White jeans

Another staple for summer. I know they're dust magnets, but nothing looks as nice.

Jeans, Maison Martin Margiela; shirt, Crocodile; thrifted bag, agnes b.; thrifted belt, Structure; lace-ups, Marlboro Classics; wristwatch, Tissot

To take Details' advice, here's a jolt of black for this evening. (Can't help the neon.)

Nylon jacket, Izzue; shirt, Sisley; trainers, Nike
Building photos by Patricia Suzara

Complementary polka dots

I had already decided the night before that this Saturday would be another day for shorts. (I had cut down another pair of jeans the night before.) My mind made up, I went out of the shower to discover the sky dark and glowering. Hence the sweater.

Though the shorts came from a pair of baggy pants, I think the stiff and untailored effect goes well with a fit shirt. The tie as belt was likewise an afterthought - a way to make another rainy day a little bit happier.


Polka dot shirt, Topman; polka dot tie and tote, thrifted; jeans now denim shorts, Guess; sweater, Sisley; leather sneakers, Converse; gold watch, Omega Seamaster

Play

Contrary to popular belief, this blog is not always serious.

Shirt, cK Calvin Klein; thrifted plaid pants, Izzue; sweater, Sisley; sneakers, Bass

Photos by Patricia Suzara, with the invaluable assistance of Cecilia Aycocho

Green thumbs

Every city should have a real park, Makati included.

Shirt, Energie; Esprit pants, thrifted; sweater, Sisley; belt, Brave Beltworks; laceups, Marlboro Classics

I bought the shirt after I used it for a shoot.

Details from this weekend

Rogan Lips and Hips tangerine print shirt I bought in 2005. Not only the image of the woman comes straight out of celluloid, but also the fabric, which reminds me of TV static.

Shirt, Rogan; jeans, Sisley; sneakers, Gola; vintage gold watch, Omega Seamaster; backpack, Jansport; gold pendant from Florence



For Sunday, I removed the crucifix from the necklace and tangeld it with two other neckalces.

Mental note to self: dress more my age - while keeping in mind the weather - even during weekends.

Ribbed shirt, Marks & Spencer; two woden necklaces from Mindanao

Precious, temporary things

I just realized that among my posts, thrift shopping is the most frequent tag. Five years ago, I never even considered buying any pre-owned items, except for furniture and books. Only when I started buying shirts and pants to expand my office wardrobe did I stumble upon the joys of bargain hunting, especially for thrifted shoes and bags. Also by accident, around the same time, did I begin to write for magazines on the side.


Wool trench, thrifted; tee, Polo Ralph Lauren; jeans, Two Percent; thrifted shoes, Clarks; old electronic typewriter case used as briefcase




Thinking about it, I have to admit that fashion has never been an obsession. I didn't grow up starry-eyed watching catwalk shows or gawking at glossies or store windows. Now maybe it's a highly time-consuming indulgence, a self-conscious way of sorting myself out, part of ordering my thoughts at the beginning of each day, and part of my never-ending process of sifting through inspiration from every aspect of life — mostly absent-mindedly, but eventually with the prospect of producing something creative.




Writers and artists of past eras dressed to the part as eccentrics and agitators of society. But in my case, I don't feel compelled to prove anything to anybody but myself. It is a personal challenge to seek to find something new each day — not just a new item, but a new way of looking at and wearing even just a single piece.


White tee and knitted hooded tee: both Bench; jeans, Sisley; open bonnet hat, 5cm



Not very different from discovering a new way of saying something even via the smallest detour from the usual turn of phrase. Initially just for myself, but hopefully, like a verse or a torn page, it can find itself bringing joy or use to somebody else.


First two photos by Patricia Suzara

La Folie Douce

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.

'Batik' printed shirt from Davao (Aldivinco); jacket, Sisley; pants, Zara; yellow belt, Renato Balestra; thrifted tote, Gap; heirloom watch, Omega Seamaster; lace-ups, Marlboro Classics

All the patterns and textures

This ensemble shot by Scott has had a lasting effect on me. Subtle sophistication that is a balance of the bold and the muted: just the way I like it.

