Grandpa Kang is an 83-year-old rising social media sensation with almost 200,000 followers on TikTok, garnering an impressive 2.7 million likes overall. With a flair for streetwear, the Chinese content creator (@kangye1937) provides much OOTD inspiration for style savants of all ages.
"People at my age usually wear regular clothes. They don’t think about fashion. They dress in black, white, or gray," Kang says to South China Morning Post. "I’m different. I have my own way of matching clothes. I like to be in chic, young-looking outfits. Those people show that life in retirement is gloomy. That’s not the truth. I wear street wear because, to me, it’s an attitude to keep changing, to keep up with trends."
Kangkang, the TikTok star's grandson, supports his grandfather by being his personal camera man, ultimate cheerleader, and number one fan. "Our family pays a lot of attention to what we’re wearing. When I was a child, I had the impression that my grandfather was like a gentleman from a movie," he says. "He used to be a university professor, and taught a subject that required being in touch with the latest technology, so he could pass that knowledge on to his students. I think that’s why he’s always interested in new things."
Grandpa Kang adds, "Many people appreciate my lifestyle. Some say that I’m too old to wear these fancy clothes. I don’t agree. Your outfit reflects your attitude as well as how you feel inside. I just want to be stylish. I don’t care what they say."