Japanese warriors, minimalism, and baroque are new trends in Pinoy men's wear

Menswear, one of the most-watched shows every Philippine Fashion Week, was once again jam-packed with fashion enthusiasts yearning for the new designs and subconsciously eager to spot male models walking down the runway.

 

An elite coterie of Filipino menswear designers were assembled at the SMX Convention Center. 

The fashion league had Anthony Nocom, Arnold Galang, Don Sevilla III, Drei Soriano, Edgar Buyan, Frederick Policarpio, Jinggo Inoncillo, Lyle Ibañez, Norman Noriega, Sidney Perez Sio, Ulysses King, and Zxander Tan.
 

In no particular order, here are some of the top must-have looks for every man who loves the feel of garment on skin.

 

The power of white

For someone who is better known for his formal wear designs, Anthony Nocom broke his own tradition of making suits into something that's more relaxed and playful.

 

"They always see me as very serious and very basic... The fabrics are all vintage— they're old fabrics of mine which I kept— I would buy fabrics before and just keep it and save it in case there's a fashion show," said Nocom.

 

Among the keepsakes were a series of jackets and shirts with vintage prints.

 

But the look that stood out was the minimalist white long-sleeved top worn by model Brent Javier. It exuded simplicity at its best.  

 

Nocom said it was his first time to showcase the garment. He also created one in blue but decided not to put it on the show.

 

Furthermore, the best part about this garment— apart from its softness and simplicity in terms of detailing— is the fact that white can be a timeless piece and it can be worn by people who want to be that cool guy without having the need to flaunt his dapper self.

 

But why wear white or vintage? Well, the answer is simple: they look great, sharp, clean, and sleek.

 

In an industry obsessed with new creations, reinvention, and innovation, Ulysses King's "Barocco Moderno" collection exuded complexity. Just like his equally interesting sportswear collection last season, he topped his own game with a 10-piece black and white baroque collection.

 

The styling crossed the line sometimes with the use of cross pendants and silver chains, but in relation to his inspiration, an artistic expression, his simple yet minimally deconstructed hemlines played a dark mood with a mix of sophistication and playfulness.

 

His take on the black and white trend was translated into something that every man would not be afraid of.  Despite the unconventional designs, the clothes are wearable but not boring— after all, it is baroque.

 

Recommending something that's not within the cultural norm can be difficult, but these types of designs make Philippine fashion more interesting and the fact that it is already there means it can probably stay for a long time.

 

White ninja, red ninja

 

Drei Soriano's modernized white uwagi from his "Finare" (finale in Japanese) collection inspired the last Japanese warrior array. There was a lot of toughness, drama and modernity. 

 

The crispness of the fabric and the minimal details of the uwagi (the top of martial artists) screamed class and theatricality— that kind of look where the wearer stands out without even trying, like he's just that kind who pushes all his limits into looking fabulous.

 

Soriano also created a similar garment in red hue and long-sleeves that's as stunning as the white version. 

 

The colossal impact of this look is admirable because there's limitation in terms of who can really pull off this kind of look— I mean, it can be worn by everyone but not everyone can wear such beautiful creation.

Embracing the "skort"

 

In the new millennium days, hip-hop was all the rage and those were the days of elephant cut pants and extra-extra-large t-shirts. Years have passed, and now skinny jeans have made a comeback, translated to men "showing a little more skin below the belt."

 

Think Kanye West during Coachella (2011) and Marc Jacobs (2008), and the revolution of guys wearing what seems to be called the "skorts" or skirt plus shorts have been redefining  "masculinity."

 

It may be just about time that men embrace a new breed of sexuality in terms of dressing up, and knowing that to look apart from the rest is not a hindrance to one's principles as part of a testosterone-driven species. 

 

I mean, if Vin Diesel can pull off a leather skirt (2003 European Music Awards), then so can the Filipino. 

 

The hall resounded with appreciation as the crowd ogled Drei Soriano's menswear collection, which presented two well-pleated skorts: one in black, the other in red.

 

With the right amount of attitude and toughness, skorts may go a long way in the Philippines.

 

Gladiators on the street, not in the coliseum

 

Men have a fetish for the right shoes. They feel they are being judged if they're not sporting the right pair, or if the style doesn't complement their personality.

 

Flamboyance with color choices may vary in terms of how men want to show off their footwear.

 

Edgar Buyan's presentation was a showcase of a series of oxfords and gladiator shoes in boastful spectrum— the styling made a clear point on how extreme you can go in terms of styling yourself; after all shoes can make or break your outfit. 

 

Rubber shoes could, in some perspective and light, be like gladiator sandals and connote strength and victory. Now though, there is some flair on account of the different colors. 

 

Menswear in the Philippines is transformed every year in terms of innovation, courtesy of designers who put their heart into their designs and let guys be playful yet masculine while dressing up.  — ELR, GMA News

 

Photos from Philippine Fashion Week