I couldn't exactly produce a useable combination since I would wither under leather and tweed in Manila heat. But while I look for textural alternatives, here is my take on the multi-pattern motif.

Here I repeat the pairing of this sweater and my polka dot shirt, but I have also added the striped necktie and the leather filigree belt (design not obvious). Come to think of it, with the smooth and slippery texture of the jeans and the canvas material of the sneakers, not only do I have four patterns, but also six textures!


Sweater, Sisley; shirt, Topman; necktie and Comme des Garçons sneakers: both thrifted; filgiree belt, Brave Beltworks; jeans, Jil Sander

Mostly old, nothing new. What I borrowed from you merely made me blue

And I'm back. As silly as ever. Apologizing for missing posts and once again getting lost.




This time I'll stay longer, I assure you (even if this sounds like a cheesy 80s song). The blues will be restricted to ties, polka dots, belts, and ripped Levi's.


Jacket, Sisley; shirt, Topman; jeans, Levi's; sneakers, Generic Surplus; wool tie and belt: both thrifted. Take-away package contains Charlie Chan pasta from Yellow Cab — a favorite

Photographs by Patricia Suzara

Ceil blue

I think I can breathe easier now—at least for the moment. With the lookbook shoot for Bosquejo's Hardware collection done (behind the scenes here and here), and with several pullout requests fulfilled, I have a very short lull before I need to start making new necklaces for both stores and direct clients. Finally I can show you the shirt that I had ordered from Drei Soriano (Will wear the matching pants soon.)




The color, I think, is ceil, which interestingly also refers to the act of lining or plastering the roof of a building (ceil-ing? con-ceil-ing?). I matched the shirt, which I wore as a jacket, with two necklaces from my Djinn collection (customized based on the piece "Gabrielle No 1") and with a polo shirt with buttons that resemble the stones.




What I loved the most about Drei's shirt were the zippers. Hopefully I can shed my gut so I can wear it as intended. And maybe with the matching tapered pants.

So what do you think? Are men ready for semi-precious stones? At first I was hesitant, even if the necklaces were black, but maybe it really just takes a little confidence (and some sleep) to sail through a new look.


Shirt, Drei Soriano; polo shirt, cK Calvin Klein; jeans, Sisley; belt, Nautica; boots, Timberland, thrifted

Bullets and roses

Unbelievably sharp and ignorant barbs exchanged over the issue of that installation "Politeismo" at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Good thing, though, that it has generated much discussion and debate, even if, initially, most veins are misguided.









Old issue, I know, but what concerns me more, really, is the awakening of our aesthetics. Not necessarily to something that has to be "global", whatever that tired and dirty word means.



Would you believe that my entire Sacre collection from my Bosquejo line of accessories is based on what's available in Quiapo?









Once we have gotten over our holy battles (from art exhibitions to McDonald's commercials), or actually, once we begin to view them with new eyes, then maybe we can see what battles our art should be waging, and with which weapons.











Close your eyes, laugh, pray, cry. Gnash your teeth. But do something.



The twelve repurposed bullets in this necklace represent the twelve rays of the sun that are usually found emanating from Our Lady. The force of prayer?









This sheer mesh shirt is still a little itchy, though strangely, my body reacts with more heat. Isn't it the same with pet peeves, with advocacies, with our late night battles with demons that are fought on the canvas and on the page?





Jacket, Sisley; shirt, thrifted; jeans, Cheap Monday; belt, Brave Beltworks; laceups, Marlboro Classics; necklace, "Bullets and Roses" from Bosquejo



Bosquejo now stocks store-exclusive Sacre pieces at ac+632 at Greenbelt 5, Makati

Peeling away old skin

Okay, before you say anything. Many of you probably already know where I work based on repeat backdrops, like this one, which I think first appeared when I dared wear a newsboy cap (and when I looked younger and knew less about Photoshop). Then these "lines" appear again, with mush in between.

At least now I know better than to pretend that hats agree with me. Having fun with this beanie, though I really must have a haircut soon (maybe as short as this). Just have to finish some stuff that is keeping me from moving on.




