What makes an influencer? To me, an influencer is someone who has changed the way you and I live by doing things differently and seeing life in a different light. Here, several of them are featured - Billy Cunningham (the original street style photographer), Jay-Z, even brands that've changed an entire industry. Man, 13 minutes of pure inspiration that I just didn't want to end. Luckily, there'll be a sequel. For now though, stay tuned and stay inspired, y'all.
Showing posts with label The Icon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Icon. Show all posts
The Icon: "The Sartorialist" Scott Schuman
"The Sartorialist" Scott Schuman is a man who has changed the world. Equipped with just his trusty camera and an eye for detail, he gave fashion back to the people, transforming streets into runways and regular people into walking mood boards. In this short documentary, we get a glimpse into the mind of the man who made "street style" a household concept. We are shown how he searches for inspiration on the streets of New York, walking for hours at times to get the perfect shot. That, to me, is not only a mark of a committed photographer, but also of a man who loves expression and searches for its perfect embodiment, every single day.
The Icon: Lou Adler's Courtside Style
As the NBA Finals shifts back to the Staples Center in L.A. with Boston up 3-2, everybody's talking about whether or not the still Lakers have it in them to nod it up and force a winner-take-all Game 7. While that should be enough to make every basketball fan cream his pants, this viewer will be looking out for something more, namely the style showcase of one frequent courtside attendee (who always sits beside numero uno Laker fan Jack Nicholson), Lou Adler.
As Wikipedia has so graciously informed us, Mr. Adler is an American record producer, manager, and director.Well, after seeing the pictures that Clear Shoe Box Project owner Vincent sent me, he can also add full-fledged man of style to his already impressive resume. In contrast to the others who go to the game and sit close to the action, Mr. Adler truly has his shit together.
His wrist accessory game is sick. His hat preferences are sublime. And his white aviator sunglasses (though unchanging despite his various looks) are classic and fun enough to merit credit every single time. He looks to be a fan of layering too (with his cardigans, vests, and blazers), as well as a quirky sock lover - you know, the little nuances that make a man well-dressed in my book. While I still don't know who'll win tomorrow, we can all bet Mr. Adler will be there sporting something awesome. That's as sure as a Tim Duncan bank shot.
Notice the watch and bracelets? That's just masterful blending!
Loving the shade of that cardi and those socks, oh those socks!
Calm coolness at its finest. Not everyone can pull off that hat!
Outta the way, Jack. Mr. Adler is having a ball in a fine tweed blazer and newsboy cap.
As Wikipedia has so graciously informed us, Mr. Adler is an American record producer, manager, and director.Well, after seeing the pictures that Clear Shoe Box Project owner Vincent sent me, he can also add full-fledged man of style to his already impressive resume. In contrast to the others who go to the game and sit close to the action, Mr. Adler truly has his shit together.
His wrist accessory game is sick. His hat preferences are sublime. And his white aviator sunglasses (though unchanging despite his various looks) are classic and fun enough to merit credit every single time. He looks to be a fan of layering too (with his cardigans, vests, and blazers), as well as a quirky sock lover - you know, the little nuances that make a man well-dressed in my book. While I still don't know who'll win tomorrow, we can all bet Mr. Adler will be there sporting something awesome. That's as sure as a Tim Duncan bank shot.
Notice the watch and bracelets? That's just masterful blending!
Loving the shade of that cardi and those socks, oh those socks!
Calm coolness at its finest. Not everyone can pull off that hat!
Outta the way, Jack. Mr. Adler is having a ball in a fine tweed blazer and newsboy cap.
The Icon: Kid Cudi Redux
I already wrote about one of my style idols Kid Cudi in a previous post, but Time Out New York has just released this short-but-sweet interview profiling the musician's style choices. Actually my first time to hear from Cudi and judging from what I've read, I see a lot of similarities between our beliefs on style. Thing is, he just looks a lot more fly doing it. Now, a sneak peek!
Favorite Designers: “I love what Nigo does with BAPE, and what KAWS is doing for Original Fake. I hated suits until I wore a Calvin Klein; they just fit me. But I don’t know high-end designers and shit; that’s not my world. I dabble though. I like Louis Vuitton accessories, but I’d never wear their clothes. No offense, it’s just not my steeze.” (Take a gander at the whole interview and video here!)
