Aaron’s story is one of cultural convergence—of London’s electric mix of influences shaping a singular creative voice. The son of Malaysian-Indian immigrants, raised in one of the city’s most diverse boroughs, he grew up immersed in a world where identities intertwined, styles clashed and coalesced, and storytelling was as much about heritage as it was reinvention. “That still shapes the way I navigate the world,” he reflects. After earning a degree in Film & Media and Cultural Studies from Kingston University, Aaron carved his own path into the industry by founding INDIVIDUALISM, a pioneering men’s style blog that quickly became a touchstone for digital-era fashion discourse. The site’s rapid ascent led him to MR PORTER in its launch year, where he built and led the brand’s first-ever film department. Over four years, he helped define the aesthetic language of men’s fashion film, crafting editorial, social, and marketing content that cemented MR PORTER’s reputation as a digital tastemaker. But Aaron’s creative ambitions extended beyond a single brand. In 2014, he launched AC Studios, a London-based moving image content studio at the intersection of fashion, design, and culture. Today, his client roster reads like a roll call of global heavyweights—Burberry, Armani, Levi’s, Uber, Amazon, Aston Martin, Adidas—each trusting him to bring their vision to life through a lens honed by years of cultural immersion, technical mastery, and a relentless pursuit of originality.
Downtime - Victoria Park. Not as much recently as we recently moved from Bow to Stratford. But I do find myself going back over the weekends. Often to just clear my head and walk, Walking has really helped when I'm overwhelmed with multiple projects.
Inspiration – Liberty London. I try to convince myself that window shopping is for inspiration I'm not sure it entirely is, but walking through that store, seeing new product, how things are styled, how their edit as a department store, and just to visit the fragrance section, I’ve found really does put me at easy and allows my mind to wander and be inspired at the same time.
Fun - Games nights. Pre pandemic I used to really enjoy hosting games nights. I'm a bit of a board game geek / party game host geek. And so I'm looking forward now we've finally bought a house and we're past the pandemic to try and host again.
Tucked away in the heart of Lisbon, Toca da Raposa is more than just a cocktail bar—it’s an experience. The bar team takes mixology to another level, foraging local ingredients and weaving them into a menu that feels both experimental and deeply rooted in place. Every drink tells a story, and the interiors—warm, intimate, and impeccably designed—set the perfect scene.
For years, Living Proof was London’s most reliable hip-hop night, a guaranteed vibe no matter where it popped up. The DJs where Flawless. The crowd was like a family. It was the kind of night where you could dance for hours, knowing you’d run into familiar faces and hear the tracks that made you fall in love with the genre. It closed its doors in 2023, but its legacy is cemented.
A meal at Escale Creole is more than just food—it’s home. A family-run spot tucked away in Mauritius, it delivers one of the best dining experiences you’ll ever have. The flavors are Unmatched; and the setting is pure bliss.
I’m massively into fragrances, and Nose in Paris is honestly one of the best spots out there. The selection is amazing—so many unique scents you don’t find everywhere—and the team really knows their stuff. They even have this system where you can discover new perfumes based on the notes you already love. It’s such a cool way to find something unexpected.
No Borders is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem. It’s all about sustainability and thoughtful design, with pieces that tell a story. It’s not just about shopping—it’s about finding things that feel meaningful, whether it’s a handmade accessory or a beautifully crafted piece of clothing.
I’m obsessed with The Archives Co. for vintage. They’ve got this great eye for pieces that are timeless but still feel fresh. It’s not overwhelming, just well-curated and always interesting.
Swimming is one of the few things that truly quiets my mind. There’s something about the rhythm of it that cuts through the noise. The Stratford Olympic pool is my go-to—especially in the afternoon when it’s almost empty, and you’ve got the whole 50m stretch to yourself. When the sunlight streams in, it feels kind of magical.
I’m terrible at switching off, but going to the cinema is one of my hacks. It forces me to turn my phone off, stop answering emails, and just be present. Genesis is my favorite spot—it’s got a great vibe, and something about sitting in a dark room with a good film helps me reset.
