IS WORN TO BE WILD SEPT E M BER 2012
96 BLOCK PARTY
72 SOFYA TITOVA 16 STATUS MESSAGE 18 MASTHEAD
STATUSPHERE 25 30 32 33 34
THREADS SETTING INK SCREEN BEATS
gadgets 35
TECH PACK: MILE HIGH CLUB
A ticket to win it
BEAUTY 36 37
FACE PAINT: OH MY POSH!
42 TOUCH THE SKY
The perks of wearing pumps in the penthouse By Alex Doucet
48 EAST OF EDEN
There, He put the man He had formed By Rxandy Capinpin
54 LADY LABYRINTH
Gardening in chinchillas, feathers, and leather By Cholo dela Vega
SHOPPING GUIDE SWAG
62 NEXT ATTRACTION
Fall fashion trends
64 DAINTY MISS Lace
Cleanliness is next to goddessness.
65 SECOND SKIN
ABOUT FACE: STING LIKE A BEE
66 CITRUS FRESH
Dripping in sweet gold
37
VISION BOARD
BEAUTY BITE: NAUGHTY NOHTI
FASHION
Leather
Tangerine
67 SOIRÉE SPARKLE Glittered
68 URBAN HUNTERS Utilitarian
STREET STYLE
69 KNIT PICKING
38 GO SEE
70 CAMPUS CRIMSON
40 STYLE ID: MUSTARD MADNESS
71 LINE UP
Do you want to be on top? A condiment that complements
41 BRICK & MORTAR
Texture
Red
Stripes
78 FEATURES mUSE
72 RUSSIA BLOOD TO THE HEAD Model Sofya Titova is in a fashion paradise. By Giano D. Dionisio
mAESTRO
73 GOOD DAY SUNSHINE
Passion Pit have been rightly revered as electropop royalty; now, we get to hear their rich history in Gossamer. By Reena Mesias
74 AERODYNAMICS
Canada’s dapper Airplane Boys hype hip-hop up to sonic altitudes with attitudes that risk higher flight. By Giano D. Dionisio
75 SO HERE WE ARE
The boys are back, and they’re ready to attack. Bloc Party return to unleash their fantastic Four. By Reena Mesias
76 THE SICKEST KIDS
When rocking out to the Vaccines, wear comfy clothes, because this band is bound to get you filthy. By Reena Mesias
77 OBSESSION DU JOUR
The music of Wallpaper. is as eclectic as its frontman’s wardrobe: gold chains, mesh shorts, animal print, and multicolored checks. By Rolly Ibañez
77 WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG
Alt-rock quartet She’s Only Sixteen are coming of age with a sound and style that are primed for the times. By Reena Mesias
COCO & BREEZY mASTERMIND
78 DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Twinsies forealsies Coco and Breezy suffered staredowns for their style. Now, all eyes are on their flashy sunnies. By Victoria Herrera
79 ELEVATE, ESCALATE
Wearing Joco Comendador’s killer pumps is the quickest, sexiest way to say, “Approach with caution.” By Victor Loong
80 CASEY IN POINT
On Nikita, Dillon Casey plays hardball as a mother-loving exSEAL. But really, the actor’s just having a ball. By Rolly Ibañez
80 LIVE FOREVER
Before fitting fangs for Breaking Dawn, he was a Shameless bully, a Disney bully, and a juvenile delinquent. But mostly, Noel Fisher’s just nice. By Rita Faire
81 PRIMAL SCREAM
Mark Ronson, Jeremy Scott, and Santigold have all been captured by Mexico-based Sergio Orospe’s casual camera; get in line. By Rita Faire
82 SARTORIAL HEALING
Fashion Week aficionado JP Singson crosses continents and claims territories with his unapologetic sense of style. By Belle Rodolfo
83 CRASH COUTURE
A former costumier to MGMT and Brandon Flowers, Lizzie Owens now aims higher with menswear line, Highland. By Roxy Valencerina
IS WORN TO BE WILD SEPTEMBER 2012
82 JP SINGSON
79 JOCO COMENDADOR
54 HEAVY HITTER
84 FIERIEST OF THEM ALL
Hip-hop’s pink weave Barbie bitch spills on split personalities, spitting profanities, and sweeping fashion’s vanities. From growing up with cinders to fanning the flames of her blazing career, Nicki Minaj burns hotter than a big rocket launcher. In Oscar dela Renta posture, let her curves swerve into view; watch the queen conquer. By Loris Peña
90 FULL HOUSE
In the kingdom of brazen London style, Henry Holland sits atop a colorful throne. Built off a college journalism degree, now fashion’s reigning neon royalty—the House of Holland is a powerhouse. The coat-of-arms is graphic, the crest is fancy, the soldier’s coats are printed, and the motto comes in block letters. Now swear allegiance. By Viva Gonzalez
94 LIBERATION FRONT
Attention! Fall in line for Bumsuk Choi’s assemblage of toggle-fastened jackets padded
LADY LABYRINTH
and paneled in eye-catching color combos. The young Korean designer brings his menswear line, General Idea, from the far east to the hype beasts looking to play with proportion through progressive urbanwear that’s got spirit and Seoul. By Kristine Dabbay
BLOCK PARTY: FLY GUYS
101 ALWAYS ON VACATION 102 BIG FISH INNOVATION WHITE 102 STRANGE ROOKIE MAGIC 103 SUMMER FRIDAYS 103 LIL DEATH FAN CLUB
MORE
104 DIRECTORY
Menswear in Manila
96 HERBERT CUSTODIO
STATUS INVADES
Designer menswear
106 ALYANNA MARTINEZ
97 EDMUND MALLARI
This stylist accentuates and accessorizes with attitude.
Ready-to-wear
97 KIX SUAREZ
108 FASHION BRATZ
Bespoke
Carine Roitfeld’s collection of Barbie dolls.
EVENTS
NIGHTVISION
99 PERISH 69 100 LE BAIN INDEPENDENCE 100 FIST PUMP 101 GET SHIFTY
When it comes to genuine individuality, Nicki Minaj is the best bitch doing it. So, it’s only fair that the “Superbass” femcee is finally gracing our Style Issue, wearing gemstones and magenta, no less. Bursting at the seams with character, Nicki epitomizes the kind of selfexpression that has us tickled pink. Clearly, we couldn’t settle for a stupid hoe cover artist. Enter former STATUS art director Nikkie Po whose illustrations add spark, spunk, and something all the girls and boys want. Nikkie took Nicki from real tight to vacuum-packed, sealing in the various vibrant styles that ooze from this month’s fashionable features. Yeah, we just did it on ‘em.
statusmagonline.com
Blogsphere
the pulse of hip at your fingertips
go see
we’re all models off duty
FEATURES
there’s more to what’s in print
NightVision who’s spotted partying where
Photo Diary confessional for lensmen
Digital Magazine DOWNLOADS STATUS in pixels, not free mixtapes paper and wallpapers
STATUS MESSAGE
HENRY HOLLAND (90)
NICKI MINAJ (84)
WORN TO BE WILD W
hile the rest of the fashion people are walking around with impending doom all over their faces, it’s quite refreshing to see young fashion influencers having some fun in their creations. We’ve always encouraged style that was more personal, expressive, and fun. This month’s Style issue is dedicated to these “outsiders” who have created a huge impact on our closets. I remember back in 2009 when a barely known MC named Nicki Minaj was offered to us for an interview. Little did I know that she will take the rap world by storm together with Lil Wayne, Kanye, Jay-Z, and Drake. She made an unforgettable impression on all of us with her Barbie-gonewild style combined with her rhymes and supersized persona. Her fashion statement may be taking the lead, but surely, her rap game is just as tight. Maybe it’s because he’s one of the most sought-after young fashion designers in Britain or maybe because he has so many projects in the pipeline, but fashion just seems to be a wonderland for Henry Holland. We first fell in love with his tongue-in-cheek fashion groupie tees seen on Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn, but now he’s a full-fledged hustler marking his own territory via House of Holland and numerous collaborations. If you haven’t heard of Korean menswear designer Bumsuk Choi of General Idea, you better take notice. His combination of utility and tailoring has been making waves both in Seoul and New York. Now, he is being claimed as one of Asia’s leading menswear designers and we have to agree. Also check out the Manila scene. Mastermind JP Singson romances style while prancing from one city to another. Joco Comendador, on the other hand, commands attention with his gravitydefying shoes. Trailblazers Edmund Mallari (Progress), Herbert Custodio, and Kix Suarez talk about changing the local menswear game for Block Party. We love the new sensations these fashion phenoms have brought to our universe. Now it’s time to open ourselves to their world.
Editor-in-chief
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contributors statusmagonline.com editor-in-chief
Rosario Herrera @rosarioherrera
creative director Patrick L. Jamora art director Patrick Diokno graphic designers Nyael David
Paolo Geronimo
associate editor
Kristine Dabbay @tindabs
features editor Reena Mesias fashion editor Loris Peña
assistant editor Giano D. Dionisio fashion assistant Zoe Laurente editorial assistant Rita Faire
ADRIAN GONZALES
Though this photographer can be reserved at first, get to know him and he might demonstrate his fiercest model moves. He would rather not compete with his subjects in a Blue Steel pose-off, but behind the camera, Adrian gets all the best angles. See for yourself in our Block Party (96), with plenty of clothes for the bros to ogle. In particular, Adrian is eyeing the lobster shirt. Good luck to anyone who wants to fight him over it, by the way; Adrian knows judo.
@padraick @patrickdiokno @nyaels @paolostroodles
@yohitgirl @_dizzyrizzy @giodion @zoelaurente @ritadoesnttweet
Tina Herrera @tinaherrera_ Buenaventura @danbuenaventura junior account manager Kevin Jude Pueblo @kevinpueblo sales & marketing consultant account manager Dan
tweet us!
TINETTE HERRERA
Fairy faces, high ponytails, bronze tans, and finger waves— Tinette delivers. For this issue, our trusty gal pal did hair and makeup for fashion editorial “Lady Labyrinth” (54) as well as our Block Party (96) pages. We think Nicki Minaj would be proud, Tinette brings a touch of Barbie to every shoot—from her pink carryall with her collection of pink iPhone cases and pink accessories, down to the pink peeptoes. And if you ask her why, “Pink is cute and sexy combined.”
contributing writers
Viva Gonzalez, Victoria Herrera, Belle Rodolfo, Roxy Valencerina contributing artists
Amit and Naroop, Ashley Abtahie, Art Alera, Toch Barreiro, Dean Bleza, Rxandy Capinpin, The Cobrasnake, Fernando Colon, Justin Create, Joyce de Dios Ignacio, Cholo Dela Vega, Leon Diaper, Ricky Diokno, Alex Doucet, Amanda Elkins, Zeko Eon, Eji Eustaquio, Dominique Farina, Adrianna Favero, Brandon Giordano, Kristina Goldberg, Adrian Gonzales, Joaquin Gregorio, Alex Gutierrez de Pando, Chris Gurinsky, Yuki Hayashi, Stefan Hernandez, Tinette Herrera, Kai Huang, Monty Jackson, JSquared Photography, Marley Kate, Ernest Levanza, Red Mil, Miguel Miranda, Jason Nocito, Joseph Pascual, Rubén Pascual, Hanna Pechon, Natalie Pestun, Nikkie Po, Mara Reyes, Steffi Santiago, JP Singson, Daniel Tan, Takayoshi Tsukisawa, Patrick Velasco, Aleksey Volchek interns
Jer Dee, Rolly Ibañez, Mara Celine Javier, Joel Lomotan, Victor Loong, Daniella Rodriguez, Arden Santos, Nicola Sermonia, Mabel Toh, Denise Villanueva
editorial editorial@statusmagonline.com advertising advertise@statusmagonline.com marketing marketing@statusmagonline.com
NIKKIE PO
Meet the other Nikkie on the cover this month. Her electrifying illustrations translate Nicki Minaj’s multifaceted characteristics into titles that are tripping, flipping, and so belligerent. Dear old Nikkie’s art reflects her own personality: spontaneous, bright, and full of energy. Our former art director brings her HYFR philosophy everywhere, whether she’s designing logos, taking tequila shots, hitting the dance floor, or ordering McNuggets right before passing out. She’s a woman, hear her roar.
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general inquiries info@statusmagonline.com
LORIS PEÑA
This month, wish a happy birthday to STATUS’ very own fashion dragon lady. Yup, Loris’ hot-blooded flair is blazin’ and fly like a monster do. A hundred mother lovers can’t tell this self-professed Nicki Minaj (84) nut to slow down. When Loris hops in the race, she dominates all avenues. She can be stylin’ in dainty Orientalism one day and show up in hood rat luxe the next; it’s all about that young money attitude. So don’t miss the fashions in our Swag section (62) and our opulent “Lady Labyrinth” story (54), okay?
Nicki Nicki Nicki, put it on my army.