Cudi making a denim Levi's shirt look fresh
Photo courtesy of Time Out New York
Favorite Designers: “I love what Nigo does with BAPE, and what KAWS is doing for Original Fake. I hated suits until I wore a Calvin Klein; they just fit me. But I don’t know high-end designers and shit; that’s not my world. I dabble though. I like Louis Vuitton accessories, but I’d never wear their clothes. No offense, it’s just not my steeze.” (Take a gander at the whole interview and video here!)
Cudi making a denim Levi's shirt look fresh
The Icon: Ninoy Aquino
I saw Bam Aquino the other day in Greenbelt 5 and I couldn't help but stare at his sweet tortoise shell glasses. I must say, I was quite impressed. Not everyone can pull those off, but he did and it was a thing of beauty. It must run in the family, I suppose. All the Aquino men - well, most of them anyways (*cough* Noynoy *cough*) - wear statement glasses perfectly. They can thank Ninoy for that. Not only was he the best president we never had. He also made thick plastic frames look oh so damn cool.
Even with a blurry television, you could see how awesome his glasses were
Even in his younger days, his specs were already spot on
While it can be argued that a lot of people wore bold glasses back then, I believe that no one pulled it off better than Ninoy. It must have been that swagger about him, that confidence he had that could have brought a dictatorship down to its knees (and almost did). It was the perfect marriage: A charismatic man whom you can't help but listen to and a pair of plastic frames which you can't take your eyes off.
Often times, tinted frames would look tacky. This is not one of those times.
Suited up or dressed down, Ninoy's glasses just worked
The weight may come and go, but the fine taste in eyewear clearly does not
Pictures of Ninoy in his trademark specs look as awesome today as it did back then. To this very day, I still think no one does it better. Whether it be through commercials or clothing, seeing those bold frames could still only mean one person. And with the election coming up in a few months, how I wish we had a way to bring him back. We could've used our own John F. Kennedy, a president we could be proud of in both style and substance.
Is that a Fred Perry Laurel peeking out? Oh, you continue to amaze, sir
Oh my, does Cory look like Kris here or what?
It's just not the same without the specs, is it? Oh, Cory mirrors Kris yet again!
Take a gander below to see my favorite Ninoy speech. It's about 10 minutes long, but be patient my young padawan, every second's well worth it.
Even with a blurry television, you could see how awesome his glasses were 
Even in his younger days, his specs were already spot onWhile it can be argued that a lot of people wore bold glasses back then, I believe that no one pulled it off better than Ninoy. It must have been that swagger about him, that confidence he had that could have brought a dictatorship down to its knees (and almost did). It was the perfect marriage: A charismatic man whom you can't help but listen to and a pair of plastic frames which you can't take your eyes off.
Often times, tinted frames would look tacky. This is not one of those times.
Suited up or dressed down, Ninoy's glasses just worked
The weight may come and go, but the fine taste in eyewear clearly does notPictures of Ninoy in his trademark specs look as awesome today as it did back then. To this very day, I still think no one does it better. Whether it be through commercials or clothing, seeing those bold frames could still only mean one person. And with the election coming up in a few months, how I wish we had a way to bring him back. We could've used our own John F. Kennedy, a president we could be proud of in both style and substance.
Is that a Fred Perry Laurel peeking out? Oh, you continue to amaze, sir
Oh my, does Cory look like Kris here or what? 
It's just not the same without the specs, is it? Oh, Cory mirrors Kris yet again!Take a gander below to see my favorite Ninoy speech. It's about 10 minutes long, but be patient my young padawan, every second's well worth it.
The Icon: Kid Cudi
"They define my lifestyle as a wildlife with style." -- Kid Cudi
Relatively new on the scene, Cudi made an impression on me not just with his sick beats, but also his fly style. Distancing himself from the oversized garb of his peers, Cudi opts for a more streamlined look by wearing clothes that actually fit. But what makes his style truly memorable, though, is his ability to combine casual classics and make them look oh so damn cool.His trademark look includes specs, leather jackets, hoodies, slim jeans, and his favorite, Air Jordans. He was actually even arrested once for causing a ruckus after being forced to wear Reeboks at a Reebok event. (Talk about a man who fights for his passion!) Seriously, though, his knowledge of fits and what looks good together must've come from his years of working retail at American Apparel and Dean & Deluca. Of course, having Kanye as a mentor doesn't hurt too.
Ultimately, what makes his style pop is his attitude and swagger. I've seen many pictures of him just wearing a basic crewneck shirt with jeans and nice kicks and yet he still looks very put together. Some people just have that something in them I suppose. Well, to me, there is no better mark of being a true style icon than doing that in regularity, just like Kid Cudi.
