Dr Farzan Iqbal defies the stereotype, showing that one can indeed care about looking good and still be a consummate professional. Photo: Dr Farzan Iqbal
Dispense with the notion of doctors being sloppy dressers – or that they simply are not interested in fashion.
Dr Farzan Iqbal defies the stereotype, showing that one can indeed care about looking good and still be a consummate professional.
The 29-year-old aesthetic physician is frequently seen at fashion events. He is also not afraid to speak about how he likes dressing up, or admit that he adheres to a comprehensive grooming routine.
His Instagram snaps certainly show as much.
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Dr Farzan currently works for a clinic focussing on aesthetics, health and wellness.
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He reveals that the medical fraternity is more clued in about fashion than what everyone would expect.
According to him, there are even scrubs – sterile clothing worn by doctors and nurses during medical procedures – that are branded as “luxury”. These can cost anything from RM400 to RM600 a set.
“With such designs, there’s a difference in terms of material, comfort and cutting. Some feature more pockets, or they come with jogger-style trousers,” he relates.
“You can even get scrubs from cult streetwear brands like Carhartt.”
Dr Farzan says offerings like these may seem frivolous or inconsequential to the average person on the street, but can be a big deal for those who has to wear a “uniform” on a daily basis.
“I guess when you wear the same thing everyday, the small things start to matter,” he says, laughing.
Photo: Firstclasse Malaysia
Photo: Dr Farzan Iqbal
What’s your view on fashion? As a medical professional, do you see it as part and parcel of your life?
Fashion is a form of self-expression. It can make or break a first impression and dictate how comfortable you are throughout your day. With that in mind, I’m always conscious about the impression I make to my patients or potential patients. Nowadays, I’m mostly in my scrubs, but even then “medical workwear fashion” can be a huge thing. It’s always about balancing professionalism, aesthetics and comfort for me while at work.
Can you describe your personal style and dressing? What are your wardrobe essentials?
My entire closet is neutral or monotone. I would describe my style as smart and edgy with a high emphasis on comfort (especially in Malaysian weather). Essentials for men would definitely have to be a good white shirt, a proper pair of tailored suit pants and linen shirts! Lately I’ve been really into knit shirts as well.
Do you think that there is a stereotype about people in the medical field – that they can’t be stylish? What about the opinion that doctors who dress up fashionably are simply not professional?
There definitely is a huge stereotype about doctors being unfashionable, boring and unexpressive. The working hours, stressful working conditions and night shifts definitely don’t help their case but I think that’s changing. Younger doctors are learning to express themselves boldly at work and outside of work. The notion that you can be fashionable, have tattoos, have bleached hair, and yet be professional, is gaining traction, and that’s a welcome change.
Photo: Sacoor Blue
Photo: Dr Farzan Iqbal
As a doctor specialising in aesthetics, what is your daily beauty routine like?
My beauty routine is quite complex as it’s tailored to my skin condition. My skincare routine is done twice a day, consisting of cleansing my face, applying toner, putting on specific serum to achieve desired effects, moisturising and applying sunblock during daytime! Otherwise, it’s maintaining general good hygiene practices.
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Can you share a few glow up tips that you believe in?
Men are more self-conscious about their skin and skincare products nowadays – and I love that. Great tip is to maintain facial hair grooming. That is the difference between looking scruffy
and well-groomed. Don’t be afraid to drop by an aesthetic clinic to discuss skincare, treat different skin conditions, hair loss and even for facials or peels. Great skin leads to great confidence.