What’s your STATUS? tell us.
read our digital version statusmagonline.com/ digital-magazine like us facebook.com/statusmagazine follow us twitter.com/statusmagazine STATUS is published by STATUS Media Group. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
THREADS / setting / BRICK AND MORTAR / BEATS / SCREEN / INK
SEPTEMBER 2012
MONSTER INKED D
ANIEL PALILLO reinterprets classic silhouettes with facets that will remind you of your childhood whims and teenage decadence. Monstrous graphics of smiling skulls, weary sharks, gaping mouths, pointy teeth, and shirts loud enough to tell you to “Fuck the Police” and “Go 2 Hell” will wake your subversive side in all the right ways. danielpalillo.blogspot.com
PUSHER FRIENDLY S
kater chic is best channeled with BEDFORD ST. LAUNDRY’s latest collection. Be one of the boys without looking like one of the boys. Shred it up with the homies in a hooded Deck dress and Stoked shorts or flirt with them in an overlap Kava skirt or sexy Avla bikini. Strap on the BronBron backpack with a Sk8park print. If push comes to shove, you can always glide in greys, bubblegum blue, and cotton candy pink. bedforstreetlaundry.com
THE DICTATOR O
ftentimes, a watch dictates the wearer’s character. If you want to command attention and prioritize comfort, HAUREX compact wristwatches provides a spectrum of style that can accentuate or contrast any of your personas. Featuring round or square cases with crystal inserts, you can go from sleek to loud with just one flick of the watches’ thin gel straps. haurex.com
LEG TO TOE T
oss out the old cotton socks and sink your feet in to STRATHCONA STOCKINGS. Specializing in fine hand-printed stockings and socks, its selection of fun prints are especially designed, photographed, and collaged by its team. Made to tickle all your fancies from floral prints to abstract art, you’ll be spending less time wearing your shoes with these. strathconastockings.com
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THREADS
BRANDS TO KNOW
LAST FRIDAY NIGHT S
OPOPULAR’s A Slice Of Grey Suburbia collection is full of grey blazers, lapeled vests, relaxed-fit pants, tapered shorts, and long-sleeved button-downs that are great for casual Fridays. Put on a shirt that says “It’s tough to be SOPOPULAR” to inject humor and style to your stressful week. Cheers to the freakin’ weekday. sopopular.net
FRONT ACT E
DGE OF EMBER’s Sarat collection of rings, earrings, and bangles are bound to turn heads. These handmade beauties from Cambodia and Vietnam will headline your style with pearls, crystals, hand-hammered metals, and brass studs. There’s the aristocratic Astor bangle with pearl accent, mysterious silver Iman ring with garnet gemstone, and flamboyant Lexi loops with crystals in vintage bezel to prep you for your coveted close-up. edgeofember.com
WORN OUT N
ew York’s KAVIAR AND CIGARETTES’ latest collection offers nothing but distressed clothing spanning tops, button-downs, and outerwear inspired by New York’s post-punk era between the late 70s to the early 80s. This assemblage sees the dichotomy between reconstruction and deconstruction techniques, with clean threads accentuated by giraffe prints, vintage patchwork, raw edges, and frayed details. kaviarandcigarettes.com
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GRAPHIC DELIGHT F
ALCON WRIGHT’s screen-printed leather goodies maximize the use of pyramids and lines in its designs. Choose from clutches, wallets, and coin purses that are handmade to awesomeness. These buttery soft creations in different colors and sizes are the best arm candies a girl can wish for. falconwright.com
M ons oon W rap, Cel ia Tee, Sc arl ett Short Pa i ge S wea t er, Dyl a n Lea t h er Pa nt
FAST BREAK
B
e ready for PIPER GORE’s take on casual sportswear. Her latest collection of leather harem pants, off-shoulder sweaters, plain tees, and jackets would look good on and off the court. Upgrade your game with a wrapped blazer, a casual dress, and a pair of booties. Shoot, style, and score! pipergore.com
THREADS
MODUS OPERANDI M
anila-based clothing label CREATIVE ELITE OPERATION’s latest lineup offers a selection of short-sleeved buttondowns dedicated to style trailblazers. Characterized by vertical stripes, zebra prints, polka dots, and paisleys, the brand inserts eccentricity to classic wardrobe staples. Pair these shirts with casual cardigans and khaki pants and you’re dressed to the nines. facebook.com/CreativeEliteOperation
DAWN OF THE DEAD W
alk with the undead armed with trinkets from MARMAR. Its latest collection keeps you loaded with bullets and skull accessories reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos. Stock up on the ammo and keep them in reach. Better yet, wear them on your wrist as glittering bangles for easier access. Add some shriek factor with skull earrings to match. Caution: good looks can be deadly. shopatsauce.com
SIMPLE PLAN H
EADWARE’s loop scarf teaches you Styling 101. For chilly nights, wrap it around your neck like a layered scarf. When it rains, put it over your head like a hoodie and pair it with a leather jacket. When the sun shines, you can wear it as a vest and cinch it with a belt. Easy, breezy, and steez-worthy. facebook.com/the.headware
S.O.S
HEY MARY
G
I
etting caught in a shipwreck isn’t as bad when you’re left with D.RA. Its latest collection Cast Away takes you to a resort getaway with draped dresses, billowy tops, and short shorts. Sheer tanks, relaxed rompers, and tiered dresses are best for random trips down to the coast on a lazy afternoon. With chic thrown-over-you-head pieces, you couldn’t get more effortless than this. draclothing.com
n the name of short shifts, ankle-length dresses, and jackets with floppy lapels, AMEN. The Singaporebased brand’s latest collection of plaid suits, front slit pants, and jumpsuits reminds us of Catholic school uniforms, ghost stories, and old buildings—but in a good way. Mix its accessory line of crystal plumbobs, skulls, spikes, and chained crosses; and you’re good god to go. amenlabel.com
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THREADS
BRANDS TO KNOW
Stark Industry D
onning HEIDI MERRICK’s classic cuts in bold colors is a surefire strategy to stay fashionably flexible. Crowds will coalesce on a windy day when they see you in Jeffrey’s trench in camel and blue. The digitally printed Sark skirt sizzles no matter what the temperature is. Like the weather, be unpredictable. heidimerrick.com
DANGER ZONE C
heck out these stud rings from FORREST & BOB. Gold plated or matte, these rings are prone to trigger fatal attraction. Slide on a pair or two and make it work with your punk look. Either way, these spiky honeys are just screaming for attention. Careful now, we don’t want any self-induced injuries. forrestandbob.com
STUNTIN’ LIKE MY DADDY L
IN GOOD COMPANY T
he latest drops from PUMA nod to a list of things. First, the MV city tee collection employs graphic interpretations of iconic cities. Second, the Flag Patch Barrel bag salutes the 2012 Summer Olympics. Promising a brilliant 2012, the brand brings good games and good vibes. With or without Olympics tickets, this is a win-win. puma.com
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SHADES OF GREY O
DEUR’s latest collection features updated sporty silhouettes. Draped tops, jackets, and pants with creases look great with sneakers. Added airiness comes from a palette of white, black, and charcoal. Inspired by the old myth of Icarus in flight, Odeur lets you come up in the spot looking extra fly. odeur.se
Words by Rolly Ibañez, Zoe Laurente, Victor Loong, Loris Peña, Daniella Rodriguez
ara Croft would be pleased with PETROL’s Raw Empowerment Revolution because this collection has pieces that would let her move with ease as she escapes explosions and traps. This vintage denim brand combines utility, functionality, and power. If you feel like exploring the gritty side of life, Petrol’s biker boots and faded denim can be your trusty allies. Next sequel, please. rawempowermentph.com
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THREADS
TWIST OF FATE A
chieving urbane style doesn’t always mean sporting heirloom jewelry. For Brooklyn-based WXYZ, modern accessories should be bold but should still be able to get a nod of class from your grandmother. Taking cues from corsets to geometry—these pieces are intertwined, stringed, and twisted to your fancy. wxyzjewelry.com
WILD WORLD C
reate a ruckus with RUCKUS APPAREL’s tees and cropped tops. With shirts that say “Sent Here To Destroy” and “Follow Your Nightmares,” you’ll surely make a statement. Get all obnoxious with tiny tanks paired with bikini bottoms while washing your car. Things are about to get dirty. ruckusapparel.com
THROUGH THe LOOKING GLASS O
pen up TOUJOURS TOI’s treasure chest and you’ll find yourself lost in a realm of accessories. Ranging from Dream of Jeannie star and moon earrings and reaching all the way down to the depths of the Honey Ryder sea with seashell and starfish bracelets, the brand’s latest collection will take you to the ends of the world with inspirations from the earth, sea, and sky. toujourstoi.com
SUGAR WE’RE GOING DOWN H
ailing from the streets of Brooklyn, KELSEY QUAN’s bursting out with a parade of neon treats. Debuting her collection of handcrafted necklaces, she uses leather, metallic snakeskin, amethyst, and other semi-precious stones. Loaded with color and personality, these neck danglers add an electric shock to any outfit. kelseyquan.com
HEADS WILL ROLL E
LEVATE APPAREL is the latest streetwear outfit to juxtapose tribal and camouflage prints with classic five-panel caps. These items can add points to your swagger or better yet, shield you from the crazy weather. Whether you like a printed visor, front panel, or body—each style will cap your crowning glory. elevateapparel.com
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SETTING
PLACES TO GO
SUITE
SPECULATIVE FIXTURES
T
ucked in the 12th arrondissement in Paris is The Hotel Original, a 38room boutique hotel outfitted by designer Stella Cadente who dresses up each room just as she would dress up people. The hotel’s polarizing interiors feature odd knickknacks like mounted hunting trophies, creeping vine sculptures, jellyfish lighting fixtures, and crystalline curtains of shimmering threads and beads. No wonder the hotel calls itself a fantasy world with a tinge of rock & roll.
hoteloriginalparis.com
GRUB
LA DOLCE VITA
COSMOPOLIS
S
it-down lounge ROCKET ROOM mixes nostalgia and futuristic themes as the bartenders mix drinks to the tune of the 1960s—mod meets Fantastic Voyage. Beads of sweat slope with the contour of glasses filled with signature mixes and infusions made with nothing but fruits, liquor, and love. Guests can
Chase the Dragon with lychee-infused sake and a dash of amaretto, meet A Russian in Vienna with vodka, Kahlua, cream, and Goldschläger, or even look for the Mistress at the Mansion for some brandy, Cointreau, sweet orange, and sugar.
facebook.com/stella.rocketroom
nspired by Italian café culture, holein-the-wall chocolate kitchen and pasta piazza ROCCI bakes cakes and cookies made from the deepest and darkest of European chocolates. True connoisseurs can linger on slices of Double Chocolate Tiramisu, which forgoes the espresso base by using rich chocolate crème instead. Those who want to bring the love back home can tote a cylinder or two of crisp Belgian Chocolate Bliss cookies as a generous gift or a guilty pleasure, eaten best as a single serving.
wix.com/roccicoffee/chocolate
PLATE
LOVE POTION NO. 9
W
e’re not saying that getting a girl drunk is the way to her heart, but we will say that greasing the wheels of an already smooth date with ROCKET ROOM’s signature infusions and passion potions will certainly help you fly her to the moon. Garden Level, Bonifacio High Street Central Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
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ROCKET FUEL Pepper up with silver tequila, the house’s signature Liquid Fire jalapeño vodka, Cointreau, and lime syrup.
FORBIDDEN FRUIT A Long Island Iced Tea update with mango tequila, apple rum, pineapple vodka, watermelon gin, and everything else in the bar
MID CENTURY Fall for the Old Fashioned gentleman clinking a glass of house-made red cherry whiskey, amaretto, orange, and maraschino.
A GIRL WITH VIOLET EYES Tropical Mojitos take a dark turn when mixed with berries, apple rum, honey, lychee, and a glassful of mint.
Words by Rita Faire, Rocket Room and Rocci photos by Patrick Diokno
I
CORKAGE
BOOKS TO READ
BOOKMARK
HOT OFF THE PRESS TELEGRAPH AVENUE By Michael Chabon From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon comes an intimate look at the intertwined lives of two California Bay Area families— one black and the other white. A long-gestating project, Chabon shares that the story started in 2000 as a family dramedy TV pilot for TNT. Twelve years later, it comes out as a novel about friendships and secret histories framed in a thick layer of broken LPs, blaxploitation films, and a lesson in California’s music history that moves with the plot. Take it in carefully or you might miss Barack Obama’s cameo. ANTONIO LOPEZ: FASHION, ART, SEX, AND DISCO By Roger Padilha and Mauricio Padilha Welcome to the world of fashion, art, sex, disco, and the larger than life personality of fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. Known best for his illustrations for Vogue, The New York Times, and Interview, among other publications, Antonio splashed the 60s, 70s, and 80s with vibrant and energetic visions that shaped the fashion greats. The book features formidable contributors like Bill Cunningham, Anna Sui, and André Leon Talley; and contains some of Antonio’s iconic works, neverbefore-seen Polaroid snaps, and mixed media journals that seek to capture the spirit of his life and three-decade career.
