THE NEW ROYALS: PROM KINGS 2014

Am I posting this article very late? We're nearing the end of February, and I can picture in my mind that most promenade halls are going almost empty and sadly, gone... But I am pretty sure there are still those youngsters out there who are prepping up last-minute for this momentous event where they can dress to the nines and make their entrance with a grand, big bang. Actually, this blog feature is dedicated to those male teenagers out there - if you want to make killer porma to impress the girls and dream of becoming a prom king, then read on... THIS IS IT!

Rounding up different prom trends and aspirational formal looks (with emphasis on aspirational, mind you) for the young Romeos with forward and unquestionable fashion sense, SM MEN'S FASHION ditches the usual and conventional all top-to-bottom formal coat-and-tie prom looks (sorry to say, the "relatable" prom looks are already outdated, and hmmm... boring for my taste), by updating the classic suits and reinterpreting them to look younger, even slightly edgier with subtle styling that doesn't go fashionably overboard. 

Make way to the new royals: the SM Men's Fashion's Prom Kings of 2014 are here!

Of course, there are the ever-dependable black suits. But for SM MEN'S FASHION, they come in proportions that are slimmer, and more tapered. Gray suits also top the list of prom must-haves, but a tinge of bright color or printed inner would break all the monotonous shade. Furthermore, you may want to try touches of cool blue on your formal wardrobe for that distinct masculine vibe. Or better yet, why not push the envelope and try a top-to-bottom one-colored suit that looks very modern, very forward and absolutely dapper?

But hey, what are prom events for, if not for the bagets? An all-formal look would sometimes equate to dressing up for adult manhood. As stylists for this shoot, my partner George and I realized that times have changed and fashion continues to evolve that sometimes formal doesn't have to look too restricted and dictated, and if you're bagets, looking cool and breaking the norms are what the modern times are conveying to the youth. Therefore, we suggest you to experiment a bit (although if you're the classic type of guy, there's safety in all-formal sleek black suit with formal shoes), and since you're young, why not use sneakers with your formal attire (just as what music icons in the US are doing)? Or accessorize in minimum with caps and shades just like Givenchy in its latest runway showcase? Moreover, add some flavor to your suit with printed bowties or neckties, and perhaps, some quirky pocket squares or lapel pins? All these things because you are young, experimental, creative, and looking your best in a once-in-a-lifetime event doesn't have to mean to look too "relatable" to everyone at all!

Anyways, my MGP team is extremely proud of this pictorial that looks just as nice, just as clean, naturally fun and yet, so concurrent.  We believe that these are what ad images should be like - subtle images (with underlying trends that showcase what's hot right now) that are meant to be aspired for by ythose who clamor to make a statement as soon as they arrive within the promenade halls. 

Get cue from our pictorial below and see various styles that best suit your individualism, and hit the nearest SM Department Store now!

SLICK IN BLACK. Choose slim-fitting all-black blazer with pants and opt for inner white dress shirt for a classic look. Update your style with a quirky black bowtie or a necktie. Finish off with a pocket square or flower pin, or do it the edgier bagets way by donning a pair of dark shades or a sporty cap.

INTO THE BLUES. Add cool, masculine vibe to your black or gray formal ensemble by using a hint of something blue - whether as an inner shirt, a pair of pants, or accessories like bowtie or necktie.

COLORED SUITS. Dare to standout in a sea of black and gray formals by donning a slicked one-colored suit and pants combination that look fresh, dapper and style-savvy. Very Gucci S/S 2013!

SUBTLE PRINTS. Enliven your formal getup with a dash of prints. You may use a printed shirt underneath your suit, , or do pattern clash with bowties or neckties, or align your style with pinstriped pants or blazer.

Clothes from Main Street, Markus and Uberto Duranti - all available at SM MEN'S FASHION in SM Stores nationwide.



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Photographers: Frank Hoefsmit & Jo Ann Bitagcol
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Joel Ven Malazo & Sim Horato
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Francine Quirino & Kierlo Gosiengfiao
Models: Antoine (Ideal People), Tommy Esguerra (Elite Manila) & Sidney Du (Mercator)
Ad Agency: IXM