Actually went ahead wearing this combination yesterday, when it was raining hard. A little inspired by Thom Browne's tricolors for Moncler. Also since this sheer shirt hasn't gotten much wear. Topped them off with an old Eddie Bauer windbreaker, which, believe it or not, I also used in the only editorial I ever styled. The checks under the patterned shirt look like a new layer of skin ready to be revealed.

Windbreaker, Eddie Bauer; shirts and belt: all thrifed; jeans: Lee




Skin too is the topic of this "Hips and Lips" tangerine and TV-static tee I bought from Rogan years ago. Again, I am feeling that change is imminent, and of course I can't wait. Though I know that I mustn't rush anything premature. Hell, even if I'm nearing 30!

Sweater, Sisley; tee, Rogan; jeans, Neil Barrett; beanie, 5cm; tote, thrifted; tiger's eye bracelet from Divisoria




Now I must hunker down and finish my work. I am not worried about getting old. More concerned that new skin would rot before old layers decide to fall off.


Outfit photos by Patricia Suzara

Sheer gray shorts with olive chukka boots

I've worn these shorts before, but with an all-gray get-up. Contrary to what my mom, friends, and even boss say, I find them decent enough to wear in public. I just have to avoid direct sunlight like a vampire — you know what I mean.

This is also the first time I'm wearing my thrifted chukkas from Pasig.




Here I am debating with my friend and exclusive photographer Trish on the merits of tailored shorts with a proper hem. I agree that I must get a real pair soon — instead of something that originally came with an equally sheer casual kimono top.


Polo shirt, Penguin; knit houndstooth jacket, Sisley; shorts and chukka boots: both thrifted; black, gray, and white striped socks, U2; shoe laces from an old Camper pair (the original suede laces are too brittle too use)

Photos by Patricia Suzara (Cecilia is leaving soon, and will be missed)

Lazy outfits post

Patricia, my friend and photographer currently in London, just asked me why I haven't posted any outfits recently. To answer her: besides the fact that she's abroad, I have also been really, really lazy — quite busy too, with my nose into the menswear shows that recently concluded in Paris.

So during these days when I value comfort over and above trying out new things and fresh ways of wearing them, I find myself turning to neutral pants and jeans, with laceups. I have worn some of these items before, but not in the same combinations. As you can see, they're fairly easy to mix and rematch. Didn't wear any blue jeans, since it would take longer for me to decide on an entire outfit. Clearly, not every week can be Fashion Week.


From left: Polyester tee, Atlantique (worn with blue vest, not in picture); gray jeans, Sisley; belt with metal buckle, thrifted; semi-synthetic spectator shoes, Giordano Concepts. Checkered tee, Springfield; linen pants, G200; striped fabric belt, thrifted; leather sneakers, Converse. Striped yellow shirt, Paul Smith; brown skinny jeans, Bench; filigree belt, Brave Beltworks; brown leather laceups, Marlboro Classics. Chocolate brown linen tee, British India; white jeans, Maison Martin Margiela; brown leather belt, thrifted; white tennis shoes, Bass

The best campaigns of the year 2010 (part IV)

Mulberry, fall/winter 2010

 Pringle of Scotland, fall/winter 2010

 Roberto Cavalli, fall/winter 2010

Sisley, fall/winter 2010

 Siviglia, fall/winter 2010

 Stella McCartney, fall/winter 2010

 Tom Ford Eyewear, fall/winter 2010

 Tommy Hilfiger, fall/winter 2010

 Topshop, fall/winter 2010

Yves Saint Laurent, fall/winter 2010

This is the last part of the best campaign which I've chosen. Of course you probably have another opinion about this subject and I respect that, because it's so important to have your own point of view nowadays:) 

Well, most of this campaigns are from fall/winter season and I want you to know that I didn't do it on purpose. But I have to admit, that I don't like summer in fashion, it's so predictable, the less the best;) Spring and fall are the best seasons of the year in fashion industry, because you have much more clothes (like coats, furs, scarfs, hats, sweaters etc) to wear, but it's not so cold yet! Well, I changed subject a little bit, but I hope you don't mind... And which one from all of this above campaings I like the most? Pringle of Scotland with beautiful Tilda Swinton for it's simplicity and masculine.

Love,

Joanna