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

TRIBAL BEAT

And the tribe has spoken: local retail brand, SOLO, dares you to beat the heat with ethnic-inspired summer fashion fete that consists of pieces that you can mix and match in vivid tribal, tropical, retro and floral prints.

The new collection boasts of swimwear pieces that cater to the young such as bandeaus, bikinis and cover-ups. There are also graphic His and Hers shirts and stylish sunglasses that tick off your summer wardrobe checklist, creating fun, youthful statement.

The summer ad campaign shoot also features this year’s Solo Online Model Contest Grand Winners, Renee Soraya Hassani and John Edward Custodio who stood out among almost a hundred hopeful ladies and gents. The pair got to do a photo shoot directed and photographed by hot fashion photographer Doc Marlon Pecjo, and styled by us, MGP.

On John Edward: Printed woven shirt (P995); Tapered shorts (P1196). On Renee: Tribal-printed bikini top (P595); High-waisted floral bottom (P545).

On Renee: Tribal-printed bikini top (P595); High-waisted floral bottom (P545).

On Renee: White ruffled swim top (P595); Polka-dotted swim bottom (P495). On John Edward: Striped tank top with hoodie (P445); Tapered shorts (P995).

On John Edward: Striped tank top with hoodie (P445); Tapered shorts (P995).

For more information, please log on to solo.com.ph or like their Facebook page (facebook.com/mysoloonline). You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram @MySoloOnline.

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Photography: Doc Marlon Pecjo

Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)

Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog

Models: Renee Soraya Hassani & John Edward Custodio

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

MUST WEAR NOW: MACRO FLORALS

It's only the second week of February, but I can already feel the hot temperature seeping thru my pores. It's inevitable - summertime is here! As we start sweating profusely under the already-simmering sun, we say goodbye (momentarily) to layering and dark clothes, and say hello to something colorful, light and easy-breezy.

With chic (and leggy) city girls living an independent life in mind, FREEWAY goes full bloom with one of summer's ultimate trend - floral prints. But the local fashion brand has it big this time - as in literally BIG! Gigantic graphic images of rose flowers and tulips serve as beautiful canvasses for dresses with simple & modern cuts, and light tailored casual pieces. If you want to stand out while looking ultra-feminine and fresh, these macro florals are indeed bold summer statements.

Check out FREEWAY's lookbook below and style your macro florals with mini clutches, a pair of colored heels and a slicked hairdo:

Visit FREEWAY at The Row, Glorietta 1, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Trinoma, SM City North EDSA, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, SM Bacoor, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Dasmarinas, SM Clark, Chimes Mall Davao, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, Market! Market!, Robinsons Metroeast, Festival Mall, SM Southmall, SM Pampanga, SM Sucat, Abreeza Mall Davao, Limketkai Mall CDO, KCC Mall Gensan. Or go online: www.freewayonline.com.ph

A PERFECT CHEMISTRY

You may have probably come across this clothing shop while window shopping at select SM Supermalls, or have read about it in blogs, or in Facebook or Twitter. For some, @CHEMISTRY doesn't strike recognition as much as its older sister brand SHAPES, but it has a promising potential (merchandise-wise) should the company that owns it would realize the power of strategic marketing and intensive promotion.

My partner @George Palmiano and I have long been friends with its beloved owners (two of the nicest bosses in the industry, we must say), and we are thankful that they always entrust their ad campaigns to us. Speaking of which, we are glad to present its imaging for Holiday 2013 - the second pictorial we've done so far for CHEMISTRY.

Although this is released for the holiday season, this new ad campaign is in fact all-season with all-year basic and casual styles immersed in various delectable prints - both for him and for her. Take your pick from checks, florals and even stripes, and do your own spin on pattern combos that come in, well as you say, perfect chemistry.

CHECK YOUR STYLE
We've seen checkered prints come on and off the style radar, but this season is the right moment to wear them. Add some grunge character to your outfit, and come out edgy and headstrong.

FLOWER POWER
Miniscule floral prints are cute style favorites for dainty girls, and even so, boys shouldn't be afraid to wear them.

IN LINE WITH STRIPES 
Add nautical appeal onto your casual wardrobe and make your choice in black & white - for his or hers.

CHEMISTRY is available at SM City North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Manila,  SM San Lazaro, SM Calamba, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Batangas and Marquee Mall Pampanga. Check out www.chemistry-shop.com, Twitter: chemistryshop, Facebook: Chemistry Clothing.






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Photography: @Mau Aguasin (MA Studio)
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog & @Joel Ven Malazo
Makeup: @Bobby Carlos
Hair: @Dimple Callada
Models: @Coraleen Wadell & @Tommy Esguerra (Elite Manila)

CHILL FACTOR

We don't have snow here in the Philippines, but @MILANOS Shoes sets up the spirit of the cold holiday season with its aspirational ad campaign that takes us all to a great winter outdoor experience - and we can all just gasp in wishful thinking.

Actor/TV personality/endorser @SAM MILBY is a having cool dude moment - quite literally - sans celebrity-style elegant accents and those refined gentleman pieces in this pictorial that we are proud to say, looks intentionally international. He dabbles up for a more masculine-hunter look with layered knits, jackets or a gilet, rough pants along with his choice of rugged shoes (by MILANOS, of course) that take him to an adventurous weekend. 