20 YEARS OF STYLE: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PAPER
THE CASUAL VACANCY By J.K. Rowling
Edited by Kim Hastreiter and David Hershkovits
Before Lady Gaga even wrote the words down, Paper Magazine lived by, “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen!” From RuPaul to Aaron Rose, read on to see the evolution of style according to Paper’s tastemakers. 1. “People are diversifying more and more because the boredom has become so extreme today.” - Isaac Mizrahi 2. “Bums on the street really began the whole postmodernfashion thing… Even the bums know how cute they are. There is not a naïve or innocent fashion person in all of Manhattan.” - John Waters
An unlikely war erupts in the sleepy English countryside when a parish council member dies, leaving his seat open for wouldbe usurpers. The town of Pagford, known for its quiet markets and ancient abbeys, suddenly becomes obsessed and embroiled in a heated election pitting neighbor against neighbor in what publisher Little Brown calls a “blackly comic, thought-provoking, and constantly surprising” turn of events. The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first book since the Harry Potter series.
3. “If fashion is a reflection of the times, then music is the soundtrack.” - Anna Sui 4. “Depending on the club and the drug of choice, there were usually different style movements going on simultaneously.” - Patrick McMullan
FOOTNOTES No boys allowed… usually. Only four men have ever been on the cover of Vogue: Richard Gere in 1992, George Clooney in 2000, LeBron James in 2008, and Ryan Lochte in 2012.
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Michael Chabon is also a known Hollywood script doctor, writing a draft of Spider-Man 2’s screenplay for director Sam Raimi, as well as revising the script for Disney’s John Carter.
Antonio Lopez made for a pretty good modeling scout. He launched many successful models including Jessica Lange, Jerry Hall, Grace Jones, and Tina Chow.
Words by Rita Faire
INK
SCREEN TICKET
SCENES TO SEE
REMOTE CONTROL THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE Picking up where the British series left off; Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil celebrate the completion of their A-levels with a lost boy holiday to Greece that turns into a gagfor-gag disaster.
LIBERAL ARTS Josh Radnor takes a victory lap around Sundance with his sophomore term in the directorial chair. In the film, he plays thirtysomething Jesse who falls in love with 19-year old student Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen).
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER Written and directed by the novel’s author Stephen Chbosky, the film follows an introverted freshman (Logan Lerman) and the two seniors (Emma Watson and Ezra Miller) who take him under their wing.
BACHELORETTE Payback is a bitch in this Sundance select when three single, former mean girls (Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, and Lizzy Caplan) get asked to be bridesmaids by a girl they called Pig Face in high school.
Words by Rita Faire
KILLING THEM SOFTLY A professional point man (Brad Pitt) follows the scent of money as he sniffs out the rats who stole the mob’s millions in this Palme d’Or competitor at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
THE WE AND THE I Writer and directory Michel Gondry returns to the festival circuit with this film about how sharing a bus route on the last day of school changes the lives of a group of teens.
THE GOODWIN GAMES (FOX) From the creators of How I Met Your Mother comes a dysfunctional family comedy about a trio of estranged siblings whose lives intersect once more after the death of their father, who leaves behind his $23 million fortune to the winner of a customized game of Trivial Pursuit.
ELEMENTARY (CBS) Jonny Lee Miller (Dark Shadows) plays a junkieturned-consulting-detective in this new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. Keeping Sherlock on the straight and narrow is Lucy Liu, playing tough-as-nails sobriety companion Joan Watson. Together, they help New York’s finest solve law enforcement’s dizziest headscratchers.
THE CARRIE DIARIES (THE CW) Gossip Girl’s Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage stalk the Manolos back to the Empire State pavement with an adaptation of Candace Bushnell’s novel series of the same name. It follows a young Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb) as she goes through the motions of her last year of high school without her permanently attached gal pals.
PL AYBACK LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) A nice, simple love story that always puts a smile on my face.
by SERGIO OROSPE sergioorospe.tumblr.com HAPPY TOGETHER (1997) A really nice and realistic love story with beautiful images and an incredible soundtrack.
IRREVERSIBLE (2002) I think it’s brilliant the way it reminds us that you can’t turn time back. You will never change what is done.
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004) It’s breathtaking: the possibility to erase your memories and the fight of those memories to stay in your mind because they are the happiest of your life.
THE SHINING (1980) One of the best portraits of evil and human darkness. And of course, I really admire Kubrick.
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MUSIC TO HEAR
PL AYLIS T
THE WOMBATS Tord Øverland-Knudsen (bass/guitar/keyboard) thewombats.co.uk
LONSDALE BOYS CLUB Charlie Weaver (guitar/ vocals) lonsdaleboysclub.com
“Show Me” Team Me They supported us on our latest UK tour.
“We Got It Wrong” St. Lucia This NY-based band have epic, groovy, and really nice melodies.
“Fall In” Cloud Nothings Refreshing sound, making a nice difference to usually slick productions.
“Angry Candy” Autolux Love the grungy riffs and airy vocals going with it.
“Hold On” Alabama Shakes Their vibe is up my street!
“Up All Night” Mac Miller I’m a big fan and it’s a different vibe for him.
“The Recipe” Kendrick Lamar ft. Dr. Dre ‘Coz it’s Kendrick Lamar and Dre!
“Level Up” Sway ft. Kelsey Awesome rapper, great song. Check out our LBC jam with him on SBTV.
“The Sweetest Thing” Camera Obscura It gave me last song syndrome.
“I Didn’t See It Coming” Belle and Sebastian It’s a feel-good song.
“Blackbird” Sarah McLachlan I heard a couple of Beatles song covers. This is a beautiful rendition.
THE GENTLE ISOLATION Ness Urian (vocals/guitar) thegentleisolation.com
“The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead” Crash Test Dummies I try to copy the singer. Just for kicks.
ON THE RISE
great expectations I
t’s easy to expect great things from Bijoe Arias (lead vocals/guitar), Miel Arrojado (bass), Julian “Torc” Torquator (drums), and Pappu de Leon (guitar) of Filipino indie rock band
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IDIOMS AND DISPOSITIONS. After watching their little mosh pit jump and clap to “The Great Divide,” and then getting lost in “Faintlight Dreams,” which the band describe as “a song about
longing to know a special person,” we had to pine for their music, too. Beyond the melodic guitars like The Cure’s, pulsing beats like Two Door Cinema Club’s, and the consistent bassline like Weezer’s, the band showers sensitive, almost poetic lyrics (“I tripped on the stars, tell me has it begun?/ I followed the road, went through the setting sun”) to strike a tone that’s happy and easygoing. “Unfortunately, we have no specific plans to release an EP due to schoolwork, although we’re in the process of recording our original songs, which are sufficient enough for an EP,” says Bijoe. But 3:31 minutes of the addictive pop-ness that is “Faintlight Dreams” is enough to bring sunshine to your veins—assuming that’s possible.
facebook.com/ idiomsanddispositions
MUSIC NEWS
Downtown indie-flavored FYF Fest is happening at the Los Angeles State Historic Park on September 1 and 2, boasting Refused, M83, and Beirut as the festival’s headliners and artists like James Blake, Sleigh Bells, Twin Shadow, Nick Waterhouse, and Purity Ring as supporting acts. But the big news is a Quicksand reunion. They’re doing at least one more show, and it’s gonna be here. Just read the poster and we’re sure you’ll find something to get excited about. Fuck Yeah Festival, we’re so ready!
O Canada! That home and native land shall honor, celebrate, and reward homegrown recorded music through the Polaris Awards this month. It’s gonna be a tight fight between Leonard Cohen’s Old Ideas, Drake’s Take Care, Feist’s Metals, Japandroids’ Celebration Rock, Grimes’ Visions, and The Weeknd’s Echoes of Silence, among others. With a prize as big as $30,000, we can only guess what the winner’s gonna do with the moolah. Serve the country? We’ll see. ‘Til September 24 at the Polaris gala, we stand on guard for the Canadian Album of the Year award.
The obsession with breaking Guinness World Records (think Flaming Lips and Jack White) resumes on September 5 as metal veterans the Melvins attempt to set the World Record for the Fastest Tour Ever of the United States. Probably their way to celebrate their 21st studio album, Freak Puke? Hitting every state in the USA, their 51-date tour will end in Honolulu. Let the games begin.
Words by Reena Mesias Idioms and Dispositions photo by Dean Bleza, Ness Urian photo by Patrick Diokno, Charlie Weaver photo by Amit and Naroop
BEATS
TEC H PACK
MILE HIGH CLUB
Pop the champagne and live the life of first class travel with gadgets that won’t let you down when you’re on the go.
MONSTER DIAMOND TEARS EDGE • Developed in collaboration with Korean pop mogul J.Y. Park • Features a foldable design and detachable cable for easy storage and travel • Comes in a John Lewis display case • Equipped with noise isolation technology for crisp audio clarity
FUJI FINEPIX XP150 • Rugged design outdoor camera with antislip rubber grips and reinforced lens protection • Submersible up to 10m underwater • Shock protection ensures device’s working condition up to a 2-meter drop • Sealed against dust and sand • Works in temperatures down to -10°C
SRP: P11,730
SRP: P11,750
SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-TX20 • 16.2 megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom and 8x digital zoom. • Features a capacitive 3-inch live view touchscreen • Equipped with micro USB and mini HDMI interface ports • Water-resistant up to 16 feet underwater.
MICROSOFT SURFACE
SRP: P12,480
• Tablet PC powered by Windows RT (for Surface) or Windows 8 Pro (for Surface Pro) • Comes with an integrated Kickstand and detachable 3mm thin Touch Cover that functions as a trackpad and keyboard • Capable of auto-adjusting screen intensity that adapts to surrounding light as needed • Features a VaporMg molded magnesium casing for a durable finish SRP: TBA
DOWNLOADS LEKIOSK By LeKiosque.fr SAS
SONG POP By FreshPlanet Inc.
PHOSTER By Bucket Labs
This simulated newsstand gives digital magazine browsing an old-world charm by simulating a newspaper store with titles from leading publications.
An interactive music recognition quiz that sends competitor challenges from players all over the globe.
A photo-editing application that transforms camera or stock photos into motivational posters with typography and downloadable effects.
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FAC E PA IN T BOBBI BROWN Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Bali Brown P1,505
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Foundation in Ivory P1,720
PHILOSOPHY The Color of Grace Go With Grace Heavenly Pink Face Brush P386
CLARINS Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Nude Shimmer P989
OH MY POSH!
JIMMY CHOO Eau de Parfum P1,634
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Volupté Perle Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 in Impetuous Beige P1,678
TOO FACED La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in Naughty Nude P1,032
MAC Reel Sexy Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade P1,247
BENEFIT Brow Zings Brow Shaping Kit P1,118
NARS Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Pink Cantaloupe P1,032 BOBBI BROWN Eye Shadow in Bone P1,375
MAC Très Cheek Powder Blush in Immortal Flower P1,548
ARTDECO Mineral Fluid Foundation in Light Ivory P2,160
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PHILOSOPHY The Supernatural Superglossy in Do What Comes Naturally P688
Model photo by Fernando Colon
TOO FACED Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Pressed Powder P988
TOO FACED Size Queen Mascara P731
ESSIE Nail Polish in Allure P269
Be picture-perfect with a fresh and polished face.
AB O U T FACE Expert Advice
Create your own honey scrub at home with honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and sugar.
CRÈME PUFF
Refresh and rejuvenate the area around your eyes by patting on BURT’S BEES® BEESWAX & ROYAL JELLY EYE CRÈME twice a day. P624
SWEET LIPS
LUSH HONEY TRAP LIP BALM smoothens lips. The flavorful combination of honey, orange, peppermint, and white chocolate makes it very kissable. Ain’t that delicious? P291
STING LIKE A BEE
LAY BARE
Keep facial hair at bay with SALLY HANSEN NATURALLY BARE HONEY WAX HAIR REMOVER FOR FACE. These disposable wax strips are easy to use. Simply whip one out, place over desired area, and pull. P332
Bees can sting, but their honey is nature’s all-around beauty regimen.
MINE SWEEPER
Sweep away dead skin with EARTH THERAPEUTICS OATMEAL & HONEY LOOFAH SCRUB. With a hint of fruit and spice, it soothes the senses and calms the skin while leaving it smooth and clear. P475
SPRAY IT DON’T SAY IT
Spritz back the moisture in your face with NATUROPATHICA LAVENDER HONEY BALANCING MIST. It tones and hydrates skin, leaving it fresher with just one spray. P1,204
HONEY SOUFFLÉ
Count on KORRES THYME HONEY 24-HOUR MOISTURIZING CREAM to lock in the moisture. Its key ingredient, Thyme Honey, attracts and absorbs water, keeping skin hydrated ‘round the clock. P1,505
b ea u t y b i t e Words by Zoe Laurente and Dani Rodriguez Model photo by Fernando Colon
Naughty Nohti
G
o bad with a capital B for beauty, care of NAUGHTY NOHTI. Located amid busy streets in the metro, this beauty hub offers sinful treats to the nicest of girls. Its modest space, lined with snug couches, keeps you nestled while you sample services ranging from basic nail care to nail art, eyebrow waxing, and lash extensions. If you’re feeling the lazy bug biting, just pick up your
phone and dial up Naughty Nohti hotline. It offers home services as well as group spa party packages perfect for those stay-in nights and slumber parties. With offers like these, even the naughtiest girls get the most angelic of beauty treatments. 2nd floor, Green Podium Unit 210, One Archers Place, Taft Ave. Malate, Manila
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GO S E E Locked and loaded with a sundry wardrobe, these sartorial soldiers march with hearts ready to take a bullet for sass and style. Cock it and pull it.