A shining example of Cudi's sick accessory game
Cudi effortlessly manages to just make classic pieces look fresh
A love for layering that is something to behold
Cudi in his trademark specs
Proof that a white shirt accentuated by sweet necklaces always looks good
The red hoodie was a fine touch
Dope shades, KidFor your viewing pleasure, a video of Kid Cudi's smash, Day N Nite.
Photos courtesy of Complex, GQ, and Vibe
The Icon: Mark Ronson
When I think of DJs and music producers, I normally think of streetwear, bling, and a whole lotta in-your-face attitude. So imagine my delight when I heard of Mark Ronson, a DJ and producer whose style is not just the complete antithesis of my perceptions, but, quite honestly, in a whole different league of its own.
Bespoke suits, skinny ties, peacoats, color, patterns, and a damn good haircut, all day, without an off day, he is the true epitome of what it means to be an icon of style. He knows fit, he knows accessories, he knows combinations. But more than that, he lives them. Just like his music, which pays homage to old school motown but with an urban flair (see Amy Winehouse's Rehab), Ronson has taken classics and revived them with his own distinct take.
He was recently named one of GQ's most stylish men in America, but unlike his co-awardees (ahem, Justin Timberlake, I'm looking at 'chu), what sets him apart is his utter consistency, on the job and off it. "It helps if you wear a tie as a sign of authority," he once said. With a uniform like that, damn sir, there are no arguments as to who's the man in charge around 'ere.
From the GQ shoot, absolutely impeccable
The HAIR, what else can I say about it?
Mark sporting a slimming one-button with a lil' sheen
Effortless geek chic from the master
A perfect blend of pattern and color
A tuxedo at its finest. Oh, the model ain't bad too.
Mark donning a coat, probably thinking "Damn, I look good."
Bespoke suits, skinny ties, peacoats, color, patterns, and a damn good haircut, all day, without an off day, he is the true epitome of what it means to be an icon of style. He knows fit, he knows accessories, he knows combinations. But more than that, he lives them. Just like his music, which pays homage to old school motown but with an urban flair (see Amy Winehouse's Rehab), Ronson has taken classics and revived them with his own distinct take.
He was recently named one of GQ's most stylish men in America, but unlike his co-awardees (ahem, Justin Timberlake, I'm looking at 'chu), what sets him apart is his utter consistency, on the job and off it. "It helps if you wear a tie as a sign of authority," he once said. With a uniform like that, damn sir, there are no arguments as to who's the man in charge around 'ere.
From the GQ shoot, absolutely impeccable
The HAIR, what else can I say about it?
Mark sporting a slimming one-button with a lil' sheen
Effortless geek chic from the master
A perfect blend of pattern and color
A tuxedo at its finest. Oh, the model ain't bad too.
Mark donning a coat, probably thinking "Damn, I look good."Photos courtesy of Contact Music
The Icon: Arlo Weiner
The child of the Mad Men creator, Matt Weiner, Arlo Weiner may just be a kid at 8 years old, but as you can see, he is damn sure well all grown up when it comes to his understanding of personal style. At the very tender age of 3 - you know, when we were all occupied with toys and such tomfoolery - he asked his parents for a tophat, marking the beginning of a dandyism unlike any other.
Five years later, he can be seen sporting such sophisticated pieces as bow ties, ascots, and velvet blazers - things a great number of grown men wouldn't dare venture in. And while he admits taking inspiration from the classic looks of his dad's show, Arlo goes a bit further by playing with color and patterns, combining them with the adventurous curiosity and bravery that only a kid can possess.
One day, he hopes to design his own clothes when his mom gets him a sewing machine. With his deep knowledge of patterns, colors, fabrics, and classic style overall, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be the one to watch. My question however is, with his current style exhibition, isn't he already?
His Valentine's Day look, double bow tie and all
Red Ascot, Odd Jacket, Check Pants, the kid's brilliant
A 3-piece suit for an 8-year old. Amazing I say!
The red vest was a nice touch, perfect color peek!
He wears this to go biking? Unbelievable. In a good way.
Five years later, he can be seen sporting such sophisticated pieces as bow ties, ascots, and velvet blazers - things a great number of grown men wouldn't dare venture in. And while he admits taking inspiration from the classic looks of his dad's show, Arlo goes a bit further by playing with color and patterns, combining them with the adventurous curiosity and bravery that only a kid can possess.
