Cowboy day

It begins with a messenger's shoulder strap, which turns into a belt.

Then skinny jeans and boots. The floral (not discernible) over plaid patterned shirt is a welcome deviation.

Shirt, cK Calvin Klein; vest, Dean & Trent; jeans, Bench; thrifted boots, Timberland; gold wristwatch, Omega Seamaster



Some coffee for inspiration, but in the end, I guess not enough dust, rocks, and gravel to roughen up the outfit.

Street photos by Kyle San Diego

Strangely, that's what bowler hats and animal print shirts accomplish in this editorial shot.

A gauche: manteau-cape en drap de laine, Fendi; pantalon en cuir, Dior Homme; boots, Boris Bidjan Saberi. Au centre: pull en laine imprimée, Rykiel Homme; gilet en coton, Neil Barrett; jean, Dior Homme; boots, Ann Demeulemeester. A droite: blouson en cuir metalassé, Dirk Bikkembergs; chemise en coton impremé, Rykiel Homme; jean, Kitsune; boots, Boris Bidjan Saberi; ceinture, Km*rii; chapeaux, Gaultier(2)

'Guet-apens' from Numéro Homme, Automne-hiver 2008

Par Horst Diekgerdes
Réalisation, Charles Varenne

Black and blue

Sometimes I am not myself, and I don't want to be. Even when I'm wearing layers of sheer clothing, nothing is clear.

During these times, the act of simply dressing up helps. Forces me to get out of bed, to pull up a face to meet the faces that I meet.



Sheer striped sweater, Zara; sheer striped tee, Guess; jeans, Calvin Klein Jeans; thrifted boots, Timberland; scarf, SM Department Store

Photos by Patricia Suzara

Bosquejo bazaar: Thrifted shoes

Bally Alvaro, size 6 1/2, PhP960 ($20)

From my thrift shopping posts, friends and even complete strangers have contacted me about the specific providence of the pieces. They have even asked if it would be possible for me to search for certain items for them.

Just look at the designs on this pair of Bally brogues. Notice also the difference in textures. The sole doesn't even seem to have suffered much wear.

Blackstream, size 40, PhP480 ($10)

This has led to the idea of setting up an online bazaar, not limited to shoes or even to just thrifted items, but to all fashion-related pieces that receive this blogger's stamp of approval.

These are sumptuous slip-ons/driving shoes. Though the brand is unheard of, it comes from Italy, and it shows in the softness of the suede and in the craftsmanship. Perfect for weekends.

Timberland, size 9, PhP880 ($18)

Though initially I may only post photos of items without buying them - only doing so when a reader has contacted me and expressed interest - who knows, with enough support, I may begin to build an actual Bosquejo Bazaar inventory.

What attracted me to these boots are the design and the color (in ashy dark gray).

Helmut Lang, size 7 (though it looks bigger than 7), Php1,599 ($33.50)

I plan to set shoes beside vintage bags as the initial primary pieces. Then maybe I'll set into action my ideas on jewelry for men.

Though square-toed shoes have long been outdated. This Helmut Lang pair is only very slightly square, and is forgivable because of the design and the softness of the leather.

Patrick Cox, size 40, PhP1,200 ($25)

Of course, the logical thing to do after I decide to buy items for the Bazaar is to just have them auctioned off at eBay.

I honestly do not know what this Patrick Cox pair is made of. When I entered the store I instantly saw them because the hair on the leather was gleaming. They felt no different from pelt.

Molt's, size 38, Php480 ($10)

But I don't know. Something stops me from doing that: maybe the future image of my very own small cult shop/botique full of all sorts of items that have not only made my eyes gleam but have made me imagine people other than myself holding them dear.

Amazing leather detailing and buckles. And the color! How can one even begin.

Doc Martens, size 6, Php580 ($12)

This suede pair is all about the basics, and also about remembering your old DMs before the company entered into all those designer collaborations.

So for now let this, my very first retail venture, begin online and as an initial extension of my menswear blog. Until further developments...

Grabbing the bull by the horns

Or buffalo, if you will. Since I chose to wear this buffalo plaid shirt last week as a jacket.




I have finally stopped dithering and decided on the design course I want to pursue, and am very excited with the prospects. I don't want to jinx anything, so I won't reveal the details until they are final.




I think it makes sense, since I love working with my hands and seeing first-hand the fruits of my labor. I can also work on more kinds of materials: the main aspect of fashion that first drew me to it.

I think it is better to tuck just one leg of your pants into your boots...





Oh and a little note on the buffalo shirt: it is actually for women, got it from the thrift store. It was missing a button, but when I was about to have one sewed in I discovered that the exposure works.

Wish me luck! And as with anything, lots of patience.