Get cue from these latest footwear styles and rev up for the ultimate, adventure-packed holiday getaway:

BOOT CAMP
A staple this F/W 2013, tough-looking mid-cut boots (in black, brown, gray or camel) are all the rave whether out on the streets or during travel.

THE HUNTER GAMES
Your adventure awaits, and your choice of footwear is up to you: do you prefer lace-ups with wedge or tractor soles, or wingtips with contrasting midsoles?

SNEAK STREAK
This season's new breed of sneakers are more casual and streamlined than showy.

COZY COOL
Modern boat shoes and loafers are great for a laid-back but stylish weekend.

Also check out this classy-cool video that we styled for this ad campaign:




Check out MILANOS Shoes available at The SM Stores nationwide. Styles may vary per store. Thanks again to LTBG - especially to Ms. Rina Lacia-Bugayong & Ricci  del Rosario - MGP loves you!




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Photography: @Mark Nicdao
Art Direction/Ad Agency: @Adfolio
Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Joel Ven Malazo & Sim Horato
Grooming: @Peps Silvestre
Videography: @Paolo Pineda & @Ejay Leung

A SHOE FOR EVERY GIRL

We've known and heard many times the immortal tagline of The SM Store, "We've got it all for you!" -- can its iconic footwear brand @PARISIAN lag far behind?

It seems that PARISIAN has every type of shoe for every type of girl this holiday season. Whatever your role you portray - a self-driven career woman, an outgoing sporty girl, a party diva, a jetset traveller, or a hopeless romantic - the choice is yours on how to work each and every stride.

Take your pick from PARISIAN's latest style catalogue shoot for F/W 2013:


THE POWER PLAYER
Put your best foot forward with classy pumps, statement stilettos and structured bags - all worthy of a promotion.

SPORTY SPICE
Score additional style points with sportswear-inspired shoes and bags for the modern girl on-the-go.

ALL FOR GLAM
For feverish nights: give in to the seductive allure of these party-perfect evening pieces with megawatt metallic shine.

TRAVEL TIME
Go places in jetset style with boots and oversized bags embellished with tassels, studs and hardware accents.

IN PURSUIT OF ROMANCE
Set the mood for love as style fantasies come true with this ultra-feminine holiday collection that features actress/celebrity/Parisian endorser KC Concepcion.

Check out PARISIAN at The SM Stores nationwide.





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For catalogue shoot (models):
Photography: Nico Villegas (Edge of Light)
Art Direction/Ad Agency: Adfolio
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Joel Ven Malazo & Sim Horato
Makeup: Bobby Carlos (Max Factor)
Assisted by: Kierlo Velasco
Hair: Francine Quirino
Models: Oksana, Mashia & Rita (Elite Manila)

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)

THE MAN CLUTCH COMING

Hold that thought! Clutches aren't just for the girls nowadays.

When my partner @George Palmiano and I went to Hongkong in January of this year (2013), we noticed and were awed that HK/Chinese males weren't afraid to lug around with bags - and clutches - while they moved thru the hustle and bustle of the city. Sure, they are more modern and more equipped, but this is evidence of an open-minded, fashion-forward civilization not afraid to try different style trends. Here in the Philippines, most guys wouldn't even bring a bag (unless you're going to the school with lots of books, or you're off to work with important paper works, or bound for the gym with extra shirt and shoes, or during travel)... what more clutches! Sad to think that only gays would carry them around.

Whether you think they are feminine or not, I wouldn't mind holding a clutch to safekeep my car keys, my mobile phone, my cigarette & lighter, iPad and some bits of cash when I don't feel like carrying a huge bag. Call it a purse, an envelope, a portfolio, a briefcase, a pouch or just a mini strapless bag, the clutch is not just a fashionable hand accessory, but it serves good function as well.

Here are some ideas (this F/W 2013 season) that truly, the man clutch has arrived (rectangle or square; black, brown or with color; leather or fabric; zippered, buttoned or envelope, with or without print) and you shouldn't be afraid to carry it, too.

THE WORKING CLASS. Man clutches had a decent showing as seen on the runway show of @Salvatore Mann during the recent Philippine Fashion Week. I particularly like the black one on the right with textured interlaced pattern - stylishly formal yet very masculine still. Available at The SM Stores nationwide. (Photos by statusmagonline.com)

TRU-LY YOURS. Top local fashion designers @Joey Samson (left) and @Ivarluski Aseron (right) carry brown stingray clutches designed by renowned fashion stylist/columnist @Luis Espiritu for TRU. Available at 2/L Rockwell Powerplant Mall. (Photos by Luis Espiritu)

STREAMLINED & GENDERLESS. Speaking of Ivar Aseron, he designed this minimalist-looking black leather clutch with openings at each end, for both men and women. Available at vitostudio.com

PRINT MATTERS. If you're fun and quirky, these printed clutch versions from @ZARA Man are enough fashion statements - either in checkered or with animal prints. (Photos from zara.com)

TIMELESS. Black briefcase with embossed detailing by @PEDRO is for keeps. (Photo from pedroshoes.com)

TO DIE FOR. @GUCCI banners its latest ad campaign (F/W 2013) with an envy-of-all, black reptilian-skinned clutch for men.

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)