One day, he hopes to design his own clothes when his mom gets him a sewing machine. With his deep knowledge of patterns, colors, fabrics, and classic style overall, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be the one to watch. My question however is, with his current style exhibition, isn't he already?
His Valentine's Day look, double bow tie and all
Red Ascot, Odd Jacket, Check Pants, the kid's brilliant
A 3-piece suit for an 8-year old. Amazing I say!
The red vest was a nice touch, perfect color peek!
He wears this to go biking? Unbelievable. In a good way.Photos courtesy of GQ
The Icon: Don Draper
Today's icon comes by way of TV land yet again, this time from the show Mad Men. While not that popular here in Manila (though being shown on 2nd Avenue), Mad Men has garnered praise from many style aficionados worldwide for bringing out everything we love about 60s style (the show's set in the 60s after all).
Skinny ties, minimalist pocket squares, and a flamboyance that can only come from a time before formality left the office: all these we get from the show's male cast week in and week out. My favorite among the lot, though, is Don Draper. Played by Jon Hamm, Draper's character is the creative director for Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency, and he damn sure well dresses the part.
His style is the definition of classic Americana. Varying shades of gray suits, muted 2-inch ties, trimmed pocket squares, all put together in a well-fitting ensemble and topped off by a devilish haircut - what you have here is iconic, people, a throwback look that looks just as great today as it did in the 60s. Now if that doesn't make for a style icon, I give up, because I don't know what does.
So do yourself a favor, guys. Tune in to 2nd Avenue on Thursdays 10-10:30PM to get your weekly dose of fine style courtesy of the Don. Don't worry, the show itself ain't bad too!
Now that's a headshot if I ever saw one!
The definition of a gentleman
Notice the hair. Just impeccable.
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Now that is how you do a pocket square!
Skinny ties, minimalist pocket squares, and a flamboyance that can only come from a time before formality left the office: all these we get from the show's male cast week in and week out. My favorite among the lot, though, is Don Draper. Played by Jon Hamm, Draper's character is the creative director for Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency, and he damn sure well dresses the part.
His style is the definition of classic Americana. Varying shades of gray suits, muted 2-inch ties, trimmed pocket squares, all put together in a well-fitting ensemble and topped off by a devilish haircut - what you have here is iconic, people, a throwback look that looks just as great today as it did in the 60s. Now if that doesn't make for a style icon, I give up, because I don't know what does.
So do yourself a favor, guys. Tune in to 2nd Avenue on Thursdays 10-10:30PM to get your weekly dose of fine style courtesy of the Don. Don't worry, the show itself ain't bad too!
Now that's a headshot if I ever saw one!
The definition of a gentleman 
Notice the hair. Just impeccable..jpg)
Now that is how you do a pocket square!
The Icon: Chuck Bass Revisited
Early in the blog's existence, I hailed Chuck Bass as one of my ultimate style icons. Roughly 2 months since, Men's Flair agreed. So in the interest of revisiting the greatness of Chuck Bass from another man's point of view, click the link here. The article's kind of long-winded, but a deserving ode, nonetheless, to impeccable style.
Photos courtesy of Men's Flair
Photos courtesy of Men's Flair
The Icon: John Lloyd Cruz
I started "The Icon" category in the blog to showcase those who I believe have great personal style. Up to now, however, I have been featuring only international personalities, as I really cannot pinpoint anyone locally who jumps out as a true icon to me.
Well, folks, the search is over. John Lloyd Cruz is the first ever Filipino in "The Icon." Yup, you read that right, Matinee Idol John Lloyd friggin' Cruz. To tell you the truth, I've actually been considering him for quite some time now. The only thing stopping me was a lack of pictures that proves he is who I say he is. After much research and abuse of Google, though, I've come up with a set that I'm confident in.
What I really like about JLC's (can I call him that?) look is that it doesn't scream, "I try too hard." He just has this effortless feel to him that makes his wardrobe choices look so natural, so, well, him. I actually bumped into him in New York last year in Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Avenue. All I can say is, damn, the man has fine taste. While I was merely window shopping, JLC was actually really shopping, which says a lot. He knows how to spend his acting money on quality pieces, but unlike many local celebrities, he doesn't flaunt the brands he wears. He just looks damn good in them.