Knitted Cardigan Leopard Blazer
Canvas Backpack
Waxed Denim
Chunky Scarf
Camo Pants
Knitted Shoes
Fitted Cap
Pastel Parka
Black Beanie
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Bowler Hat
Sheer Top Floral Button-down
Fur Scarf
Photographed by Fernando Colon, Rosario Herrera, Toch Barreiro, Steffi Santiago, and Joaquin Gregorio
Man Tote
Red Socks Rope Necklace
Khaki Pants Bubble Vest Leather Jacket Red Pants
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S T YLE I D
MUSTARD MADNESS This season, opt for mustardcolored everything! Treat your eyes with this delicious fashion feast. By JP Singson
Stylist Elisa Nalin does colorblocking with her yellow sunnies, yellow clutch, and yellow stilettos.
A pop of mustard is a great way to liven up a neutral ensemble.
This girl pairs her yellow blouse with an Aztec print maxi skirt.
Charlotte accessorizes her printed jumper with matching yellow belt and yellow pumps.
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Editor-at-large of Vogue Japan, Anna Dello Russo, looks more like a rockstar donning a yellow fur coat.
Aquamarine looks great with yellow accents.
jponfashionspeed.com
Yuya Ito wears unexpected yellow slim-cut trousers.
B RIC K AND M O R TAR
APRIL77, PARIS 7-9 rue de Charonne – 75011 Paris, France april77.fr Price range: €85-€225 (P4,300-P13,100) Don’t leave without: April77’s latest collaboration with Noise creations including a psychedelic T-shirt and kraft bag here’s the Eiffel Tower, there’s the Louvre, and there’s April77. The flagship store’s neon blue lights welcome shoppers from all over the world with beautiful clothing. Its vast space, all geometry and a fluorescent ceiling, takes you to a world of minimalist pleasure. The store’s laid-back vibe matches rows and rows of colored jeans that are folded neatly and displayed in a corner, plus denim jackets, flight jackets, and various special edition collaborations assembled on metal hangers. Try on a marbleprinted button-down or a pair of brand new denim jeans in April77’s spacious dressing room. Rumor has it, it’s big enough for you to dance in—which is A-okay, since the store also sells vinyl and CDs from the likes of King Dude and Herman Dune. So, enjoy the sights, take them all in, and don’t forget to shop. Whatever you do, it’s always a good thing to indulge when in Paris.
T
MAKIN JAN MA, London MJM Studio, 17A Kingsland Road, Shoreditch London, E2 8AA E makinjanma.com Dime to drop: £40-£350 (P2,711–P23,730) Don’t leave the without: The MJM space-print shirt
M
Words by Loris Peña, Belle Rodolfo, and Victor Loong
AKIN JAN MA’s concept begins right at its doorstep with red floors and an entryway set in grey stone embellished with geometric shapes, giving an illusion of moon craters. But this Rocky Horror Picture Show vibe contrasts the minimalist bricked and white-walled studio replete with multi-edged fixtures found in shelves, tables, and hangers. You won’t miss the burst of color in the corner with the store’s Guts Olo collection that’s rife with neon pink against black and lavender. Other collections like Jody Sky, Dee Snow, and Alice Wild are filled with menswear and womenswear apparel teeming with bold prints and day-glo splendor. Piquing your interest by always being unique, MJM lives true to its belief: “Dream bigger, live harder, love deeper.”
LADY IN RED
L
ADY IN RED ends your struggle of going through rack after rack for the perfect dress. With brands like Blesse’d Are the Meek, Kuku, Honey and Beau, Toi et Moi, and Seduce, the boutique serves playful separates and a selection of minis, maxis, as well as little black and red dresses for flawless everyday frocks and slinky after-dark numbers. Command attention in any room you walk into; no one will forget the Lady in Red.
ladyinred.com.au
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blouse by Chanel pants by Stolen Girlfriends Club pumps by Biba cuff, stylist’s own
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Wake up with a view from the top and a closet full of pinstriped trousers, pleated skirts, and sheer dresses. Mimosas and macarons are served with bustiers and breakfast. Keep the caviar stains away from the polka dots. From this high up, there’s no looking down. Photographed by Alex Doucet Styled by Ashley Abtahie
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vintage fringe jacket, stylist’s own socks by Sparkle & Fade vintage oxford flats, stylist’s own
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dress by Sonia Rykiel hat and bangle, stylist’s own
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blouse by Anne Klein polka dot pants, stylist’s own
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Photo assistant RubÊn Pascual Assistant stylist Brandon Giordano Makeup Yuki Hayashi Hair Takayoshi Tsukisawa model Pam Jones of VNY Model Management pants by Romeo Gigli from Amarcord sports bra by Urban Outfitters cufflink bangle, stylist’s own
EAST OF EDEN Blessed be are those in leather pants, sequined shorts, sheer blazers, and black boots. Holy thy be in a gold halo and leather cuffs. There’s no forgiving a fashion sinner in times like these. Photographed by Rxandy Capinpin Styled by Red Mil
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distressed single sleeve suit jacket by Reequi Castillo black sheer hoodie by Tomato Green black sweatpants with tuck detail by Mundo black army boots, stylist’s own gold halo by Gabriel Fontillas
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white suit jacket by Gerry Katigbak white polo with studded collar by Mundo gold halo by Gabriel Fontillas
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grey suit jacket by Zxander Tan white graphic T-shirt by DU Manille blue sequined shorts by Melville Sy gold halo from Gabriel Fontillas
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zebra print suit jacket with leather cuffs by Chariz Pastor leatherette pants by Jill De Leon black boots with gold embellishment by Gabriel Fontillas gold halo from Gabriel Fontillas
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Grooming Hanna Pechon of Shu Uemura Assistant Stylist Alex Gutierrez de Pando Model Freddie Abrahams of Elite Manila Location Laiya, Batangas sheer pi単a fiber suit jacket and polo by Gerry Katigbak white pants with zipper pocket detail by Shanon Pamaong gold halo from Gabriel Fontillas
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Through the golden doors lies a kingdom of green where you can escape the cold fall. Stay warm in glittering sequins and fur while you sample leather and lace in black and white as if sipping a Russian drink. Photographed by Cholo Dela Vega Styled by Loris Pe単a
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dress by Eric Delos Santos
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dress by Raoul Ramirez wool coat by Raoul Ramirez
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sequined jacket by Eric Delos Santos sequined pants by Avel Bacudio
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leather dress by Eric Delos Santos
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vest by Xernan Orticio skirt by Dimple Lim
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dress by Joel Escober
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Hair and Make up Tinette Herrera Assistant Stylist Zoe Laurente Model Alena of Elite Modeling Agency top by Raoul Ramirez pants by Chris Diaz shoes by Avel Bacudio
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SWAG FALL/WINTER 2012
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Nix the chiffon and don the leather, we’re moving into the “brrr” months. Warm up with autumn’s colors and textured cardigans, piqué shirts, cargo coats, and lumberjack boots. Get dressy for the holidays in lacy frocks and shiny numbers. Fall/Winter is coming. Runway photos by Fernando Colon Product photos by Miguel Miranda statusmagonline.com - 63
dainty miss Dorothy Perkins [P2,245]
NANETTE LEPORE
Topshop [P3,695]
HONOR
Dorothy Perkins [P3,595]
MICHAEL KORS
LACE
Accessorize [P1,900]
Steve by Steve Madden [P5,250]
Forever 21 [P305] Zara [P2,590]
Forever 21 [P1,025]
Dorothy Perkins [P2,245]
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Call It Spring [P2,195]
L E AT H E R
Folded & Hung [P145]
Topshop [P4.395]
Forever 21 [P1,535]
MICHAEL KORS
MICHAEL KORS
VIVIENNE TAM
Oxygen [P1,399]
second skin
Zoe Laurente [P2,500]
Steve Madden [P3,450]
Penshoppe [P689]
Topshop [P2,395] Accessorize [P2,800] Forever 21 [P1,700]
Folded & Hung [P476]
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TA N G E R I N E
citrus fresh Zara [P4,990]
NANETTE LEPORE
Aldo [P655]
VIVIENNE TAM
RACHEL ROY
Penshoppe [P599]
SinĂŠquanone [P2,950]
Oxygen [TBA]
Folded & Hung [P375]
Aldo [P2,095]
Aldo [P3,795]
Forever 21 [P1,025]
Call It Spring [P2,695]
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Oxygen [TBA]
GLITTERED
Topshop [P1.295]
Topshop [P6,395]
soirĂŠe sparkle MICHAEL KORS
Zara [P7,590]
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
HERVE LEGER
Call It Spring [P1,595]
Dorothy Perkins [P1,445]
Forever 21 [P560]
Forever 21 [P1,175]
Topshop [P4,695]
Steve Madden [P6,650]
Zara [P3,990]
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U T I L I TA R I A N
Penshoppe [P279]
H.E. by Mango [P1,750]
Zara [P5,990]
Haurex [P11,000]
Oxygen [P1,199]
TOMMY HILFIGER
Call It Spring [P5,995]
RICHARD CHAI
MARC BY MARC JACOBS
H.E. by Mango [P3,250]
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Topman [5,995]
Fred Perry [P4,599]
Aldo [P895]
TEXTURE
21 Men [P505]
21 Men [P1,115] Topman [P1,095]
Zara [P5,990]
knit picking
Zara [P5,990]
Topman [P1,995]
MARC BY MARC JACOBS
Steve Madden [P6,650]
Topman [P3,345]
MICHAEL KORS
MICHAEL KORS
Lacoste [P21,150]
Haurex [P11,000]
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RED
campus crimson
Penshoppe [P279]
Aldo [P895] Springfield [P6,450]
Topman [P2,545] Vans [P2,998] Aldo [P895]
Springfield [P2,950]
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Fred Perry [P4,098]
MICHAEL KORS
MARC BY MARC JACOBS
21 Men [P330]
Zara [P3,790]
Folded & Hung [P165]
STRIPES
21 Men [P330]
MARC BY MARC JACOBS
Penshoppe [1,499]
line up
RICHARD CHAI
RICHARD CHAI
21 Men [P615]
Penshoppe [P899]
Lacoste [P13,590]
Topman [1,445]
21 Men [1,225]
21 Men [P615]
Nixon [P8,550] 21 Men [P1,375]
Oxygen [TBA]
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M U S E
A I S S U R D O O BL E H T O T D A E H Willowy-limbed SOFYA TITOVA booked Prada as a virtual unknown. Now, she’s graced L’Officiel, Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar UK, Russian Elle, the list goes on. Despite ice blue eyes, this cold player’s sweet smile is what makes us shiver. By Giano D. Dionisio Photos courtesy of GRACE Models
S
he moves elegantly, as expected, but it’s her words that charm the most. Oh, and that lovely accent. The Saint Petersburg native shares, “When I’m going for a shoot or a show, I wonder what will be the main idea of the shooting, what will be the makeup, place of work, people that I will meet, and of course the result!” Sofya’s excitement for experience has made her a darling subject for photographers like Ben Toms and Ben Weller as well as designers like Jeremy Scott. La la la, this princess is ready for a life in technicolor fashion.
THE SCIENTIST
Fashion is more than just beautiful things; it’s more like a science that is changing every day and dictating the rules.
MYLO XYLOTO
English, VISAs, and communication skills; they are very important… [To make a connection,] I try to catch and understand the energy and thoughts of a photographer.
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FIX YOU
I understand that every single garment is created with love, meaning, and hardwork. While I’m working, I want to breathe life into the designer’s creations.
VIVA LA VOGUE
Style inspires many people to [act in] new ways. They feel a connection between their style and their personality.
MOTTO-MATIC
Three of Sofya’s favorite quotes: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” Confucius “Don’t stop till you get enough.” Michael Jackson “Handsome is as handsome does.”
grace-models.com
M A E S T R O
For those who say PASSION PIT’s Gossamer isn’t as exceptional as Manners, screw you. “Manners is a decent album, but Gossamer is obviously the product of hard, meticulous work, and it paid off,” says frontman Michael Angelakos who knows enough not to care. “People would, at first, like it, but then end up absolutely loving it.” He doesn’t need to squeal about how good it is—we hear him loud and clear.
"I've never written a
By Reena Mesias Photographed by Jason Nocito
W
hatever you think Michael Angelakos (vocals/keyboards) of Passion Pit is, that’s exactly what he’s not. One minute, he—backed up by Ian Hultquist (keyboards/ guitar), Xander Singh (synthesizer/ samples), Jeff Apruzzese (bass/synth bass), and Nate Donmoyer (drums)—is poised to be the new hero of every indie-pop trickster, and the next, he’s a simple guy, enjoying his Northwestern or Canadian B.C. oysters. “They drive me crazy,” Michael says. “I don’t drink anymore, but I would also say champagne makes me ridiculously happy. [Put] the two together, and I’m a happy kid. However, oysters alone will do.” Like champagne, Passion Pit’s music is optimistically giddying at best. Once, I drove with my mom while listening to “Sleepyhead.” During the intro, hand claps, glittery synths, and what sounds like some flourished Oriental opera, Mom asked, “Why are you listening to Chinese music?” I could only crack up. Regardless of how Passion Pit’s music is interpreted, it’s bound to do one thing: make me happy to the point where I want to cry. “Passion Pit was sort of a mistake; it was one of many projects I had going,” Michael admits how everything was a total fluke. “People seemed to enjoy it so I kept going for it. The industry just devalues the original intention. I just wanted to write songs and get my friends to dance. Once upon a time, Passion Pit was solely for fun.”
