Style naturals

In a world that now dishes style trends at super catwalk speed, I’ve never found it practical to follow what’s a la mode nor do I find it stylish to do so – or am I just saying this because I can’t afford this season’s Prada ostrich shoes?

Fashion gurus have always stuck to the simple principle that, for a man to be stylish, he must develop his own sense of style. I’ve always been more impressed with individuals who distinctly create their own look to fit their physique and persona. I gawk at label-conscious men who look as if they’ve just copied the latest luxury fashion ad from head to toe! They strut about feeling like Jude Law. Well, I think they look more like outlaws. Let’s not even get into lists that regard big-named men who wear khakis or jeans with polo shirts as the country’s most stylish. Don’t get me wrong. I like the classic look of jeans or khakis with that crisp white shirt but praising such style would be like saying Juan dela Cruz is a distinct Filipino name. Sorry, but it’s just plain common.

So who are the guys I think deserve much fashion applause? I’m glad to have found three that come from a small population of men in Manila who naturally exude a unique fashion flair. These three chaps blend clothing, accessories and lifestyle effortlessly (and sometimes in an unlikely manner) to conceive a look that they can truly call their own. Now that’s being genuinely stylish.

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E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.

Kiko Escora

Painter/visual artist Kiko is definitely a rock star fashionista!

Style is… being comfortable in one’s own skin.

I get inspiration from… anything. Just like in art, I get inspired by things I see around me – trees, people, emotions, the sky, clouds, women, alcohol, incidents or accidents, the fact that I am alive, that other people are alive, etc.

I get peeved when guys wear… clothes that don’t suit them or fit them the right way.

I like wearing… clothes that are comfortable and fit me correctly.

I hate wearing…anything blousy.

My style icons are…Hedi Slimane, Cloak, and Obedient Sons, although I am not big on icons.

Norman Crisologo

Businessman and artist Norman has a genuine livin’ la boheme cool style.

Style is... the right people seeing you at the right time. The harder you try to achieve it, the further you are from it. So bahala na! Wear what you want, do what you want.

I get inspiration from... Louie Cordero paintings, tribal textiles, tiki and surf culture, old photos, found objects, flea markets, tattoo art and ‘70s wallpaper. But to keep things simple, I just wear what my wife tells me to wear. (Norman is married to fashion darling Astrud Crisologo).

I get peeved when guys wear... Panerai watches, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcon clothes, Paul Smith accessories, Oswald Boateng suits and a Paul Newman Daytona because I can’t afford them. It should be me wearing these things, not them!

I like wearing... the old with the new, pattern on pattern, formal with casual, stripes and florals. Kitschy and baduy clothes always have a special place in my heart. Sneakers really do it for me right now!

I hate wearing... spandex and lycra! And I believe the feeling is mutual.

My style icons are... the late Nestor Tumang – he was perpetually time-warped and fab; the young Eddie Peregrina and Agent Tony Falcon. Nowadays, I always say "Wow" whenever I see the Firma boys, those fabulous nobodies hanging around Saguijo and Marikina Shoe Expo made up of anonymous artists and design students, neo-punks and mods pushing the style envelope just a little further each day. Kiko Escora, Ino Caluza, and Ronald Pasion rock!

Jappy Gonzalez

Proprietor and fashion buyer of Homme et Femme at Shangri-La Mall Edsa (incidentally the author’s absolute favorite men’s boutique in the city), Jappy has an easy and elegant style that is effortless and timeless.

Style is... knowing what looks good on you while being true to your character.

I get inspiration from... media, music and art.

I get peeved when guys wear... clothes that don’t work for them.

I like wearing...T-shirts and rubber shoes. What can I say? I guess I haven’t grown up yet.

My style icons are... James Bond (smooth), Mr. Smith (cool) and Batman (because of his taste in cars).