A man with that trait certainly deserves to be called an "Icon" in my book anyday. Congratulations, JLC, for being the first Filipino on the list. As your prize, I'm going to see "You Changed My Life" with my girlfriend tomorrow. Your acting may or may not suck there, but I'll be looking out for your style choices more than anything else. Keep it up, young man.
Casual cool at Shangri-La Mall
That jacket...is friggin awesome!
This shot may be amateurish, but the Fred Perry polo is definitely not
An example of how long-sleeved polos should fit
JLC rocked bowties even before they were "back." Well done, sir.
Well, folks, the search is over. John Lloyd Cruz is the first ever Filipino in "The Icon." Yup, you read that right, Matinee Idol John Lloyd friggin' Cruz. To tell you the truth, I've actually been considering him for quite some time now. The only thing stopping me was a lack of pictures that proves he is who I say he is. After much research and abuse of Google, though, I've come up with a set that I'm confident in.
What I really like about JLC's (can I call him that?) look is that it doesn't scream, "I try too hard." He just has this effortless feel to him that makes his wardrobe choices look so natural, so, well, him. I actually bumped into him in New York last year in Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Avenue. All I can say is, damn, the man has fine taste. While I was merely window shopping, JLC was actually really shopping, which says a lot. He knows how to spend his acting money on quality pieces, but unlike many local celebrities, he doesn't flaunt the brands he wears. He just looks damn good in them.
A man with that trait certainly deserves to be called an "Icon" in my book anyday. Congratulations, JLC, for being the first Filipino on the list. As your prize, I'm going to see "You Changed My Life" with my girlfriend tomorrow. Your acting may or may not suck there, but I'll be looking out for your style choices more than anything else. Keep it up, young man.
Casual cool at Shangri-La Mall
That jacket...is friggin awesome!
This shot may be amateurish, but the Fred Perry polo is definitely not
An example of how long-sleeved polos should fit
JLC rocked bowties even before they were "back." Well done, sir.Photos courtesy of PEP.ph, Manila Style, and Metro Society.
The Icon: LeBron James
Many people have lauded Michael Jordan for being the quintessential GQ Man. I, however, am not impressed. Looking at the sartorial choices that MJ has donned lately, I believe that he has been off his style game...by a long shot. Oversized suits, ill-fitting shirts, baggy pleated pants? People, Air Jordan's eye for style is aging along with his body, so stop it.
I'd rather focus my attention on the style statements of His Airness' primary challenger to the title of greatest ever. He is known as many things to basketball fans: The King, LBJ23, but to me he is a Style Icon. Watching his style evolve over the years from gangster rapper to refined gentleman has been a magical thing. It seems as though the NBA Dress Code did do something good after all: It brought out the inner fashionisto in Lebron and he has never looked better.
He has graced the cover of high fashion magazines Vogue and GQ thus far and he is showing no signs of slowing down his tight swag anytime soon. Goodness gracious, now that is how the greatest ever should dress. Take notes, Michael.
The GQ February 2009 Cover
In Ralph Lauren Purple Label (Damn!)
Fit is Everything
The King wears purple
I'd rather focus my attention on the style statements of His Airness' primary challenger to the title of greatest ever. He is known as many things to basketball fans: The King, LBJ23, but to me he is a Style Icon. Watching his style evolve over the years from gangster rapper to refined gentleman has been a magical thing. It seems as though the NBA Dress Code did do something good after all: It brought out the inner fashionisto in Lebron and he has never looked better.
He has graced the cover of high fashion magazines Vogue and GQ thus far and he is showing no signs of slowing down his tight swag anytime soon. Goodness gracious, now that is how the greatest ever should dress. Take notes, Michael.
The GQ February 2009 Cover
In Ralph Lauren Purple Label (Damn!)
Fit is Everything
The King wears purplePhotos courtesy of GQ.
The Icon: Chuck Bass
While I cannot bring myself to watch "Gossip Girl," one thing that has caught my attention is the impeccable taste of one Chuck Bass. No, I am not talking about Ed Westwick. I am referring to the the character, expertly styled by Eric Daman.
Chuck Bass' look is dominated by a preppy undertone. His swagger, however, is what gives it an "I don't give a fuck" edge. Altogether, his sinister package of brooding good looks and a wardrobe I envy is truly a style that I love.
Chuck Bass' look is dominated by a preppy undertone. His swagger, however, is what gives it an "I don't give a fuck" edge. Altogether, his sinister package of brooding good looks and a wardrobe I envy is truly a style that I love.
