The sun returned yesterday! But the summer still seems lost and disoriented. The rains usually begin in June, not April. Now I feel silly complaining from the heat. Today it's back to gloomy.
If the military had its equivalent for floral, it would have to be paisley, or insect patterns, like what Liberty has recently popularized.
Summer come back! I was only kidding...
Shirt, Diesel; thrifted tie, San Dino; thrifted jeans, Izzue; laceups, Marlboro Classics; ribbon belt (barely seen), thrifted
This necklace is part of what I wore today. I have been talking about men's accessories for quite some time. So this is my first DIY attempt to bring together my thoughts on the matter.
My first idea is to use amulets commonly sold in Manila for good luck or to bring specific fortunes to those who wield them. The amulets, or anting-anting in the vernacular, come in a mix of sacred and profane iconography typical of the country's folk Christianity.
I have opted to get rid of all religious and superstitious associations in order to focus on the design.
CX Prêt-à-porter shirt, wool tie, Structure leather belt: all thrifted; jeans, Calvin Klein Jeans; pullover, French Connection; laceups, Marlboro Classics; bag, Tyler; necklace, DIY
Though some may argue that the first necklace looks too feminine, it may either be that there are still some chinks in the design, or that it may only be a matter of interpretation. Nevertheless, I have created this second version that I expressly intend for use by women. My sister has already asked for it.
Hopefully, I'll be able to create more necklaces to expound on this first idea, before I move on to the next.
Here is what I wore today. Again paired my thrifted navy blazer with jeans, but this time, also with sneakers. The Penguin tee I decided to work into the outfit to add a classic touch.
Pretty simple compared to the wardrobes used in the five DVD titles I was able to buy this afternoon: Ashes of Time (Redux) by Wong Kar Wai, Red Cliff by John Woo, The Last Metro by François Truffaut, Burn after Reading by the Coen brothers, and finally The Fall by Tarsem. Below are their trailers, plus some video covers and movie stills.
Ashes of Time (Redux)
This is probably the remaining Wong Kar Wai film I haven't seen, except for Blueberry Nights, which I have a copy of, but I haven't gotten around watching.
Wong Kar Wai + Tony Leung Chiu Wai + Maggie Cheung = the unbeatable mix. Expect the unexpected.
Red Cliff
Tony Leung Chiu Wai is also in John Woo's Red Cliff. Although I am not familiar with Woo's work, I like epic Chinese movies and am also a fan of Leung.
The Last Metro
This one I almost left in the shelf until I saw the name of the director, and once again, the lead actors. I don't think I have seen Gerard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve so young.
I just have to say that I like the green sweater Depardieu is wearing. That's all.
Burn After Reading
Okay, so this movie is not that period, or old, but the outfits and the treatment is so contemporary American that I included it under the "costume" heading. Plus, it's by the Coen brothers, and Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton appear in it.
This was screened, I think, just for two weeks here in Manila. I wasn't able to see it, so I immediately bought the DVD when I found it.
The Fall
Now, The Fall. I wouldn't have known of its existence if it weren't for Ant of Alphabetical. How could this 2006 gem of a movie been hiding under a rock and beyond my notice?
And this is what brings me to the second half of my topic: admit it, the lead actor's vest immediately caught your attention.
Besides the band jacket detailing, it looks interesting because it reminds you of a matador. I want the button detailing for my own jacket, but since this is already very ubiquitous, I want to play with the idea of having a tailor create a hybrid.
Spencer ricamata con bottoni, Alexander McQueen; obi, Kyoto Komono. L'Uomo Vogue Gennaio 2006
I want it with the fine button and sequin detailing of this Alexander McQueen piece. I am not yet sure how I would have it made — if everything would be a shade of a single color (black or gray) or if I would use buttons and sequins (shiny or matted or both, and in different sizes) to simulate other patterns, say, python skin.
I admit that the original may have one too many buttons and it would be hard to use such a piece for day-to-day. Maybe I will just reduce the number of buttons then compelte whatever pattern I decide on with fabric. Who knows?
All I know is that I want a unique jacket all my own and with the details I am fond of. Let's see what I (and the tailor) can come up with. For now, I will have to turn Manila inside out in search of the perfect buttons and sequins. I hope the idea is feasible. Let's see!
