Though far from what would be called iconic, I am proud to be where I am today in terms of my personal style, one that favors basics and classics yet open to some playful details. Not bad for someone who used to sport elephant pants and bandanas, huh?
Yeah, I must admit it took a long time for me to have the sensibilities I have today. If you saw me about seven years ago, you would probably never trust my words on style again. But that's exactly why I'm writing this: To say that what I looked liked then was not the finished product. It was but a phase, a transition to greater things.
If anything, what I learned was that you always dress better if you wanted to. You may make a lot of bad fashions choices like I did before, but nothing's stopping you from correcting them and finding that distinct style you love. Even the great ones in the game had to start somewhere, and more often than not, it wasn't pretty.
I, for one, got my current style by (and I will not be embarrassed to admit this) first watching Queer Eye. I was amazed by how much clothes changed every man they made over. And it snowballed from there, from reading GQ in our school library during breaks (yeah, we had it!), checking countless websites, and spending hours on end window shopping.
It was a slow but enjoyable process of learning and finding myself, style-wise. I tried on things I liked, saw if they worked, and opened my eyes to new inspirations to move towards a style I wanted to go in. In the end, I would say it all worked out well. I love my choices now, but as with everything, it can be better.
Now I know many would read this and say that I am romanticizing the meaning of changing your look, but tell me it isn't progress when a boy sets aside his juvenile graphic tees and opts for an oxford shirt. Tell me it isn't an evolution when a man so used to wearing sneakers discovers the joy of wearing loafers.
More often than not, our desire to look better is part of our whole decision to be the type of people we want to be. Take it from a guy who used to think big ass bling, chunky athletic shoes, and a sideward cap was the way to go. If I went from looking gangsta to aspiring gentleman, there is certainly hope to be had for all of you who supposedly don't have a clue.
Showing posts with label The Editorial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Editorial. Show all posts
The Editorial: My Favorite Fashion Era
I had a conversation over lunch with an officemate yesterday and the topic shifted over to our favorite fashion era. Her's was the 30's, or at least she thinks it's the 30s. I, on the other hand, am sure. Hands down, I just love men's style from the 60s best.
Specifically, I am referring to the early non-hippie 60s style. I'm talking about the setting "Mad Men" is situated in, the years when the Beatles were first breaking into the US. Yes, not only did these soon-to-be legends bring with them their groundbreaking songs; they also introduced tailored, fitted suits and made them look effortlessly cool. Finally, men began to understand what perfect fit meant, shifting away from the roomy and boxy gangster suits of the 50s.
Yes, the cut of The Beatles' suits would still be relevant today!
The band's tailored look has been the inspiration of many
Seeing young men in slim suits was actually more of the norm!
Along with the more fitted suits came the skinny neckties and bow ties we all know and love. Accessories were actually a big part of the era, including glasses, pocket squares, and tie bars, but instead of being showy and extravagant, subtle clean options reigned supreme.
Malcolm X in a skinny tie, horn-rimmed glasses and seersucker suit
The Original: Sean Connery as James Bond sporting a slim bow tie
Sean Connery sported a ton of sweet specs way back in the day
Specifically, I am referring to the early non-hippie 60s style. I'm talking about the setting "Mad Men" is situated in, the years when the Beatles were first breaking into the US. Yes, not only did these soon-to-be legends bring with them their groundbreaking songs; they also introduced tailored, fitted suits and made them look effortlessly cool. Finally, men began to understand what perfect fit meant, shifting away from the roomy and boxy gangster suits of the 50s.
Yes, the cut of The Beatles' suits would still be relevant today!
The band's tailored look has been the inspiration of many
Seeing young men in slim suits was actually more of the norm!Along with the more fitted suits came the skinny neckties and bow ties we all know and love. Accessories were actually a big part of the era, including glasses, pocket squares, and tie bars, but instead of being showy and extravagant, subtle clean options reigned supreme.
Malcolm X in a skinny tie, horn-rimmed glasses and seersucker suit
The Original: Sean Connery as James Bond sporting a slim bow tie
Sean Connery sported a ton of sweet specs way back in the dayTailored suits and accessories were only the beginning though. As you may or may not know, many of the casual wear classics we hold dear today were also perfected in the 60s. Cardigans, loafers, button-down collar shirts - these cornerstones were already worn by our grandfathers, thus enforcing my stance that people in their prime in the 60s are the most naturally stylish people there are.
Before the pajamas, Hugh Hefner sported cardigans and oxfords
Before the pajamas, Hugh Hefner sported cardigans and oxfordsFrom all these, you can see why I love the 60s style so much. That's why up to now, it's been an utter mystery to me as to why the stylish dressers of that time would replace their sleek looks with the monstrosities of the 70s, 80s, and even 90s. Then again, that's history. You make mistakes and you go back to things that work. And the beauty of it all is that you rediscover the magic of decades past along the way. You know, just like here. Just like now.