While I think every Passion Pit song is perfect, Michael doesn’t. “I’ve never written a perfect song, and I hope I don’t for a while.” He continues, “A perfect song can be one that, while executing the typical pop formula, somehow remains both radical and formulaic while piercing through the blandness of pop culture—in other words, a song that’s not magnificently written and produced; it also works as a catalyst in the world of musical trends.” Although he takes full advantage of his artistic liberty by embellishing and exaggerating emotional and aural resonance, his songs are more autobiographical than expected. In Gossamer, you hear Michael, not just singing clearer this time (where you can actually make out his words), but telling you about the last two years of his life, which you can relate to, learn from, or just enjoy. While they’re mirrored in radiant layers of crisp snares, warm synths, and pounding drums, his lyrics are pretty much on point. “I chose to be direct because it felt right,” Michael says. “I’ve always been personal with my lyrics. It’s my candor that’s different with Gossamer. It’s the vantage point, the characters, the way situations are described that make it so much different from Manners.” It’s a psychedelic journey about love, sadness, moving forward, and forgetting (“Sylvia/ Right back where you came from you’re a
perfect song, and I hope I don't for a while." pendulum/Heartbroken and numb” or “Love is just greed/It’s almost taking me/And now I can see… It’s selfish and mean”). Imagine walking through a Tennessee Williams adaptation or Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?—which Michael says makes sense upon making Gossamer. “I wanted to bring a more visually stunning theatre into music somehow,” he says. The songs go on and off, quiet and loud, wrench hearts and haunt souls, and are borne from experimentation. “I learned that experimentation does yield very useful sounds later on down the line, so save everything you do. Scrap nothing.” At the end of the day, it comes down to how the listener manages expectations. Michael doesn’t aim to please. He only hopes people make clearer connections with Gossamer on an emotional level like it did him. He says, “I hope they appreciate the insanity of it musically. It’s pretty complex and fun to listen to. You’ll hear new things with each listen—I do,” says Michael. Like a wave of passion in a bottomless pit, I’m getting woozy with this feel-good indietronica. I don’t know what Mom will hear when I blast it in the car, but if she got the heart for things shiny and happy, she’ll get it.
passionpitmusic.com
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maestro
GRIZZLY BEAR vocalist Daniel Rossen’s solo EP Silent Hour/ Golden Mile was an appetizer. Now, get ready for the main course. Much like the single, “Sleeping Ute,” the rest of Shields douses your palette in psychedelic riffs and hazy folk-filled winding strings and intricate percussions.
Aero dynamics There’s no stopping THE AIRPLANE BOYS as they launch their unique brand of hip-hop into orbit, fueled by songs with turbo thump and Sky Captain suave. Hop aboard, rack up some frequent flier points, and experience first class musical flight. By Giano D. Dionisio Photographed by Justin Create of Beau Monde
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ur identity is everything,” says Beck Motley (Mannie Serranilla). Yes, he’s Filipino. But more than that, he’s Toronto through and through, having grown up exposed to diverse cultures and their accompanying sounds, styles, and stories. His best friend and partner-inrhyme Bon Voyage (Jason Drakes) agrees. Besides being the Airplane Boys, the two are also part of artist collective Beau Monde, dedicated to a lifestyle of multicultural, multiplatform, multimedia creativity and inspiration. Oh, and identity. “We express what we want to express,” continues Beck. “We’re storytellers first and foremost. When you watch a movie, the relationship [happens between] both the soundtrack and the visuals. We’re trying to make a great movie.”
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They appear to be living out their lives in a movie as well. Who wouldn’t be jealous when their music videos show us vampires, cliffhangers, and a Delorean to boot? Despite over a decade of best friendship, the Airplane Boys still keep their identities separate. Though they both rock Docs and curly locks, they couldn’t be more different, which is probably why they work so well together: versatility in verse matched with a look that’s hipper than hop. Both of the Airplane Boys’ free mixtapes (Where’ve You Been and Alignment) have been praised. They’ve scored opening gigs for Big Sean, J. Cole, and Snoop Dogg. They’ve played at Coachella, worked with the Weeknd producer Illangelo and Mad Decent’s DJA, collaborated with Adidas, all while stylin’ in some Ksubis, Rick Owens, Julius, and more. Aurally, they pick up pieces from 808s & Heartbreak, borrow cues from Cudi crunk, crank up dubstep reverb, and add a little cheese in their lyrics. At this altitude, the extra flavor oozes with gooey goodness. Paired with their fashion (a mixture of custom and designer clothing), the Boys are vanguards of a new wave of carefully integrated image and sound. “All of our emotions go hand in hand with the way we present ourselves,” they assure.
With all this talk about identity and self-expression, it’s clear that their music is integral to their lifestyles, and their personas are not manufactured. The name Airplane Boys, for example, relates to their fathers (one was a pilot, the other an engineer). They’re as real as ever whether onstage or off. Beck could wear a boiled leather jacket and drop-crotch trousers to walk his Doberman or do the groceries; it’s just part of who he is. A tour of his pad reveals a bedroom “inspired by Tim Burton and Stanley Kubrick,” evidenced by A Clockwork Orange and Edward Scissorhands posters. There’s Pink Floyd, Beatles, and Banksy memorabilia, too. Meanwhile, Bon Voyage tells me about Coachella, and how “Being there was one thing, but then being in the same vicinity as our childhood inspirations was another.” What about being in the same vicinity as each other since prepuberty? “We haven’t really fought over something that we can recall,” they confer. To them, it’s always been a dialogue of ideas, interests, and imagination. The Airplane Boys are soul-bros, and we’re glad they met. From starting out in jazz clubs and festivals, the Boys are now soaring toward new horizons. Both agree that they don’t fight with each other, “But in terms of fighting for something, we do that everyday. We’re fighting for this music; we’re fighting for this dream.”
theairplaneboys.com
Everyone who’s Broke with Expensive Taste can live vicariously through AZEALIA BANKS and her rocket-fueled rise to fame. Girl has been grinding and going everywhere even after declaring that she isn’t a rapper; Azealia’s a vocalist with enough flow and fight to ruin all of you.
LongLiveA$AP, and long may his reign last. A$AP ROCKY may be the “Brand New Guy” in town, but you’ve known his name long before this debut mixtape even dropped. Ears “Get Lit” as A$AP spreads his charisma, dropping beats with the A$AP Mob, along with guest appearances by ScHoolBoy Q and Fat Tony.
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB have U2 producer Jacknife Lee light their Beacon this month. “The World is Watching” to see how the partnership will turn out. ‘Til then, we’ll “Sleep Alone” and dream of the music to come.
so here we are
Three years ago, BLOC PARTY got torn apart. It led to many torn hearts. So why would they want to do it all again? Drummer Matt Tong talks about uncertainty and how to turn tragedy into triumph. By Reena Mesias Photographed by Marley Kate
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t started with one song. Kele Okereke (vocals/guitar), Russell Lissack (guitar), Gordon Moakes (bass), and Matt Tong (drums) of Bloc Party gave Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos and a BBC Radio 1 DJ a copy of “She’s Hearing Voices.” That one song birthed four albums, two remix albums, and millions of happy indieloving people. “There have been many high points,” recalls Matt of the band’s journey while downing a cup of tea at home. “I look back to the first time we were played on UK’s national radio, being so excited and so optimistic about the future, and finally allowing myself to believe that it could happen for us.” They started playing, headlining at festivals, and “seeing so many people like what [they] do.” Matt says, “It was pretty magical.”
Year 2008 came; I still listened to Silent Alarm, A Weekend in the City, and Intimacy. So many memories are drawn from their music. Then the band broke up. Kele even admitted once that they “might never make a record again.” Ironically, it was during that time they came up with their single, “One More Chance.” Now reformed and reenergized, the band releases Four, their most “diversesounding record.” Was leaving a trace of your old style crucial in the making of Four? We’ve always definitely tried to do something different with each record. If anything, we need to keep it interesting for ourselves. I think one of the reasons we all got together was so we could learn something about ourselves as musicians, and I think that always
continues with the band. This time around, we stripped away with the production, with all kinds of studio trickery. I think that kind of put us out of our comfort [zone].
bit more sensitive to listening. I feel like, in the past, we’ve often kind of overcompensated for our insecurities by just playing way too much stuff, overloading each song with ideas.
How did you think the hiatus help create a new sound? I don’t think Four would’ve been possible had we not taken a break. If you’ve been in that kind of cycle and lifestyle for seven years, well, it just felt like a good time to pause and reflect. Kele said the solo project helped to find his voice outside of the band… it gave him additional confidence in his own ability to communicate ideas with other musicians, and he wanted to bring it back to Bloc Party. It helped us appreciate everything we achieved up to the point when we stopped playing for a bit. We are just a lot more aware of our roles and what each of us brings to the band; and with that kind of confidence in one’s ability, it’s a lot easier to make music that makes us a
As a frequently publicized band, what have people gotten wrong about you? [Laughs] One thing we’ve gotten so much was how big of an influence Gang of Four was in our music. I don’t think that’s true. Some of our songs take rhythmic cues from music in that era, but we always thought we were a bit more musical. There’s a part in the album teaser that showed the lyrics, “Pain is hopeful. Pain is holy. Pain is healthy.” That song is “Coliseum”—a song of two halves. It begins with a very bluesy, slow riff; it’s unlike anything we’ve done before. Halfway through, it switches dramatically; it becomes probably one of the heaviest, most frenetic, most crazy songs we’ve ever done. It feels like a journey. It feels like
MAESTRO
“…we’ve overcompensated for our insecurities by playing way too much stuff.” it’s much longer ‘coz so much happens in that song. As for the lyrics, I think that pain is Kele showing he’s confident that it could be a real positive force, to motivate yourself. It’s acknowledging that we all carry something inside of us that makes us sad and unhappy about the world… but that can lead to positive things. Is it safe to say that you guys are sticking for good? There’s no telling what’s gonna happen. The whole point of doing Four was so we could reclaim the band for ourselves and feel a bit more positive about the whole thing. At the end of the day, we’ve given so much. It’s been a dream come true. We’re very flexible and openminded about the future.
blocparty.com
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THE SICKEST KIDS
“When you’re on the road, your hygiene sort of goes out the window,” bassist Árni Hjörvar of THE VACCINES laughs. “Most of the time the band spend together is relatively dirty.” Take a shot of their sophomore album, Come of Age, which goes down the same way: dirty, rough, and mean—just how any young misfit would opt for. By Reena Mesias Photographed by Leon Diaper
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f there’s anything The Vaccines’ music could cure, what would it be?” I ask bassist Árni Hjörvar. “Boredom,” he answers. In your face, Liam Gallagher—yes, the Oasis frontman who once called the band “boring” (but that’s when you know you’ve finally made it big, right? When you’ve acquired a few “haters”). Justin Young (vocals/guitar), Freddie Cowan (guitar), Pete Robertson (drums), and Árni are confident that their music, particularly Come of Age, wins with prescriptions. “I think the name Come of Age is more of a joke than anything else,” Árni expounds. “We’re not talking about the band coming of age. We don’t feel like the band have reached the mature point… It was sort of like a bubblegum reference to the 60s records, like, ‘Here comes the…’ It felt like a bubblegum thing to do. We found it very funny.” So stop overanalyzing. Sure, Come of Age has “more space,” “more organic growth,” “more intimacy,” and is “not as linear” as the debut; and if you listen to the lyrics and the ferocious guitars and drums, you could maybe get cardiac arrest, but the band ain’t bragging about their music taking a turn to adolescence. They are, in fact, far from kicking youth to
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the curb, and they’re just taking music as it is—entertainment. “I think most of the songs had similar concepts lyrically,” Árni says. “It’s about being a bit disillusioned in your 20s. It’s a bizarre time when you realize that you’re supposed to have—in the eyes of your parents and the people around you—reached a point where you should know what you’re doing. We’re all sort of too young-at-heart to actually think so. We all just sorta wanna keep being young, really.” Fair enough, the surest measure of the band’s maturity doesn’t depend on album sales or how Árni dresses. Mature is a strong word, but undoubtedly, the band have grown, thanks to “spending every waking hour together and almost every night onstage or in the studio.” Árni adds, “Our friendship becomes a gang all of a sudden. It’s just like sort of you-against-theworld, really. And it feels like that right now… that The Vaccines are a real gang, and they know each other really well. I think we’re a lot better now than two years ago. And we’ll probably just keep getting better if anything.” All of them are in it for the long haul and Árni wants the fans to be in it for long, too. “I hope our fans will emotionally invest in this record,” he explains. “I hope Come of Age will have the effect where there’s a certain amount of people who will genuinely love it, and
a certain amount of people who will hate it. I don’t want it to fall flat. I want stated opinions. I want people to have strong feelings about it.” Strong feelings can beget even stronger music from The Vaccines. Warning: it’s therapeutic, but it’s a killer too.
thevaccines.co.uk
DOUBLE VISION
Árni completes the thought of the band’s song titles. There is “No Hope” for democracy.
