MANILA, Philippines - When it comes to clothes, men don’t exactly have it easy. Unlike womenswear, where choices are vast and the price range wide, men either have to settle for cheap knockoffs of high-end brands or wait for the next sale and risk purchasing the same polo shirt as his colleague. So when a new brand comes along, with great finds and a reasonable price tag, men all over immediately flock to the shop and check out the goods. For choices are few and good buys even fewer. That makes 5cm, a cult brand from Hong Kong that recently put up shop in Manila, a breath of fresh air. Their minimalist approach, slim silhouette and Dior Homme influence will surely teach Pinoy males a thing or two about dressing smart.
Launched in Hong Kong in 2007, the concept store is every bit as chic as their merchandise, with framed photographs and a skull mural displayed side by side with quilted leather benches. The SM Megamall branch at the new Atrium wing, which opened with a fashion show last April 23, is an extension of the original. Patterned after the Hong Kong store, its interiors are a cool blend of gray walls accentuated with big mirrors and, yes, leather furniture. A spot-on mix of masculine flair and modern design.
The spring/summer ’09 campaign featuring male model-of-the-moment Cole Mohr, who got his big break coincidentally at a Dior Homme campaign, is the perfect choice to represent the brand with his gamine frame and boyishly sharp features. Shot by New York based photographer David Roemer, the ad is edgy without being over the top, pristine and very now.
The pieces themselves come in muted shades of black, gray and khaki with some navy blues thrown in for color. The prints are quirky with a sophisticated sense of humor and the accessories simple but with an interesting twist. Stuff, in my opinion, any man would be happy to wear.