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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You may see double, but Brandon and Julien Leo are each other's ying to the other's yang. Matter of fact, the duo's personal outfit choices when they arrived on set reflected that with Brandon's white and cream ensemble contrasting Julien's black denim look. Well-travelled, well-mannered, and well-dressed, the 28-year-old music artists and producers, models, and co-founders of the music collective FRSHOFF sat down with ELLE Singapore to talk about music, spirit animals, what they're most proud off, and the perfect first date.
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What are your most admirable traits or features?
Brandon Leo (BL): Loyalty, determination and gratitude.
Julien Leo (JL): Kind, ambitious, grounded.
What are your most attractive traits?
BL: I'm sincere, caring, and have a 'lust for life'.
JL: My manners, depth, and appreciation of life.
What is your most unattractive trait?
BL: I'm too analytical and observant in all things.
JL: I'm spontaneously present, but not a planner, though I’m working on it.
What are your hobbies?
BL: Basketball, tennis, playing video games, and watching anime.
JL: Training, swimming, basketball, photography, videography, and cooking.
What do you think women notice first when they meet you?
BL: I think my style and fashion choices.
JL: I think my eyes—a look can say a thousand words and tell a lifetime of stories. I also think my energy—what is not seen is most felt. Ultimately, I’m not a woman so I could be completely wrong!
What's your most complimented body part?
BL: My cheekbones.
JL: Probably my shoulders.
If you had to choose an animal that you are most like, what would it be and why?
BL: The Pink Panther because I’m goofy but dangerous ;).
JL: A Doberman. It’s powerful and graceful yet loving and playful with a hint of danger. I also love my 'dawgs' and a sense of community and tribe is very important to me.
What's your most successful pickup line?
BL: For me, I give a truthful compliment with confidence and move from there.
JL: “Hey” usually works—I don’t like playing games in love. It’s all about the energy and the chemistry.
What is something you look for in an ideal partner?
BL: A clever, kind-hearted soul who knows how to ‘tango’.
JL: I look for synergy, aligned values, whether they treat others well, a sense of personal style and taste, and whether they inspire me.
What's the most romantic thing that you've ever done?
BL: Framed up a large film photo I shot during a lovely date.
JL: Write a song about someone—kind of like a love letter.
Describe the perfect first date.
BL: A walk through a farmer's or Christmas market on a crisp winter day, hot drink and bite in hand.
JL: Every connection is different and deserves a unique experience that flows naturally. However, I do believe in deep conversation, flowers, and being under the moonlight.
What are your three pet peeves?
BL: Insensitivity, bigotry, and mediocrity.
JL: Being too conceited or self-obsessed, someone without Nunchi—a Korean word that roughly translates to having a sense of reading the room, and having no patience.
What's your biggest turn-off?
BL: Narcissism.
JL: Being truly shallow.
After the first date, how long do you wait before calling or texting?
BL: If I like you, immediately.
JL: Again, as I said, no games—It’s all or nothing with me. So, whenever I feel like it.
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
BL: Three weeks trekking in Ladakh, India.
JL: Climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest.
Your partner brings you home to meet the parents for the first time. How would you impress them?
BL: By being polite yet real and genuinely interested.
JL: Flowers, gifts, snacks, and just trying my very best to make a good impression.
What are you most proud of?
BL: Creating a song and music video from scratch.
JL: I’m proud of my pursuit of finding myself. There was a period in time in Korea when I was grinding it out in my studio, discovering the sounds I gravitate toward, my voice, the energy inside of me, and what makes me move. Beyond that, I’m proud of pursuing my truth through journalling and vision boarding—my journey has been about becoming the person I was meant to be.
If you had to write a short profile about yourself for a dating app, what would it say?
BL: Let’s go on an adventure!
JL: Searching for truths and a good time. Let’s dive in the deep end.
*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
Photographer’s Assistant NOWO KASTURI
Stylist’s Assistant VALECIA LEE