When I’m in a “Bad Mood,” I cook. Touring makes me a “Weirdo.”
Justin Young is my “Teenage Icon.”
MAESTRO
OBSESSION DU JOUR
With a purpose of entertaining friends at house parties, Ricky Reed of WALLPAPER. has successfully embossed a mark on the musical landscape that blends just as it stands out.
We were “Swept Away” by indiepop trio THE XX’s attempts to Coexist with the club music scene they collectively missed out on. Frontman Jamie Smith says, “We left when we were 17, and we missed out on that chunk of our lives when everyone else was partying.” Now that’s a Peter Pan syndrome we can get down with.
By Rolly Ibañez
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t’s impossible to encapsulate Wallpaper. in one word. This musical cluster—comprised of Eric Frederic aka Ricky Reed (lead vocals), Arjun Singh (drums), and Novena Carmen (vocals)—is full of beans and never restrained to one single genre. From dance clubs to dirty house parties, it’s safe to say that Wallpaper.’s vitality should not be questioned. That even appears in frontman Ricky Reed’s choice of wardrobe. “I’m in cheetah print mesh shorts and a hoodie with a CG tropical beach printed on it,” Ricky unveils.
His signature flair in music—think Space Cowboy or Dangerous Muse—is deeply rooted in his home. “Well, I think most folks from the Bay understand that since we aren’t in NYC or LA, we take a few extra steps to stand out. Plus, there’s so much cultural diversity and musical history of everything from Sly & The Family Stone to E-40. It’s a special place,” Ricky says. While the group has set its sights on blurring the lines of every musical barrier with their debut album this September, it’s not a complete shocker to know that everyone is their ideal
audience. “We have such random folks as fans, it’s so dope!” Ricky shares. He describes the Wallpaper. target consumer, “The boy/girl has a Mohawk/weave/ curly hair, wears Supreme/Old Navy/Hot Topic/Topshop, and works at the mall/the corner store/the bank/is the president of the USA.”
thisiswallpaper.com
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG The guys of Filipino alt-rock outfit SHE’S ONLY SIXTEEN aren’t 16, but drummer King Puentespina says, “We’re old enough to know that we’re young and stupid.” Smart has the brains, stupid has the balls, right? This foursome shouldn’t be taken lightly.
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part from the prom season drama, an addiction to McDonald’s (ergo, weight issues), and an increase in house tissue consumption, She’s Only Sixteen’s guitarist Andrew Panopio says, “I think we all were in pop-punk bands when we were 16.” Now that they’re older and wiser, the cock-rock bullshit days are over. Welcome the Brit rock invasion. “It was a long change of lineups that led to whatever we permanently are now,” recalls vocalist/guitarist Roberto Seña. The only original member, bassist Anjo Silvoza, adds, “I was here when we went through
By Reena Mesias Photographed by Patrick Velasco
the hip-hop and pop-punk phases… We’re all basically just a bunch of kids having a good time— nothing more complicated than that.” Their idea of a good time outside gigs? Watch movies (which King rightfully calls #kingfilmsbonanza), look for cheap places to eat, and eat donuts. “We have a way of eating a Bavarian-filled donut. You have to eat around the donut first, avoiding the cream. Once you get to the middle, chomp it down!” King says. Noted. Currently, they are
focusing on producing their debut album. Roberto says, “Creatively, we’ll keep making things that come out of our asses and whatever makes our head bounce.” People may keep comparing them to the Arctic Monkeys and the Strokes (“We get that a lot, altogether we sound really different without really trying”), but Roberto says, “Looks-wise, we really just try to look like we’re not in a band.” No problemo. Just as long as they keep sounding like one.
facebook.com/shesonlysixteen
YOKOKIMTHURSTON may be a mouthful, but that’s exactly what to look for in YOKO ONO, THURSTON MOORE, and KIM GORDON’s new album. The three are used to “Running the Risk” when it comes to music, but if their performance of “Mulberry” at the Orpheum Theater proved anything, it’s that they’re not afraid to make what Yoko calls “ideal noise music.”
“Whispers in the Dark” breathes new life to doom folk band MUMFORD & SONS as their latest album, Babel, brims with life that came from the band’s renewed love for recording.
Reportedly the lovechild of her breakup with boyfriend Giovanni Ribisi, lo-fi blues rocker CAT POWER used the healing power of catchy piano hooks (and a short haircut) to step out of “Ruin” and back into the Sun.
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M A S T E R M I N D
DOUBLE JEOPARDY Eyewear designers and twins COCO AND BREEZY spill why it’s great being each other’s design doppelgänger. By Victoria Herrera Photographed by Zeko Eon
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urging on the fashion radar are eyewear designers Corianna and Brianna Dotson aka Coco and Breezy. It’s a mix of hustle and heart that have blown these Minnesota natives into New York City, quickly gaining an underground following among the city’s trendsetters. “Imagine twins with a unique style living in the surburbs of Minnesota. People used to stare, laugh, and make fun of our style,” says Breezy. “We put our love for sunglasses, creativity, and our want to block people from staring at us together, and that is how we were inspired to creative eyewear.” After a trip to NYC for their 19th birthday, onlookers were quick to notice their personally designed frames. “We mentally decided we wanted to go home, quit our jobs, and sell our car to move to NYC to start a business,” says Coco. Known for their edgy and detailed designs, their sunglasses have already graced the faces of Kelly Osbourne, Serena Williams, and Nicki Minaj. Adidas also tapped the duo for a collaboration for their Originals White Space Project this year. But it’s not just fashion these girls have an eye for—they have also explored video directing, with their
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short fashion film for Selita Ebanks’ swimwear line, Sass. With such drive and ambition, these girls are set for the test of time. How did this love for eyewear and accessories come about? Breezy: My sister and I have always been creative. As kids, we would redesign all of our outfits, design our own accessories, and even sew our own outfits. Coco: The love for designing and fashion has always been there. The significance of eyewear started from our love for wearing sunglasses. What inspires you right now? B: We are inspired by Egyptian art and gods, gold to represent royalty, music, mixing fabrics and materials, X-ray technology, grunge, and the mixing of decades. Who has been the most inspiring person you’ve met because of your job? C & B: Freddie Leiba Moving to New York from Minnesota at 19, how did you guys prepare for such a jump? C: I think we started preparing ourselves when we were kids. We would set a list of goals on a
piece of paper with a Sharpie, and we would always accomplish the goals we set. B: I’d have to say that was what prepared us to have a good work ethic and know how to hustle. The way we got the ball rolling was never giving up and thinking big. Also, we were always true to ourselves. I think that is important when starting a brand— to remain authentic. Between the two of you, who is the creative person and who is the business person? B: I’m more of the business person. I’m aggressive and I like numbers, so I have the final say for the brand. Coco is more creative. She is a perfectionist, so she has the final say in the designs. But when we are in our creative process, we design together. I usually start a project and she finishes it, since she has the final say in the creative side. It’s actually really amazing,
and since we’re twins, our minds are on the same wave path. Some people do not mix business and family, but for you it’s intertwined. Is it ever hard working with your sister 24/7? C: I think we are in a unique situation. We aren’t just sisters, we are twins. I’m not sure how other twins are, but although Breezy and I are extremely close, we know how to separate business and being sisters. I would have to say it’s amazing to be doing business together since our minds are on the same page. Are there other creative itches you’re dying to scratch? C: We recently just showed our paintings. It was super exciting because it was our first time showing another side of us that we haven’t shared.
cocoandbreezy.com
mastermind
The Virus
ELEVATE, ESCALATE
The Valkyrie
If you want basics, go to boutiques. If you want pieces, let JOCO COMENDADOR step in. His avant-garde approach to design led him to create shoes so deadly, they need to be packaged with a warning sign. By Victor Loong Photographed by Patrick Diokno
I The Zebra
t all started with homework. “Last year, I did a pair of shoes made from water lily leatherette for one of my major subjects in Export Management,” he says. But his interest in shoes began during Kermit Tesoro’s rise as a designer. While he admits to dreaming of collaborations with Leeroy New, Happy Andrada, Xernan Orticio, and Jeffrey Campbell; right now, Joco is just trying to juggle school, shoots, and his shoe business. “I have no idea [how I manage to balance everything]. Maybe because I love what I do. I love school, making shoes, and meeting new people.” His eagerness even had him occasionally deliver things personally and work pro bono. “I always carry around a sketch book. If it’s a boring class, I sketch,” Joco admits. But it’s not just plain doodling, it’s design conception. His process—which takes a lot of cash and careful planning—also costs him his own safety including having sore fingers and ankles from assembling and testing new prototypes. “My designs are difficult to execute. It has never been easy to make them, and it takes a lot of samples to finally come up with shoes that match the ones I sketch,” he shares. All the pain paid off through debuts in print and
runway. He collaborated earlier this year at Holiday Philippine Fashion Week with local designers Zxander Tan and Enrico Carado. He showcased his spiked shark “medges” (man-wedges) and platforms aptly named The Valkyrie that sent some models defying gravity. There had been moments when models toppled; but it’s all in a day’s work. Mythology, moths, scorpions, sharks, submarines, cyborgs, and Pokémon are on his list of design inspirations. His most recent pairs, the black and yellow Umbreon wedges, are based off an electric feel. “I was playing with my old Gameboy Advance SP when I got an idea to create a pair out of Pokémon. I got inspired by the elemental stone evolution of Eevee. Umbreon’s color palette and skin pattern got my attention… Maybe the next one would be Vaporeon,” Joco says. All that talk of Pokémon has us thinking about catching them all, so we asked Joco what he’d design for STATUS’ shoe collection. He replies, “It would be a shoe with neon green, violet, and pink, inspired by Cassie and Perou covers.” Shoes like that give a whole new perspective to fashion and we just love viewing it from the top.
jococomendador.tumblr.com
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mastermind From DILLON CASEY’s point of view, acting is a job just like any other. It can be taken seriously or considered as weekend work or it could also be a lot of fun. Imagine screaming onscreen at Melinda Clarke whom he’s adored since The O.C., having Maggie Q joke about him getting fired (“and she’s pretty believable when she says it,” Dillon says), and having Lyndsy Fonseca as a love interest. The dude is living the life. By Rolly Ibañez Photographed by Amanda Elkins Styled by Monty Jackson Grooming by Kristina Goldberg
CASEY IN POINT
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s a kid, Dillon Casey was always identified “as the guy who’s seen everything.” Given that peculiarity and the influence from his movieloving family, it’s a no-brainer that Dillon would pursue a career in acting. Dillon shares, “I think I always wanted to be Indiana Jones, and seeing The Last Crusade in theaters confirmed it.” In the second season of CW’s action/adventure/ drama series, Nikita, the Canadian-American actor played Sean Pierce, an Oversight agent and
LIVE FOREVER
While some are still reeling from Cotton Top’s unjust death in Hatfields & McCoys, fans might be comforted that actor NOEL FISHER will play Breaking Dawn’s thousand-year-old vampire, Vladimir. By Rita Faire Courtesy of JSquared Photography
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oel Fisher is far from the seriously messed-up guy he often plays onscreen. Who would want to meet The Riches‘ criminal prodigy Cael Malloy and Shameless’ psychopathic Mickey Milkovich in a dark alley? This time, fangirls could chase after his latest character, Vladimir from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2. If that doesn’t suit you, maybe you can just settle for the self-proclaimed unwanted bastard child of Casper the Friendly Ghost. A classically trained pianist, Noel admits he used to compose
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songs once upon a time. “Although, I’ve never tried to serenade anyone with them,” he says. A performance isn’t exactly off the table, given that he has the right backup. “I wonder if John Cusack would be open to holding the speakers above his head while I played. Can’t hurt to ask, right?” And if you really want to get serious and talk future with Noel, you’d be happy to know he’s not interested in resting his laurels on past fame. “I just want to keep doing quality projects… maybe get involved with a cool trilogy or dig deep into
some gritty indie films. As long as it’s inspired, I am down.” Noel is also excited about trying his hand at writing. “I have a profound respect for people who are able to do that well. Not sure if I’d be any good at it, but that’s definitely something I’d like to try. Maybe a biopic on the very first worldfamous kazoo player?” he ponders. If that isn’t enough, his sense of humor will provide a lifetime supply of amusement.
twitter.com/noel_fisher
a Navy SEAL. While he fights for the girls’ attention with Shane West backstage, he’s got his own good looks, his “cool sunglasses,” and his tall stance that landed him the role. But he says, “Being a part of a great show like Nikita is what I’ve been fighting for since I got into this business.” Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Dillon is stirred about his career that he forecasted as a clueless youngster. Although he can now be labeled as a nascent
working actor, there’s more to him than meets the eye and the TV screen. “My brothers and I are writing a feature script and have an incredible script for a television show,” he discloses. “Being in Toronto, I might try to take a class or two at the University of Toronto, might try to get up onstage for some standup if I can ever focus long enough to write anything.”
twitter.com/dilloncasey
mastermind
PRIMAL SCREAM
Belinda and Jeremy Scott
Plastic ain’t fantastic when SERGIO OROPSPE is concerned. A photographer with a taste for the counter-culture wildlife, he “likes it always natural and raw.” So if you’ve got a problem with that, then get out of his jungle.
