Wearing flip-flops around town is the ultimate fashion faux-pas, according to Dublin’s newest style influencer.
amien Broderick from north Dublin has turned his fashion sense into almost a million followers on TikTok and over half a million on Instagram.
The 31-year-old encouraged his fellow Dubs to take a little more pride in what they wear around town.
“When I’m not in the pool, I don’t wear a swimsuit, when I’m not working out, I don’t wear sweatpants. Flip flops are not for the town, nobody wants to see your toes,” he said.
“I also wouldn’t go on a date in shorts and crocs. Trust me, try.”
Damien worked in retail before joining a luxury menswear magazine and eventually founding Raphoe Online, a fashion newsletter producing exclusive articles and videos.
Its overall aim is to inspire others to make bolder and more individual choices when it comes to what they wear, especially younger Dubliners.
“I was inspired by my grandfather, who wore a suit every day of his life, and I started posting reels of clothes I was wearing on Instagram,” said Damien.
“The point of my platform is to build confidence in other people to dress the way you want. Try to find your own style and immerse yourself in it. Be yourself. Be individual.
“I think there’s often a pressure to conform with men and young boys. Currently, it’s Northface tracksuits and a Canada Goose jacket.
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Flip flops are a no-no outside the pool or beach
“If you’re a young man and all your friends are wearing the same thing, it must be very difficult to show up in something different. They snap you out of it.
“It takes backbone to turn to your friends and say, ‘You know what? I don’t care, I’ll dress how I want.
“There’s a fine line between confidence and cockiness, but my confidence is unshakable.” I’ll walk down the street dressed like I’m on my way to a period drama.
“I don’t care what anyone thinks. I dress for me and I encourage everyone to dress for them,” he added.
According to Damien, men could probably learn a few things from women along these lines.
“Women are at the forefront of fashion. Especially since the pandemic, women are becoming real individuals with their own style.
“They don’t jump from trend to trend. They stick to things,” he said.
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