, these are the heartthrobs of the Lion City.
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While everyone else focuses on the bigger picture, Alif Sianipar and Israfil Ridhwan are all about the finer details. The 27-year-old barber and 28-year-old artist, respectively, have dedicated themselves to their crafts with passion. Alif learned the art of barbering through YouTube before launching his career in 2020. That same year, Israfil graduated with a Diploma in Fine Arts from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Today, both have excelled in their fieldsβAlif as a senior barber at ROGUE & BEYOND, while Israfil has participated in group exhibitions at ART SG and held solo exhibitions, including The Divine Comedy and Spaces In-Between, at Cuturi Gallery.
Alif and Israfil sat down with ELLE Singapore to discuss their ideal partners, dating profiles, and pet peeves.
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What are your most admirable traits or features?
Alif Sianipar (AS): I'm hardworking, loyal, and easygoing.
Israfil Ridhwan (IR): I'm committed, caring, and patient.
What are your most attractive traits?
AS: My sense of humour and empathy as well as a great listener.
IR: In terms of physicality, I would say my height. Traits-wise, I'm dexterous and I'm also obsessed with smelling good.
What is your most unattractive trait?
AS: I'm an overthinker, perfectionist, and procrastinator.
IR: I tend to avoid confrontation or bottle up my frustrations which explode at the most inconvenient time.
What are your hobbies?
AS: Watching anime and enjoying a cup of coffee.
IR: Art is my hobby and I'm lucky to have it as my job too. Besides that, I love gardening.
What do you think people notice first when they meet you?
AS: Some say my smile.
IR: I have no idea, but I always get, "Wah, you getting taller leh!"
What's your most complimented body part?
AS: My head.
IR: My jawline.
If you had to choose an animal that you are most like, what would it be and why?
AS: A golden retriever 'cause I'm quite easygoing and easily amused.
IR: A stick insect 'cause they just stay still, pretending to be still, and eat when the time is rightβI resonate with that a lot. I have five of them as pets and I've grown rather fond of them
What's your most successful pickup line?
AS: Holy moly!
IR: I don't do pickup lines.
What is something you look for in an ideal partner?
AS: Someone on a similar wavelength and can inspire me.
IR: At this point, the bare minimum.
What's the most romantic thing that you've ever done?
AS: Build a bouquet from scratch.
IR: I dedicated half of my work in a solo show to one person.
Describe the perfect first date.
AS: A nice dinner with a view, just hanging out and getting to know each other.
IR: Dinner followed by a little stroll and then maybe some dessert.
What are your three pet peeves?
AS: When you decide not to continue finishing off the sentence, indecisiveness, and slow walkers.
IR: Being late, people with zero social awareness at train platforms, and bootlickers.
What's your biggest turn-off?
AS: Not showing up.
IR: When the other person talks only about themselvesβloser!
After the first date, how long do you wait before calling or texting?
AS: The same night.
IR: I don't have a timeline. Normally, I'd text after a night out to thank the other person for their time, but I also don't think I've been on enough dates to know what the appropriate time is to ask someone out again.
What is the most adventurous thing youβve ever done?
AS: Abseiling.
IR: Did a solo trip to Spain.
Your partner brings you home to meet the parents for the first time. How would you impress them?
AS: Bring them some food or dessert and help out in the kitchen.
IR: By asking questions, agreeing with everything they say, and laughing at every joke.
What are you most proud of?
AS: Becoming a barber which was my dream 11 years ago.
IR: Making it this far with my art, especially in Singapore.
If you had to write a short profile about yourself for a dating app, what would it say?
AS: Easy easy.
IR: NPNC!
*The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photographed by JAYA KHIDIR
Styled by JEFFREY YAN
Producer NAVIN PILLAY
Hairstylist GREGO using Keune Haircosmetics
Make-up Artist WEE MING using NARS
Photographerβs Assistant NOWO KASTURI
Stylistβs Assistant VALECIA LEE