Navy blazer, thrifted; jeans, Marlboro Classics; tee, Original Penguin; sneakers, Converse
So while I'm filling in my runway show backlog, here's another one of my cameos.
Just to introduce a work in progress: my new street style blog La Folie Douce. Yeah, my mug will welcome you there too.
A closer look at the pattern of the shirt and jacket: a tessalated pattern that looks like houndstooth over an ethnic design called batik, like the fabric designs found in other parts of Southeast Asia.
What I like about it is the combination of geometric and organic patterns.
I was so inspired by the outfit of a girl I photographed yesterday for my street style blog, La Folie Douce, that I replicated her color palette for my own outfit today. Very apt indeed for the increasingly warm and humid days of a ripening summer in the tropics.
So this post introduces my gym locker snaps, which, together with my bed spread posts, comprise my "outfit" entries on days when I have no photographer (still have to get a tripod) or when I am just plain lazy. (Blame the heat.)
Written and styled by Miguel Paolo Celestial Published in The Philippine Star, 5 September 2008
The devil in menswear lies in hidden sartorial details, hides its head in unobtrusive style statements. From the length of a cuff and the fold of trouser hems to the shoulder peak of jackets and intended shirt creases, there is no exhausting the devices with which to show one’s individuality. There is also the choice of jewelry, shoes, and belts, the types of patterns and prints, shirts, trousers, and headgear.
Having a careful eye for small things does not mean a man is vain or foppish, or even snobbish. All it says is that he knows how to tend to himself, has more or less mastered the things that suit him.
Velvet vest from Anthology; navy long-sleeved shirt whit black polka dots, Marc by Marc Jacobs; black pants, Stitch’s; black leather belt with moose buckle, Gucci; black scarf with embroidered and sequinned detail, Vintage Shades from Adora, ; black leather patent shoes, Swear; black suede gloves, Marlboro Classics; and black fedora hat, Philosophy. Shot at Karma vintage interiors store.
Men can be the most incorrigible when it comes to burrowing out of their habits, one of which is the adherence to the notion that for one to stand out, one must first blend in. It seems we can only be slowly nudged out of it, carefully be convinced that there is so much difference between Tom, Dick, and Harry, and they can show it even if all three remain faithful to their beloved pinstripes and khaki.
The key to possessing one’s own personality is to grow into it. For style, there is a continuous progression, where each fashion choice builds to refine personal taste, so that there is nothing awkward or fake about it.
Black and white plaid pants, Diesel; white short-sleeved shirt, cK Calvin Klein; plaid bowtie, Polo Ralph Lauren; Mariche cap, from Anthology; brown leather belt with gold buckle, Brave Beltworks, and black patent leather shoes, Swear, both from Theodore’s; khaki suspenders, Marlboro Classics; red windbreaker, gold vintage watch, and electric bass guitar, stylist’s own. Shot at The Grand Thrift House.
The truly stylish man—let us call him the dandy—is not driven to be different just for its own sake. He knows he is and can’t help but express it. He won’t roll up his pants just because it’s the fad; he wears it as his own discovery. He adapts to what fits him, even if it means bending or totally breaking rules. He traces and retraces trends, goes back and forward. He never refrains himself from the joy of role-play. The dandy moves outside conventions. There is no spilled wine to his experimentation.
There is no pop star residing in him, who yearns for makeovers every season. He stays relevant by listening to himself and how his personality changes.
The dandy, like all men, takes with him things along the way, items or style devices, like souvenirs from adventures he owns because he worked for them, trekked earth and climbed mountain ranges in the journey to self-knowledge.
He has learned to capture through dressing his different moods, the fall of a facial expression, his changing shadows—all imperceptible, yet definitely present.
White lawn blazer with crest, and navy tie with white stars, both Polo Ralph Lauren; gray long-sleeved shirt with white polka dots and purple flecks, Diesel; handmade belts, Old Stud, Kent shoes, F by Friis, torn jeans, Energie, all from Theodore’s; and gold vintage watch, stylist’s own. Shot at Bellini’s Italian restaurant.
Men seem to be such incomprehensible animals, but there are always hints to personality and identity. To the attuned, attire is always telling.
What does a gold vintage automatic watch say? Studded belts and torn jeans? Fabric suspenders with leather belts? Fedoras and metal beads?