I’ve been meditating for about four years now, and my morning practice has been a game-changer. Right after, I write in my gratitude journal—it’s a habit I’ve kept for 10 years, and it really keeps me grounded.
I read Find Your Why about two years ago, and honestly, it’s been life-changing. It’s not just a book you read—it’s one you work through. It really made me stop and think about my purpose and how I approach everything, not just work but life in general. Definitely one of the most impactful things I’ve ever picked up.
Anthony Bourdain has been a huge inspiration for me. The way he explored the world and told stories—giving a voice to people and places that often get overlooked—really resonates with me. That curiosity, that respect for culture, and the way he framed everything so beautifully—it’s definitely influenced how I travel, work, and think about storytelling.
Samsara is easily one of the most stunning documentaries I’ve ever watched. Visually, it’s breathtaking. From a cinematography perspective, it’s exactly how I’d love my work to look—just rich, immersive, and completely transportive.
The Helsinki Library is easily one of the best library experiences I’ve ever had. The building is stunning—modern, open, and filled with light. But it’s more than just beautiful architecture; it’s a space that perfectly balances study, relaxation, play, and community connection. It feels alive, a true hub for everyone, and it left me wishing more libraries embraced this kind of design and purpose.
The Serpentine is a gallery I visit often. Nestled in Hyde Park, its exhibitions are always fresh and thought-provoking, challenging how you think about contemporary art. There’s something about the mix of bold ideas and the park’s calmness that feels restorative.
Raven Row, a hidden gem in Spitalfields, offers a completely different vibe. Housed in a restored 18th-century silk merchant’s home, it’s intimate and atmospheric, with experimental exhibitions that feel like stepping into a story. It’s always inspiring and full of character.
Manu Pillai – Art Director / Designer Manu Pillai is one of those creatives whose work you can’t help but admire. The stuff he’s doing with Pamu Studio is next-level—his taste is just impeccable. Everything he touches feels so considered and visually sharp. He’s definitely someone whose career I love keeping an eye on.
Kshit Kankaria – Creative Director, The Dirty Magazine Kshit has been making waves in the fashion world in India for years now, and honestly, he’s way ahead of the curve. His work with The Dirty Magazine is bold, experimental, and always surprising. You can tell he’s shaping the future of fashion storytelling, and it’s exciting to watch.
Daytona Williams – Founder, Neptunes Papers Daytona is the definition of good taste. When I heard he’d launched Neptunes Papers, a print magazine pulling together all his interests, I couldn’t wait to check it out. He’s our go-to in Paris for knowing what’s new and worth exploring.
What We Do - My go to gym track that always gets played
A soulful driving playlist to relax when me and Iman are driving or taking road trips
Summer Soul Vibes - My playlist for being on set when I direct
My Grandfather who I never got to meet, A.M. John, but I think about him a lot. A father of ten, an uncle to around 95 nephews and nieces—he built something far bigger than just a family. I always wonder what drove him to create such a strong family unit, how he managed to provide for so many people while still making space to support his community. Starting from scratch and creating a life of success is one thing, but doing it while holding onto strong values is another. That’s what fascinates me most. What kept him going? How did he balance ambition with responsibility? What kind of person does it take to build something that lasts across generations? I’ll never get the chance to ask him these things, but I think about them often. I like to believe some of that same drive, that same commitment to others, has found its way to me.
I’ve failed more times than I can count, and I’ve produced projects that are, frankly, trash. But that’s part of it, isn’t it? The messy, unglamorous small steps that no one really talks about. We’re so used to seeing the highlight reel of success that we forget what actually goes into building a career or creating meaningful work. For the younger generation especially, it can paint such a skewed picture. Failure is part of the process, not a sign to quit.On that note, I’ve been thinking a lot about mentorship lately. I’d love to find a mentor—it’s something I truly believe never stops being valuable. But as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve found it harder to connect with mentors who have the experience I need at this stage. If you’re out there and a few steps ahead of me, know that I’m still eager to learn. Growth is a lifelong thing, and I’m here for it.