The Real Mad Men: Stylish fellows who worked for an ad agency in the 60s
The Real Mad Men: Stylish fellows who worked for an ad agency in the 60s
The Editorial: A Style that's All Grown Up
While the young streetwear revolution is alive and well here in Manila, I can't help but notice that more and more are sporting clothes which were once considered (gasp) "daddy wear." Y'know, the uniform that consisted of such staples as loafers, trousers, and long-sleeved shirts, which were once associated with people over 35? Strangely, I find myself gravitating towards them a lot these days. And no, I don't feel old at all!
I remember a time when I was shopping in Zara when I bumped into a friend of mine. I was eyeing this pair of driving mocs and I thought of asking her opinion about it. "Hindi ba masyadong pang daddy?" she quipped. And that's when it hit me. She was right, but the shoes looked so damn handsome that I got 'em no matter what she said. This was two years ago, and since then, I've slowly built up my "old man" wardrobe not just for work, but even for days-off.
Moccasins by Tod's: For daddies only? Of course not!
I don't know when the tipping point was for this movement, but I believe that doors were opened when people like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams started suiting up. To me, seeing these hip-hop icons in more refined clothing signaled that it was okay to wear such garb, cool even. Being as influential as they are, droves of people started following suit (pun intended) all over the world and began dressing a little more grown and sexy.
Pharrell looking dapper in classic grown up gear
Seeing the growing demand for the look, clothing stores began adapting too. Brands began releasing fitted polos which flattered torsos. Stores began reinterpreting classic shoes in slimmed down, more colorful versions. And retailers brought back chinos and khakis to a market that was dominated by jeans. The whole industry seemed to be changing with the times, with even massive brands like Bench putting attention to their dressed up lines.
As you would have it, all these elements came together at just the right time, making the transition easier for boys to start dressing like men. No longer is it laughable for an 18-year old to wear boat shoes (a daddy favorite) nor is it unusual for a youngin' to wear cardigans (a grandpa favorite). With the youthful exuberance of this new generation, such classics are given a fresh interpretation, a new life, as it were.
A look that's old and new at the same time
And so I came to a realization that I never would have had way back in high school: The daddies who've been styling the way they have aren't lame at all; they might even be on to something. They had the right idea of investing in classic, more sophisticated pieces, and if anything, this should be a lesson that all of us young ones should learn and pass on to generations after us.
Speaking of pass on, please excuse me while I check out my dad's old tassled loafers. Once on my ugly list, it has now become quite the object of desire. Imagine that.
Photos courtesy of Tod's, GQ, Hign Snobiety and Rugby
I remember a time when I was shopping in Zara when I bumped into a friend of mine. I was eyeing this pair of driving mocs and I thought of asking her opinion about it. "Hindi ba masyadong pang daddy?" she quipped. And that's when it hit me. She was right, but the shoes looked so damn handsome that I got 'em no matter what she said. This was two years ago, and since then, I've slowly built up my "old man" wardrobe not just for work, but even for days-off.
Moccasins by Tod's: For daddies only? Of course not!I don't know when the tipping point was for this movement, but I believe that doors were opened when people like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams started suiting up. To me, seeing these hip-hop icons in more refined clothing signaled that it was okay to wear such garb, cool even. Being as influential as they are, droves of people started following suit (pun intended) all over the world and began dressing a little more grown and sexy.
Pharrell looking dapper in classic grown up gearSeeing the growing demand for the look, clothing stores began adapting too. Brands began releasing fitted polos which flattered torsos. Stores began reinterpreting classic shoes in slimmed down, more colorful versions. And retailers brought back chinos and khakis to a market that was dominated by jeans. The whole industry seemed to be changing with the times, with even massive brands like Bench putting attention to their dressed up lines.
A repost, but the best example of daddy shoes turned awesome (Fred Perry x Raf)
As you would have it, all these elements came together at just the right time, making the transition easier for boys to start dressing like men. No longer is it laughable for an 18-year old to wear boat shoes (a daddy favorite) nor is it unusual for a youngin' to wear cardigans (a grandpa favorite). With the youthful exuberance of this new generation, such classics are given a fresh interpretation, a new life, as it were.
A look that's old and new at the same timeAnd so I came to a realization that I never would have had way back in high school: The daddies who've been styling the way they have aren't lame at all; they might even be on to something. They had the right idea of investing in classic, more sophisticated pieces, and if anything, this should be a lesson that all of us young ones should learn and pass on to generations after us.
Speaking of pass on, please excuse me while I check out my dad's old tassled loafers. Once on my ugly list, it has now become quite the object of desire. Imagine that.
Photos courtesy of Tod's, GQ, Hign Snobiety and Rugby