Printed polo shirt, Energie from Theodore’s; gray Zakuro jeans with print and meshed fabric detail, Mizra from Theodore’s; aqua colored cap with apache print, Diesel; maroon leather belt, McQ by Alexander McQueen from dotdotdot; gray suede shoes, Opening Ceremony; metal bead necklace, Leathers and Treasures; ethnic metal bracelet, Anthology; and 1960’s Polaroid land camera, Swapmeet Shop. Shot at White Box.
These days, snuff, linen, and lace are no longer necessary to show sophistication and taste. You don’t have to be a baron or hail from royalty. You don’t even have to be Ernest Hemingway or Oscar Wilde, Johnny Depp or Gaspard Ulliel, Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly, not even The Aviator or The Talented Mr. Ripley to show any personality. Sometimes one item is all it takes: a trinket, a souvenir, something that holds a memory or captures your individuality. This and inimitable confidence: the uncanny mix.
Gray denim vest, Goldspun from Theodore’s; gray plaid jodhpurs, Anthology; black leather boots with buckles, Marlboro Classics; black fedora hat and wooden beaded necklace, both from Philosophy; ball wallet chain worn as a necklace, PBD from Theodore’s; and black woven leather belt, Armani Exchange. Shot at Old’s Kool vintage store.
Photos by Darrel Pobre for Design Arts Media Network (DAMN), Assisted by Ardin Tuga Hair and makeup by Benjie Angeles for Shu Uemura and Kiehls Modeled by Carlo Adorador of Raven Models All shot at Cubao Expo
Was busy taking pictures and wasn't able to document my own outfits for the shows. So thanks to Ziggy Savella, a designer at Philippine Fashion Week, for the snap!
Tee, Public Enemy; jeans, Bench; Rabeanco bag and navy blazer: both thrifted; filigree belt, Brave Beltworks; laceups, Marlboro Classics
Madalas sa madalas, tuwing tayo'y nag-uusap, di ko mawari kung sino ang iyong nakikita bago mo pa isa-isahin ang plastik na butones, bago mo tanggalin ang tupi ng aking mga manggas.
More often than not, when I catch ourselves talking, I have to second-guess who it is you see even before you remove my buttons one by one, before you unravel each and every fold of my sleeve.
Dahil kapag niluwagan na ang sinturon at nahulog ang pantalon, nakakalimutan ang landas ng sapatos, nawawalan ng kasaysayan ang dumikit na alikabok. Iisang mata lamang ang malulusutan ng sintas,
Because once belts are unfastened and trousers surrendered, where my shoes have been doesn’t matter, there is no history to the dust stuck to my soles. There is only one eyelet to thread our laces,
ngunit pareho tayong nakapikit, natatakot hubarin ang pinakahuling pilas ng damit. Pawisan, balat sa balat, dagli tayong nagbibihis, sinusuot ang sari-sariling kamiseta ng hininga.
but we go through the motions with eyes closed, afraid to cast off our last layer of clothes. With sweat sticking skin to skin, we quickly dress, pulling our breaths like we pull our shirts.
Dahil bago mo pa ako hinubaran sa tingin, sinimulan na kitang unti-unting tastasin.
Because even before you undressed me with one look, I have already begun unthreading you from the hook.
************
Shirt and jacket: both thrifted; braided belt, Brave Beltworks; jeans, Levi's; laceups, Marlboro Classics; bag, 5cm; wristwatch, Tissot; pencil case, from Market Market; 'A Village Life' by Louise Glück, from PowerBooks
For more of my poetry and works by other authors, visit Buraburador
Thank you very much for all the blog birthday greetings and comments, especially to Kitsch, who has provided constructive input. Much appreciated. Will do my best to make this page more interesting and inspiring to readers, while enjoying more myself.
Took these pics the other day. Initially, I wanted to wear the vest all buttoned up, but it didn't feel right. Why? Because much of the pattern – the plaid from the shirt and the diagonal stripes from the skinny tie – would have been obscured, dulling the outfit.
Was about to leave the room with just the shirt and tie (the other items too, of course), but the powder blue and grays felt too neutral; not even the brown leather belt and laceups were enough to ground what I was wearing. So the vest was a last-minute adjustment. Other times, a jacket, tie, or hat can serve this purpose.
G200 shirt, Two Percent jeans, wool tie, and vest: all thrifted; laceups, Marlboro Classics; belt from Italy