Dunhill shirt, I.P. zone buffalo shirt, satin necktie, Timberland boots, Property of… tote: all thrifted; jeans, Calvin Klein Jeans; belt, Izzue

Photos 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

At a Bosquejo shoot, with Paradigm Shift

A quick snap at last Monday's shoot for the Hardware lookbook of Bosquejo accessories. Hanging on the rack are some pieces from Paradigm Shift's latest collection, Pure.

Can't wait to show you the final product!


Tee, cK Calvin Klein; jeans, Levi's; boots, Timberland, thrifted

Shoe update: Buttero, Huf, Bernhard Willhelm, Keds, BAPE, Timberland, and Common Projects

These Italian leather sneakers by Buttero do indeed look like butter. I like the raw finish of the leather and the front stitches that look like Frankenstein staples.




Another leather sneaker, but this time in off-white, these Huppers by Huf will make your huffing and puffing around the city look easy. The gum sole and star trim detailing give the traditional monochrome look a certain flair.




These Bernhard Willhelm x Camper sandals remind me of my elementary school days, when I had to lug all my books in a stroller-carried bag secured by a similar rope. The mixture of rope, leather, and rubber, and of course the childlike colors not only makes the pair interesting, it makes me want to try them out just to see how they feel. Maybe also find out how far back they can bring me…




For sure, these 20s inspired sneakers from Keds deserve a second look for their sheer weirdness. I can't seem to put my finger on it. Does it look anachronistic? Foolish? Since they rendered the saddle shoe in canvas? The only thing I would say, since they immediately caught my attention, is why not!




I never expected the day when I would seriously consider BAPE on my feet, but this black-and-white pair done in collaboration with KAWS has enough teeth to more than convince me.




It is certainly a good thing that Timberland still manages to surprise us, of course, not in an overtly attention-seeking way. A Stussy partnership has produced this subtly sleek desert boot made casual and street by a contrasting Vibram sole.




For those who want something more light-hearted but still as impressive, try these Common Projects Achilles raw low tops in fine leather trimmed with jagged little teeth, which for me make all the difference.

Looking at the bright side

I've been sick again the past few days (warning: whiny post ahead), dragging myself from bed to office feeling relatively alright in the morning but feeling terrible when I haul myself back to bed in the evening.

But looking at the bright side of things, I have had excuse to rummage through my closet and bring out this thick 5cm jacket I bought in Hong Kong ages ago. Sounds shallow, but for someone who is susceptible to chills when mildly sick, this is a matter of survival. Even mild breezes make me brrrr.

Wearing the jacket over a two-tone scarf with a clover design that looks like a monogram.




It's like there are two temperatures fighting to get the better of the other. Hopefully my own spring of health arrives soon. Given of course that I rest more and do less. Pretty soon I will have to let go of something...

Whiny post concluded.


Jacket, 5cm; Bossini shirt and jeans, Timberland boots, and scarf: all thrifted; belt, Brave Beltworks; nylon messenger, Tumi

Photos by Patricia Suzara

Three sheer layers

No, I don't live in Scandinavia or in any country with more than two seasons, but that doesn't stop me from layering without melting under the heat.

This outfit may be familiar, and even this underpass, but they are different locations and ensembles. How time has passed!





Three more birthdays and I would be on my third decade. Looking back at the years with different eyes, I can't help but see things in a new light — as if through different layers.


Black double-breasted (worn as a scarf) and gray single-breasted cardigan: both Zara; sheer striped polo shirt, Guess; Two Percent jeans and Timberland boots: both thrifted; stainless steel watch, Tissot; headphones, Quiet Comfort 3 by Bose

Photos by Patricia Suzara

A storm is coming

I know it's no reason to smile, as Manila is expecting potentially dangerous rains tonight, but this is not front page news, or even reportage. And though this afternoon was gloomy — the light in these shots care of Photoshop — and visited by a taste of what hopefully will not come, it has been precisely light, with warmth, that has been flooding my past few days. The same reason I have not had as much time to update this page.



I have my friend Cecille to thank for this sheer thrifted hoodie, which will not guard me from the weather, but will permit layering in this humidity. This picture also offers you better look at a black leather bag I thrifted long ago, but only recently had soaped and shined at Besa's.



With a storm comes flooding. Our lives submerged in a rush of emotions — sadness, grief, frustration, and even anger. Things are muddy and muddled.



I myself am still at pains to understand what has been happening to me the last few days. Sinking and rising to breathe. Hoping while refusing to believe in anything.


Thrifted sheer hoodie, Zara; micro-checkered shirt, Ben Sherman; skinny jeans, Two Percent; thrifted boots, Timberland; skinny tie, thrifted; thrifted leather bag, Rabeanco

Photos by Patricia Suzara