If there’s one thing Frugal Chic Is the New Luxe teaches us, it’s this: looking expensive has less to do with price tags and more to do with intention. Case in point? Asake in Johannesburg.
For his highly anticipated South African debut and the closing stop of his Africa tour — Asake didn’t reach for anything loud or overdesigned. Instead, he pulled up in a tan corduroy matching set and platform boots, proving once again that strong style doesn’t need to scream to make an impact.
This is Asake’s sweet spot. His fashion choices move the same way his music does: confident, fluid, and never stuck in one gear. One day he’s in a sharply tailored grey two-piece for a Red Bull Symphonic performance, the next he’s switching things up entirely with electric blue hair. No panic, no overthinking just range.
In Johannesburg, the look was refreshingly grounded. The tan corduroy set did most of the work, reminding us that texture is one of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit without overdoing it. The collarless jacket featured contrast black piping along the edges, clean white buttons, and front patch pockets small details that quietly sharpened the silhouette. The wide-leg trousers echoed the same piping down the sides, creating a sense of flow from top to bottom.
Underneath, he kept it simple with a crisp white shirt. Nothing fancy, nothing distracting. And then came the boots, chunky tan platform soles that felt practical for the stage but still very much on brand. Dark rectangular sunglasses and stud earrings sealed the look without pulling focus.
What makes this outfit work isn’t excess, it’s balance. Boxy tailoring meets soft corduroy. Neutral tones meet subtle contrast. It’s the kind of look that feels throwback and current at the same time and one that could easily be recreated without breaking the bank. A well-cut matching set, thoughtful proportions, and one strong shoe choice go a long way.
The night itself matched the energy. Johannesburg showed up as Asake took the stage at the Goldrush Dome, delivering a high-energy set that closed out his Africa tour on a high. Orchestral arrangements blended seamlessly with the Soweto Choir’s harmonies, while appearances from Focalistic and Young Jonn kept the momentum going.