Mark Ronson
By Rita Faire
Eiko Hara
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he last thing you’d expect to hear from a photographer is that he used to hate his craft. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find one who’d even admit that. But Sergio Orospe isn’t shy about admitting his past aversions. Call it too much of a good thing. “My family used to have a one-hour photo business, and my parents are amateur photographers, so I guess all my life has been surrounded by photography.” Looking back, it confuses him how he ever lived without a camera in hand but eventually—and thankfully—the bug did catch on. You know what they say: you can’t fight nature. It is a mantra that has found its way into Sergio’s photographic style. Dramatic lighting aside, there are no parts to play when it comes to his photos. It’s all a matter of taking a deep breath, breaking
Sixto
the ice, and capturing subjects in their natural habitat. There’s always this lax and casual feel to your photos. Most of the time, I have very little time to do a portrait— like five minutes or sometimes even just one. I try to look around me when I’m waiting for my time, and see what I can do with the person—the way I think they are and the way I think they are going to react during the shoot. I try to talk with them and study all their movements. I think it’s all about knowing what you want and when to shoot. How do you break the ice when shooting a total stranger? It’s the most difficult part of my work [laughs]. I try to be very sincere, maybe tell them a joke and let them know that both
of us are in the same position— maybe nervous —but, in the end we are going to have a great shoot. When they have a doubt about an indication I give them, I ask them to trust me and I tell them they can see the picture on the LCD. If they don’t like it, we are not going to use it. Have you ever gotten starstruck with one of your subjects? It can sound cocky, but I don’t feel like a fan kind of person. Of course I get nervous when it’s a person I admire like Gary Numan, Kenneth Anger, Phoenix, or Mark Ronson. But I’ve been lucky, all of them have been very nice and easy going. I feel like they are helping me do my job, and even though they have strong personalities—for some minutes, I feel close to them in a certain way.
What’s your advice to photographers who wanna make it both commercially and artistically? First of all, I tell them to forget the photographers they admire the most, or they are going to become copycats. I would advise them to read a lot, watch a lot of movies, [see] art, and walk a lot everyday looking at every detail that surrounds them, so when they have two or three minutes to show a magazine how good they are, they are going to be able to find the right place and moment to do it. Don’t try too hard. Don’t try to force someone to do something they don’t want to do. Ever.
sergioorospe.tumblr.com
COVER SAFARI
Sergio isn’t really one for hunting down trophies, but if he could mount anything on his wall, it would be these dream covers for his dream magazines.
PURPLE FASHION
Ezra Miller
Riccardo Tisci
Jarvis Cocker
Michel Houellebecq
Azealia Banks
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mastermind
SARTORIALHEALING
Boutique owner/fashion blogger/stylist JP SINGSON hasn’t always been into style, but he has one thing to thank for getting him into it: heartbreak. By Belle Rodolfo
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n between running; keeping his store, Unisex; and chronicling life on his blog, JP on Fashion Speed; stylist JP Singson prances around Europe and hops from city to city, camera in hand, while wired to his iPod that’s playing some Radiohead and Jeff Buckley. Old and new, high and low, black and white—whatever you can’t find elsewhere, you’ll find in JP’s not-so-secret stash, Unisex Rewind. What began in 2009 as a boutique catering to his unique taste now serves as a one of a kind source for all fashionphiles who, like JP, think and live outside the box. We’re not sure what he’s up to next, but most likely, it involves falling head over heels over culture, couture, and capital cities while garbed by the likes of Henrik Vibskov or Juun.J. But style is beyond designer shoes and designer drugs, JP tells us why. When did your love for fashion begin?
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It’s actually really funny because I sort of had an on and off love with fashion. When I had a relationship in the States, I sort of focused on that. And then when we broke up, I started discovering myself through fashion. That’s when I started exploring. That’s when I started thinking, “I’m just gonna dress however I want.” At that time, I told myself I’m not gonna care about what people say, I’m just gonna enjoy myself and dress the way I like. Which came first: blogging, business, or styling? I guess I have to say business. I was born with business-minded parents, and ever since I was little, I’ve always—in one way or another—sold stuff when I was in school. Fashion happened when I moved to the States, opened my eyes to a different perspective. The blogging started in 2008. It was my way of expressing my thoughts that I really couldn’t tell anyone. At first, it started as an
online journal. Eventually, I got more interested in fashion; that’s when I started exploring different designers, and fashion in different countries. What are your dos & don’ts in styling? First, less is more; second, never say “never;” third—and I guess this is the most important thing—edit. That’s the thing most people neglect. I see all these “fashionistas,” but just one mistake ruins the entire thing. Fourth, mix and match. Fifth would be, whatever you do, put your name to it. I greatly value my aesthetic, so I’m not going to compromise my style just to make other people happy. Who’s your muse? Who else? If you see my mom, there’s nobody else who understands me better than she does. She’s basically my mirror image, so to speak. Let’s talk about your style philosophy.
My philosophy is very simple. I’m a minimalist. Once in a while, I like to shock people, but I still maintain the simplicity by dressing monochromatic. I’m a big believer of the black and white color scheme. I can also say that my style is very progressive; I like modern design. My style is influenced by vintage fashion, but I use that as basis, and make it modern somehow. How do you see yourself in five years? Right now, I’m taking it one step at a time. I just want to focus here. You can interview me five years from now. [Laughs] Right now I’m just happy with what I am. Hopefully in the future, my hard work pays off and, who knows, I might probably have another small boutique somewhere in the Philippines. Maybe in Cebu?
jponfashionspeed.com
“ Whatever you do, put your name to it.”
mastermind
How one can get from feathered shoulder pads to luxury Italian yarn and spray-painted wire mesh to high quality threads is a mystery, but here comes LIZZIE OWENS doing just that while snapping necks and cashing checks. By Roxy Valencerina
Spring/Summer 2013
F
rom her origins as a painter in Salt Lake City to constructing elaborate pieces for music videos, Lizzie Owens has traded in her glue guns to produce her menswear line, Highland. It recently featured its Spring/Summer 2013 collection, Lizzie’s sixth since her 2009 ready-to-wear debut. The designer says, “Highland believes in sportswear as fashion: color, function, utility, wearability, ingenuity, and comfort”—traits that arguably oppose her past days as an eclectic and eccentric costumer. One of her most notable costuming episodes includes her balls-to-the-wall psychedelic designs for MGMT. “I worked with MGMT the most… The beginning of our time working together was by far the most liberating,” she says. “MGMT were only beginning to collect their fame when we made ‘Electric Feel,’ so we weren’t being told what to do with a bunch of higher-ups and we weren’t afraid to be bold and experimental,” she continues to reminisce her days with the band. “We didn’t have a budget! It’s incredible how the absence of money results in exuberant creativity… I’d use thrift-store clothes instead of fabric by the yard, or I’d repurpose dollar-store objects,” she says. Watch MGMT’s “Electric Feel” video and pay attention to the costumes to see what she means. From woodlands to acid trips, Lizzie accepted a commission to work on Brandon Flowers of The Killers’ in-your-face sportswear-meets-theater spandex piece for the “Spaceman” video. “The actual sewing of [Brandon Flower’s football suit] took me about six hours to make. Music videos never allow you more than a few days to pull everything together. I sure don’t miss those all-nighters,” she shares. It was a refreshing albeit browwrinkling change of pace when she turned to RTW instead of sticking to costuming. For Lizzie, it is an entirely different animal.
“I’m sure someone who knows my work might see subtle connections, but I use a very different part of my brain for Highland.” she says. Her Spring/Summer 2013 collection is a panoramic look on sportswear-meets-street— the kind where you just have to crack open a beer and take a breather from the daily grind. “The focus for Spring/Summer 2013 became the core of what makes Highland ‘Highland.’ You’ll see this new collection as our DNA collection,” Lizzie says. When asked about her label and its take on womenswear, Lizzie doesn’t write anything off for the future. “There is definitely talk of womenswear; it’s just too early to say exactly when.” She clarifies, “I felt there was more men’s clothing needed in the market, there was more room to make a statement. But that’s not to say, once Highland has carved out its niche, women will be excluded.” Lizzie warns, “Running your own manufacturing business takes a lot of focus.” Though the painter/costumer/ designer hopes to eventually add another slash to her career, she thinks it’s not yet the right time. She plans to become a helicopter pilot someday, and with her track record, best believe she’ll gun for it. If not, well, she’s already up anyway— not like MGMT’s high, but more like a spacewoman in the fashion universe.
The Killers “Spaceman”
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H E A V Y H I T T E R
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NICKI MINAJ's tale to success is anything but sweet. Her journey to becoming a platinum-selling artist doesn't include princes and castles, but it includes pink wigs, ball gowns, killer shoes, and "Monster” verses. By Loris Peña Images courtesy of MCA Music
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It’s like getting intoxicated for the first time. One minute I’m attending a press conference, getting my arm signed by Nicki Minaj, the next minute, I’m standing in an arena with 12,000 people. The lights blink and fade, glow sticks blaze across the crowds, purple lights hit the spot, screams become deafening, and I, one of the many followers of Nicki, bow down to the Queen.
***
Once
upon a rap game, Onika Tanya Maraj from Trinidad traveled to New York at a young age to be with her immigrant parents. She recalls, “Growing up, I sang a lot of Whitney Houston [and] Mariah Carey then I practiced to
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Diana Ross with my mom. Then, when I started getting into rap, I started listening to Jay-Z. Later on, I started getting into Lil Wayne. Oh, and Lauryn Hill.” Little did she know, she was bound to meet her mentor, Lil Wayne, who conveniently discovered her rapping in The Come Up DVD. Soon enough, Young Money Entertainment inducted her to be part of its hip-hop royalty. Together with rappers like Drake, Tyga, and Lil Wayne, Nicki took over the world with the album, We Are Young Money, and singles like “BedRock” and “Roger That.” I ask, “You call yourself the female Weezy. How has your relationship with Lil Wayne changed? Do you feel like he’s more of a competitor than a boss now?” Nicki admits, “My relationship with Wayne has changed so much. But I guess, [he is] never competition because I feel like he is the best rapper. Ever.
Period. We have more of a peer relationship. We have a good thing. I really love him.” The Minaj legend spread when Nicki appeared in Kanye West’s “Monster.” Critics noticed the feisty rapstress’ flow. Her part (Pink wig, thick ass, give ‘em whiplash/I think big, get cash, make ‘em blink fast/Now look at what you just saw/I think this is what you live for/Ah, I’m a motherfucking monster!) was deemed better than Jay-Z’s and Ye’s and is still one of the best verses ever. It was the same time she unleashed her ultimate power: Roman, Martha, and Barbie. She plays these different characters in a trance of rap; from angry youth to naggy mother and—all of a sudden—the cute and sexy Barbz. Nicki explains, “I started naming them because when I would go in the studio, I would use different voices. And people thought it was weird,
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so I would just name them so people wouldn’t be confused. They would understand why I was an aggressive personality one minute, then a vulnerable personality the second. I named these people so the world would understand.” After the release of her debut, Pink Friday, Nicki set in stone that she would be a threat. Selling almost quadruple platinum for “Superbass” alone, she has established herself as a key player and the only female to be included in MTV’s Annual Best MC list for two straight years. Currently touring around the world, Nicki confesses, “I’m still getting used to it, you know. I don’t know if there’s ever gonna be a way to manage [fame] but I always maintain my alone time by myself. I can think and meditate. I always do that. I try not to, like, be running around being crazy. How am I
going to hold up my own woman, and focus then do a show, then interact with the fans, then come back and be my regular self?” With the current release of her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, she has been pushing the boundaries by releasing songs that are more dance-y than her usual rap songs. This may be leaps and bounds away from her early mixtapes, but rest assured, The album strikes just as hard. Nicki shares in her interview with Charlamagne Tha God, “[Mixtape Nicki and pop Nicki] already exist together, and they’re both winning.” She adds, “I feel like the world makes them two different people. But in my mind, they’re the same person.” Her rap songs like “Beez in the Trap”, “Champion,” “HOV Lane,” and “I Am Your Leader”—that include legit rappers like Nas, Cam’ron,
“I've never regret breaking up, once it's done, I always think: 'What did I see in you? '."
