Sergej, Aleksander and Murilo inspire each other

At the back of Smitse, three friends are playing a card game. Each card drawn comes with a challenge, and the loser must drink. They often come here to have a few beers after a tutorial. The friends are called Sergej (19, Business Administration), Aleksander (20, Economics) and Murilo (19, Economics) and they are all dressed slightly differently.

Sergej and Aleksander know each other from an international school in Belgrade and moved to Rotterdam two years ago, where they met Murilo. They have experienced each other’s low points, at least in terms of fashion, and have helped each other get back on their feet. Sergej confesses: “I once wore skinny cargo pants.” He has now given those away. He can thank Aleksander for that, who would never wear something like that. He says: “I have always been more into fashion, and I have passed that on to him.”

They are both wearing wide trousers that fall over their shoes, with a mid-rise waist and a top that covers it. Sergej stands out the most today, in his inflated leather jacket and trousers from the brand Acne Studios. The trousers fit well due to their thick grey denim and are adorned with paint splatters that are part of the design. To be even less ‘basic’, he is wearing two rings that he bought second-hand at the market in Blaak.

The boys enjoy shopping second-hand. “We have to give a shout out to Mr. Marly”, says Aleksander. That is the owner of a second-hand shop on Oude Binnenweg, where he just bought a pair of jeans. They find inspiration in his well-curated vintage collection. But they also enjoy browsing online, on TikTok and Instagram, and looking at each other.

Murilo has just given them a carabiner to attach their keys to. “Aleksander wanted to borrow mine, and then I thought: ‘let’s get one for him and Sergej’”, he explains. Aleksander immediately takes out his keyring and attaches it to his trousers. The friends don’t mind looking similar.

Can you give each other a compliment?

Sergej: “Aleksander is very indie. He has shown me fashion, and that is a big compliment. Murilo is a rising star!”

Aleksander: “Your style evolution, Sergej, has come a long way. No, haha, I will try to be sincere: you are very authentic! And Murilo is actually quite unique; he doesn’t just follow trends.”

Murilo: “I never feel embarrassed to be seen with Aleksander and Sergej. Sergej knows a lot about good brands and clothing, and Aleks has indeed got a good indie vibe without looking boring.”