Model-turned-fitness enthusiast Oskar Lee discusses self-growth, embracing diverse cultures, and the power of scent with Bleu de Chanel.

Oskar Lee rocks short dark hair, dimples and a penchant for answering questions with a smile. Despite a life that&rsquo;s meticulously scheduled to fit in gym workouts, including training twice a day, weightlifting and spinning, all while juggling other responsibilities and a part-time modelling gig, Oskar exudes an effortlessly laid-back vibe. &ldquo;I was a completely different person before this,&rdquo; he admits, crediting his transformation to the support and guidance of his team. Now a spin class instructor at PWRHOUSE, one of Klang Valley&rsquo;s hottest fitness studios, Oskar is thriving. &ldquo;Being the youngest instructor at 24, surrounded by more experienced individuals, has been a blessing. Their wisdom and guidance have kept me grounded and steered me down the right path.&rdquo;

Growing up as a third-culture kid, Oskar lived in seven countries by the age of 14. This nomadic upbringing taught him the art of adaptation and embracing diverse cultures &mdash;skills that now serve him well in his career. Often, the perception of a fitness instructor's job is that it's easy, but the reality is far more complex. &ldquo;Many people don't realise the confidence it takes to lead a room of up to 40 people with all eyes on you. It requires letting go of your ego, being genuine and exuding confidence to inspire others,&rdquo; Oskar reveals. From having almost no experience in spinning to leading one of the most fully booked classes at the fitness centre, Oskar's journey has been one of continuous learning and self-improvement. He finds joy in promoting a healthy lifestyle to his participants. &ldquo;Reflecting on this journey, I realise how easy it would have been to become a wild card, but instead, I&rsquo;ve found a new sense of confidence and purpose,&rdquo; he says.

Becoming a fitness instructor was never on Oskar&rsquo;s bingo card. He pursued a degree in film and entertainment, dreaming of a breakthrough on the big screen. For Oskar, movies have always been an escape, offering a glimpse into different lives, while the allure of Hollywood&rsquo;s glitz and glamour has always fascinated him. However, he realised that pursuing this dream might take some time given his experience and the local market conditions. So, he decided to put that ambition on hold for now. But this doesn&rsquo;t mean the 24-year-old realist has given up on acting. &ldquo;I find a certain beauty in that distance,&rdquo; Oskar reflects. &ldquo;It keeps me motivated and driven. The journey to achieve such ambitious goals is long and filled with challenges, but that's what makes it exciting. I'm continuously working hard, learning and growing, and I embrace the uncertainty because it pushes me to strive for more.&rdquo;

Talking to Oskar, you can&rsquo;t help but notice the self-assurance and confidence in every word he articulates. It&rsquo;s as if his thoughts are programmed to deliver only valuable answers. Perhaps this stems from his rich life experiences, mingling with people from various backgrounds since his younger years. Or maybe it&rsquo;s his family legacy that has instilled in him a sense of pride and a desire to make his family proud. To Oskar, it&rsquo;s more than just that. &ldquo;Growing up with a severely autistic brother taught me independence and resilience from a young age. My education in the US, navigating life on my own, and my job as a spin instructor where I lead and inspire others, have all contributed to my confidence,&rdquo; he explains. Oskar&rsquo;s exuberance, laced with sophistication and a playful edge, embodies the essence of Bleu de Chanel. This fragrance is a cornerstone in the perfume world &mdash; fresh and citrusy with a woody depth that exudes that unmistakable Chanel je ne sais quoi. Its intricate warmth binds to the skin and permeates every Chanel creation, much like Oskar&rsquo;s journey in the fitness and modelling industry. &ldquo;I aim to be both approachable and refreshing, while also showing depth and resilience. Like Bleu de Chanel, I strive to make a lasting impression in my work, interactions and personal style,&rdquo; Oskar shares, drawing parallels between the fragrance and his personality.

"I aim to be both approachable and refreshing, while also showing depth and resilience. Like Bleu de Chanel, I strive to make a lasting impression in my work, interactions and personal style."

On the subject of the power of fragrances, Oskar believes scent holds a potent magic. &ldquo;It wasn't until a whirlwind romance with a woman whose scent was intoxicating that I understood the power of smell to evoke memories, emotions and desire. The simple fragrance of the hair, skin and a fleeting touch &mdash; these became a symphony that defined her that forever changed my perception of how scent can shape an impression,&rdquo; he explains. Fragrance has long been a medium for evoking personality, enhancing a persona and boosting confidence. Self-esteem is a complex concoction of factors, but spritzing on your favourite scent &mdash; or one that carries positive memories &mdash; can help you feel like the most confident version of yourself, even on days when you don't particularly feel it. Turning 25 this year, the world is Oskar's oyster, and his curiosity is leading him toward his next major endeavour. &ldquo;Right now, I'm most curious about women, success and the future &mdash; topics that I think most 24-year-olds ponder about. This stage of life is about growth and discovery, navigating through relationships, building a career and figuring out what the future holds in a rapidly changing world dominated by social media. It&rsquo;s a fascinating and overwhelming journey,&rdquo; he reflects.

Creative Direction &amp; Words Syazil Abd Rahim Photography, Film Director &amp; Editor Aun Chua Hair Juno Ko Grooming Cat Yong Photography Assistants Saiful Azwan Camera Operator Boon Leong Special thanks to Imperial Lexis, Kuala Lumpur and PWRHOUSE

Flipping sides with Oskar Lee and Bleu de Chanel

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