TANKED

To sleeve or not to sleeve? 

With the excruciating summer heat still taking its toll upon us, the tank tops are hitting it big time as every man's foremost beat-the-heat wardrobe essential. While the basic, humble tee can look casually good on almost anyone of us, the same can't be told on wearing tank tops unless you're gifted with muscular biceps. But summer heeds a massive call to arms, so go on, wear a sleeveless top, and look effortlessly cool. Just don't forget your deo/antiperspirant please!

Here are sexy-cool tank tops in a variety of prints and colors by COCO REPUBLIC available at SM Men's Fashion:

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Photography: Johann Bona (AtEastJedRoot)
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog
Grooming: Ria Aquino
Models: Rafael do Prado (Elite Manila) & Hideo Muraoka (Mercator)
Ad Agency: IXM

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and conventional all top-to-bottom formal coat-and-tie prom looks (sorry to say, the "relatable" prom looks are already outdated, and hmmm...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

THINGS I HOPE ANNE CURTIS WOULD BUY ME FOR CHRISTMAS

First and foremost, I love ANNE CURTIS to death. This premise is not applicable though to JM Rodriguez, JR Isaac, John Lloyd Cruz and Phoemela Barranda, I suppose. Now that the country's top celebrity female endorser, TV host and actress is grilled on the hot seat, we've witnessed the "Dyosa" is a mere human afterall - capable of an outburst and committing darned mistakes.

"I can buy you, your friends and this club!" is destined to become an immortal dramatic line, almost for a movie. She already expressed her apologies to those involved. But if Anne offers to buy me something, I wouldn't hesitate to list down some cool, stylish things I want for Christmas. Here's 6 on my wishlist, and hope she doesn't mind the price tags afterall:

1) Lacoste 80th Anniversary Bling
The iconic Lacoste teams up with French luxury brands Baccarat, Bernardaud, Boucheron, Christofle, S.T. Dupont, Fauchon, Goyard, Hermes and Veuve Clicquot for its 80th Anniversary with limited edition bags, pens, bowls, etc. My partner Geo specifically likes the Lacoste x Goyard bag, while I'll go with the very chic Hermes croc bag.

L-R: Lacoste x Goyard travel bag; Lacoste x Hermes croc bag; Lacoste x ST Dupont pens; Lacoste x Boucheron crocodile brooch; Lacoste x Baccarat crystal bowl

2) Best footwear of the season
A chunky tractor sole from Prada, cool sneakers from Kris Van Assche, a pair of neon-laced hiking shoes from Hermes, and color-popped kicks from Lanvin - all I desire straight from the runways of F/W 2013. 

L-R: Shoes from Prada, Kris Van Assche, Hermes & Lanvin FW2013 (Photos from gq.com)

3) A Smart LED TV
Since the TV in my room needs replacement because of non-functioning remote control and damaged buttons on the TV itself, I might need this high-tech, most-advanced LED TV from Samsung. It says it will listen to your voice. Smart choice, indeed!

Samsung's latest Smart LED TV looks awesome!

4) Kenzo's S/S 2014 collection
I just love the black and white graphic approach of Kenzo's S/S 2014 collection. I wouldn't mind wearing all of its items, too. Very bagets, very concurrent!

Photos from style.com

5) A trip to South Korea
It has always been a dream to go to South Korea, and experience the autumn and winter seasons there. Let's pray that our plan to go next year will push through. It would be awesome to see the palace of the old monarchy, the orange autumn leaves, trees lined with snow, plus the Rooftop Prince, lol!

6) Donate more to Yolanda victims
This will be a no-brainer. For such wealth, Anne must give more to the victims, although I am pretty sure she has already done her part.

Images from rappler.com & cbcp.ecy.ph

To Anne, what happened is not to be joked at all, but hope you wouldn't mind this blog entry. Just like any controversy, this too, shall pass. Best wishes from this fan, and share instead to those who are in need if you have too much, especially this Yuletide Season.

GRUNGE N' ROLL

With hipsters currently seen around the world trifling the 90's punk rock vibe onto their wardrobe, there's no mistaking that grunge is back with a vengeance.

Joining the bandwagon is @SM MEN'S FASHION - the retail giant ditches the sartorial style (for the meantime) this F/W 2013 season by bringing those retro iconic looks back into the 21st century. Think street art, impossibly long nightclub stints and endless booze, the latest collection for Boys Teens allows young individuals to get in touch with their inner punk rock star.

Combining both acid and street styles with influences that trace back from a decade of rock bands and indie music, get the look from SM Men's rendition of the modern-day grunge cool:
a) Start with slim-fit or skinny or straight-cut pants, the decision is yours depending on your body type. You may opt for something blue, maybe washed, distressed, or even ripped. Check out in-house brand TANK for a wide selection of denim pants.
b) Don rugged shirts with rock star-inspired prints. In SM Men's version, skull tops, anatomical shirts and even Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man lend an artsy but bad boy feel. Check out the collection by TEE CULTURE.
c) The checkered/plaid shirt is what makes grunge appear so cool. Wear it on or sling a flannel shirt around the waist for a devil-may-care attitude. Check out MARKUS for different plaid variations.
d) Layer on with a jean jacket, a chambray top or a denim vest for added rough edge. Check out TANK for enviable collection of jean tops and jackets.
e) Finish with tough-looking boots and cool spiked or leatherette accessories.

Take cue from the latest SM Style Manual Vol. 15 and get ready to grunge n' roll:

Check out @Tank, @Tee Culture and @Markus available at the Boys Teens Wear section of SM Men's Fashion nationwide.



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Photography: @Cenon Norial
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog, @Joel Ven Malazo & @Sim Horato
Hair & Makeup: @Archibald Tolentino, assisted by @Dave Grona
Models: @Kirk Bondad (Reco), @Jahd Cresval & @Renan Corbani (Elite Manila)

A SPORTING LIFE

Definitely, the sporty trend is the biggest fashion thing now, and many stylish souls are updating their wardrobes with chic sporty hybrids that look casual, cool, and very modern...

By drawing inspirations from gymnastics, football and baseball, @SM Men's Fashion stretches its way onto the season's obsession with the sporting life by fusing the aforementioned style elements with slim-fitting formal getups. With simple graphic lines, monochromatic colors (of black, white and gray) and streamlined proportions, the Sweater Boy Collection fits minimalist style and athleticism in one neat package.

As the name suggests, this collection revolves around sweater tops or hooded sweats with numeric patches (for that athletic finish). Get reference from our pictorial's styling (see photos from SM Style Manual Vol. 15 below) and score high in everybody's style card by layering with long-sleeved polo tops (with collar peeping out of the sweater), or even blazers, combined with flat-front trousers to create a streamlined sporty-dash-formal look. Finish off with a visor or cap (optional) for additional sporty feel, a pair of black or white lace-ups, but loose the sweat bands & gold foil instead (they were intentionally used to make the shoot look editorial).

All clothes by @MARKUS, available at the Boys Teens Wear Section of SM Men's Fashion, at The SM Store nationwide.




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Photography: @Cenon Norial
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (@MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog, @Joel Ven Malazo & @Sim Horato
Hair & Makeup: @Archibald Tolentino
Assisted by: @Dave Grona
Models: Kirk Bondad (Reco), Jahd Cresval & Renan Corbani (Elite Manila)