The art & vision of Sari Ortiga

Everyone has a uniform. It’s the outfit we put together when we’re not trying to impress anyone but still want to look presentable enough as we conquer the world in our own little way. My uniform for 2006 is what I call "the debutante look," consisting mainly of knee-length dresses and demure wedges. Last year it was the "Type A slacker look" complete with a tank top, frayed jeans and flip-flops.

Businessman Sari Ortiga, whose family is in the jewelry business, is also a patron of the arts. Sari, the owner of The Crucible Gallery, has been known for discovering talent and making the art scene a better place in his white barongs paired with simple black socks.

"I don’t know why I chose this as my uniform, I guess it just stuck. It’s comfortable for everyday use and yet it’s formal enough for meetings," he replies without a trace of sheepishness in his voice.

He says during weekends (when he hangs out with his kids or plays golf with his wife, women’s golf champion Nancy Ortiga), he tends to wear more casual things, but never on the ratty or trendy side. It’s safe to say that perhaps Sari, who meets artists with avant-garde ideas as well as eccentric customers every day, seeks some normalcy when it comes to wardrobe.

He’s the art patron of our very own Igan D’Bayan. Igan’s studio is where we shot our "make-under" for Sari. Igan is currently working on his group exhibit at the SM Art Center, which opens on Oct. 7, with his best friends – the esteemed Ronald Ventura and the singular Olan Ventura (my favorite artists).

Sari is not just an art gallery owner. He is also known to give advice and ideas to some of the country’s most famous artists such as National Artist Arturo Luz. He suggested that Arturo create the tubular sculptures twisted in various ways that he did years ago. After getting over the feeling that it might be too much to do, the artist relented and came up with what he calls his "kalokohan," which is now displayed in the verandah of The Ayala Museum.

Sari also is a great influence on many of his talents. Igan says, "He’s extremely supportive and allows artists to be as adventurous as possible. He is very hip. You could talk to him about anything – from Carlos Castaneda books to Damien Hirst artworks to Cream album covers. Just recently, we watched Joey ‘Pepe’ Smith and Wally Gonzales at My Brother’s Mustache. Sari is a rocker at heart."

By the way, his eldest daughter Yasmin is also an artist, and she does illustrations for our Young Star section.

When doing a makeover, I try to keep the person’s personality in mind. Igan and I agreed that Sari could look more hip and modern. If it were left up to me and my fey taste in clothing, the man would have been dressed in pink satin head to toe. After grilling Igan regarding Sari’s personality ("generous, kindhearted, creative and direct"), I instantly thought of giving him a relaxed look that is appropriate for men who are not enslaved by the bundy clock. Something he can wear from, well, coffee to cocktails.

I headed over to Hugo Boss and Burberry, a place where generous, kindhearted, creative and direct people should go. I chose some of the finely tailored jackets in Hugo Boss and chic-but-simple separates in Burberry to create an easy monsoon-friendly wardrobe. To compensate for lack of details (over-detailing is a malaise in fashion these days) I added punchy colors in key pieces. The only accessory meant for a bit of theatric appeal is perhaps a scarf from Burberry slung casually across his shoulders. (Which was appropriate since we had the photo-shoot on the day typhoon "Milenyo" hit Metro Manila.)

Although he did adore the Hugo pants, knit jacket and Burberry sweaters, he drew the line at white loafers. "I just can’t see myself wearing them at all!" he exclaimed. When will people get that part of the perks of living in a tropical country is that we can wear white loafers without getting murdered?

All stylish men and even fashion-forward fags take note: the most perfect white leather loafers are in Hugo Boss. They’re sleek, comfy and go perfectly with jeans – no socks, please, unless maybe a fun argyle.

Sari was, all in all, comfortable with the clothing choices; he liked them so much that he swore to mosey on over to Hugo Boss to snatch up the black jeans he wore.

Jigs Mayuga then tended to the skin of Sari, applying basic products and grooming his thick hair with a few products from L’Oreal. When it comes to grooming a man only needs three things: moisturizer, cleanser and a good hair product (Architect by L’Oreal is awesome).

Elegant men like Sari need elegant clothes. Jude Law used to be elegant, then he totally fell in love with himself and started wearing low riders and tiny tees.

Like with alcohol, eating carbs and green jokes: done moderately, it can bring extremely joyful results.