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“If you are a younger girl—18 and younger—I think your goal shouldn't be on beauty anyway." wore in her performance for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno—or in an Oscar de la Renta lace bustier and green oversized skirt at the American Music Awards. She’s so unapologetic, even Anna Wintour didn’t mind when Nicki wore pompoms next to her in the front row of a Carolina Herrera show. What the haters fail to comprehend is that Nicki—with her string of endorsements for Mac Viva Glam, Mattel, OPI nail polish, Onch Movement jewelry, Pepsi, and her upcoming clothing line and perfume—has established her throne and isn’t about to just give it up. She tells Charlemagne, “We’ve seen the blueprint with Jay-Z… We’ve seen you can come to the game and do 10-15 albums and still win, and still be the king of hip-hop. We have not seen that in a woman. So, show me the blueprint.” It’s believed that Nicki would open doors for a lot of female rappers, but her mission in the world as a reigning hiphop queen doesn’t stop with merely a couple of provocative lines. Nicki muses in Roman Reloaded, “It’s okay to have
Concert photos courtesy of Virtusio PR
2 Chainz, and Rick Ross—stay true to the “mixtape Nicki” we know. She then mixes them up with dance songs like “Pound the Alarm,” “Automatic,” and “Starships.” Of course, R&B tunes like “Right by My Side,” “Sex in the Lounge,” and “Fire Burns” show her vocal prowess and vulnerable feminine side. Nicki confides to us how she deals with a breakup, “A lot of crying, and a lot of mean text messages. And then you know, I write a song like ‘Fire Burns.’” What’s unusual is for the first time, Nicki reveals her emotions in tracks like “Marilyn Monroe” and “Young Forever.” She shares, “I haven’t gone through a lot of breakups to be honest. I’ve always been in a long-term relationship. I know that breakups are always for the better. I’ve never regret breaking up. Once it’s done, I always think: ‘What did I see in you?’ And it makes for a good writing session.” Her new album may be a risky move but Nicki reveals in her “Press Conference” track, “I’m so proud of this album. I’m proud of myself. I will not allow anyone to scare me out of my true potential.” Like any kingdom, there are people who would like to bring the queen down. Critics have bashed the rapper for copying the styles of Madonna and Lady Gaga. Who can blame them? Nicki attended the last Grammy Awards with a red cape from Versace and with a pope in tow. Also, her ever-changing hair colors keep the paps talking. Imagine her in a nude bejeweled bodysuit with peacock feathers—which she
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BEAUTY BEATS Nicki talks the walk and struts the talk. “Girls Fall Like Dominoes”
Say my shoe game nuts, so I call ‘em cashews
“Roman Holiday”
Anyway, stylist, go get Bvlgari I am the ultimate Svengali You bitches can’t even spell that You hoes buggin’—Repel that
“Come on A Cone”
Do a show for Versace, they request me by name And if they don’t get Nicki, it just won’t be the same When I’m sitting with Anna, I’m really sitting with Anna Ain’t a metaphor, punch line, I’m really sitting with Anna!
“HOV Lane”
You like a Rav 4, I’m like the Aventador Birkin Bags, man I merc them ads
“I’m the Best”
fun. I’m going to give you the raunchiest verse sometimes, but also I want you to realize that’s for a time. One day, you’re gonna look back and think, ‘Wait a minute. Did I really lose my life clubbing?’” She has openly talked about wanting her fans to earn college degrees. Nicki continues, “If you are a younger girl—18 and younger—I think your goal shouldn’t be on beauty anyway. You should be going to school and going to college. I love girls that have ambition.” It may come off as an unusual trait, but Nicki’s album speaks for her causes. Here, she announces for the world to hear: “People would never expect me to be into children’s education, but that’s real shit. I don’t
just say that because it sounds good. I really am interested in learning how to build the education system.”
*** The crowd shouts her name for an encore. Nicki, though tired, comes out in her robe and waves to her fans. She exits the venue and rides a Jag with mobs surrounding her vehicle. She pops her head out of the window and takes the moment in. Wherever she is, Nicki reigns supreme. May it be the rap game, the business side of things, or even the category of Best in Hair Color—she rules them all and she knows it.
See, you told me I would lose, but I won I might cop a million Jimmy Choos just for fun
“Monster”
Okay, first thing’s first, I’ll eat your brains Then Imma start rocking gold teeth and fangs ‘Coz that’s what a motherfucking monster do Hairdresser from Milan, that’s the monster ‘do Monster Giuseppe heel, that’s the monster shoe
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FULL E S U O H The House of Holland is a house of hilarity, and HENRY HOLLAND humors the fashion world from the social media trolls to the industry’s hall of fame laureates. Everybody’s hooked early on by Henry’s tweets, blogs, clothes, and even to the way he coifs his hair. Now, he’s not just a designer, he’s a status symbol—a person you’d always want to mention in your status updates—and an icon in the making. by Viva Gonzalez
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Fall/Winter 2012 Backstage
“one person’s opinion is not the only thing that matters.”
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I
’ll Tell You Who’s Boss Kate Moss. Cause Me Pain Hedi Slimane. Do Me Daily Christopher Bailey. These “Fashion Groupie” catchphrase tees took the entire fashion world by storm back in 2006. Everyone wanted one; even Agyness Deyn and Mary-Kate Olsen were sporting these cheeky tees. The designer says, “I never expected the T-shirts to be as popular as they were, and I am still astounded when I look back. The idea came from a drunken night out with friends, and just evolved from there.” The brainchild behind that phenom was Henry Holland, a journalism graduate from the London College of Printing. He explains, “I loved my job as a journalist, and just started making T-shirts as a bit of fun and as something to keep me occupied. I have a very busy mind… so I am often starting side projects. This one just turned into my business.” Determined to prove that he’s not a one-trick pony, Henry produced one fantastic fashion show after another. He recounts, “There was a review of my first show that said—the joke is very funny but that is what
it is—‘Henry must think of something new if he wants this to last.’ And so the next season, I made jeans, dresses, eyewear, handbags, jewelry, everything! I was really spurred on by that comment, and it made me realize that it was possible for this to become something more.” Now, his brand, House of Holland, is being stocked by premium stores such as Colette, Opening Ceremony, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, and Barneys. From its upcoming line of designer eyewear to its coveted line of tights and legwear, Henry keeps creating whether he’s spent or sober. A recent recipient of the prestigious British Fashion Council’s Fashion Forward Scholarship, Henry blazed his path toward fashion superstardom with a deadly combination of wit, laughout-loud humor, and his unique take on London street style. With no formal fashion education, he mounted House of Holland’s first solo show at London Fashion Week and eventually went on to win the Best Use of Tartan at the Scottish Fashion Awards. Counting UK’s It girls like Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof as his closest gal pals as well as avid fans of his brand, Henry’s signature British irreverence makes you want to wear his clothes and hang out with him all day, too. He reinvents and expands his brand by taking on various side projects such as his collaboration with Levi’s, diffusion line in Debenhams, a blog on Vogue UK’s website, and an upcoming TV show with Rihanna called Styled to Rock. But then, in the middle of it all,
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Fall/Winter 2012 Runway
Henry talks to STATUS and keeps the team snickering with his tales of rhymes and grind. Hi Henry! You recently released your pre-SS13 collection as well as released your collaboration with Superga. What other projects have you been busy with? Where did you get inspiration for your recently released pre-SS13 collection? We are always busy! We have been working on our eyewear collection, which launches in September, and of course Spring/Summer 2013. The inspiration for the collection was cheerleaders and their
“ i love london… There really is no place like it on earth“
pompoms! We created little characters out of the pompoms as well as an abstract floral type print that is actually pompoms. There was a real nod to Americana and the college football team culture. Which blogs/sites/twitter accounts do you check out first when you turn on your laptop? I love looking at Style. com for the party pages. I read lots of the blogs on Vogue UK—not just my own! I love Bryanboy, Tommy Ton’s Jak and Jil, Fashionista. My new favorite though, is Instagram. It proves that a picture does tell a thousand words! Do you think social media revolutionized the fashion industry? I think social media has revolutionized the world, not just the fashion industry. It has changed how we share information, how we communicate with friends and colleagues, and has really opened up all areas of the world—especially fashion and design—as a more open discussion. It is much easier for people to share their opinions and thoughts. I think this is a good thing as long as people remember that one person’s opinion is not the only thing that matters. House of Holland has a distinctly London aesthetic. What do you love about the
London fashion scene? How is it different from other cities? I love London because it is my home and its just such an inspiring city. There really is no place like it on earth. It is the eclectic mix of cultures and people that makes it fascinating and always inspiring. What music/tracks are you currently playing in your studio right now? Iggy Azalea’s “Beat Down.” And we always have classic radio on, too! Tell us about a surprising hidden talent. I used to be a gymnast who competed at national level, but could never do the splits. What is your favorite fashion rule to break? Red and green should never be seen. What about a teenage fashion faux pas? The shell suit that melted to my arm in front of the fire was probably the lowest fashion moment I have had. Make us a catchphrase please! Treat me mean. Keep me keen, STATUS Magazine! This is a little cleaner than your suggestion! [Laughs]
houseofholland.co.uk
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“Seoul is a teenager with budding interests and is just figuring things out for the first time.”
LIBERATION FRONT In the old ages, people know Seoul as Tokyo’s younger style sibling. Today, Seoul stands on its own two feet while its citizens are body-garbed by General Idea’s tailored and utilitarian pieces. Hail to its chief, BUMSUK CHOI, who mans the city’s menswear uprising. Our brothers from another motherland can now bury their sagging uniforms and dress for independence. By Kristine Dabbay
I
t’s an explosion of Big Bang proportions. Wherever you are in the world, Seoul’s impact on style is felt. You’ll feel it in your hair, your trousers, your fingers, and in your toes. Who can ignore G-Dragon’s Napoleonic stage presence and shapeshifting fashions or T.O.P.’s calculated glare while rapping about his long lashes born out of natural freedom versus wannabes’ smoky eye makeup? There’s also 2NE1 whose wardrobe is a roomful of Jeremy Scott, Balmain, and McQueen; all of which are styled in a way that get fans knocked out. But underneath the maximalist palette often associated with Korean idols lies the quiet opulence of Korean-American designer Richard Chai who’s
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expanding his clout from being a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist to becoming an Asian fashion force alongside Derek Lam and Peter Som. But those are all in the surface. If you break the ground of first impressions, Seoul is actually an expanding minefield of menswear gems. Whether it’s the city’s oriental lyricism or casual airiness that sells, Seoul has been shaking the shackles of gentlemen’s clothing by each movement WOOYOUNGMI, Juun.J, and SONGZIO make. After all, they crush all barricades to stomp their boots on Parisian runways. General Idea’s Bumsuk Choi, the youngest Korean menswear designer to debut in New York Fashion Week, is also ready
for battle. Collaborating with Printemps Paris, Heineken, Absolut Vodka, and designing RENAULT F1 Team’s Formula 1 race car and a Puma Black Station capsule collection, he is geared to win his race in the streets and runways. Add some Helmut Lang tang, a drop of color, and functional forms that outline his jackets and trousers and you’ll get a General Idea of this General’s orders. Follow suit because he’s not passing the baton anytime soon.
retrocessional. Tell us more about this. It’s like singers who keep singing, get better. Those who wear clothes well naturally get better at wearing them and get a sense of style. The more experience you gain throughout the years, the more you can truly make something your own.
Hi Bumsuk! What’s up? I have been out of my mind busy as of late… with General Idea, as well as creative directing for the brand HEAD. Aside from this, I had also been working on a limited edition uniform for the Olympics.
John Berger said, “Every city has a sex and an age which have nothing to do with demography. Rome is feminine. So is Odessa. London is a teenager, an urchin, and, in this, hasn’t changed since the time of Dickens. Paris, I believe, is a man in his twenties in love with an older woman.” What about Seoul? Seoul is a teenager with budding interests and is just figuring things out for the first time.
You mentioned that celebrities and style should be
For you, Seoul has the best dressed men. What brought Korean
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menswear at the forefront of style? What inspired this phenomenon? I think Korea is very progressive when it comes to art and fashion. Korean people are good at giving 100% at things they like, so I think the right combination of vanity, and a longing to be the best results in a lot of very fashionably, well dressed men. Nicolas Ghesquière has a huge influence on you. If you’re to collaborate with him, what project will it be? I would love to collaborate for an office or workwear women’s collection with him. You’re the first Korean menswear designer to present a runway collection during New York Fashion Week. What other firsts do you want to achieve? I would like to be the first Korean designer to have the most clothes in the most stores all around the world. Streetwear has evolved from a loud and blinged-out look into preppy and workman-inspired; what about your evolution on the runway and as a designer? I personally really like streetwear. At the beginning, when I first started in New York—I felt that I had to change a lot of things to fit the market here, using less color and less detail. Then during Fall/Winter ‘11, I was able to collaborate with an outdoor brand where I was able to utilize color and the streetwear style to its full potential. The runway show was really great, and it was a chance to make a 180, to
experience something different. The reaction was great. I feel like the highlight of that for me was the usage of color. Since we know what you think about menswear, what do you think of women’s fashion? Who are the most stylish women for you? Womenswear is always in the back of my mind. But for now, I still want to focus on menswear. A stylish woman for me is a woman who displays a balance both in her life, as well as wardrobe. Most people know how to pick fine items but would fail in creating a whole look. What are your tips for better editing? I think more than the idea that it is hard to put together a look. I think maybe people are focusing too much on the separate pieces themselves. It all comes down to styling in general. Keep your eye on the look you want to be accomplishing, instead of the individual pieces that make up the final product. Lastly, complete the sentence. Good taste is… I think there is definitely a natural part of taste, depending on how you were raised, etc. But effort is also an important part. For me, I try to watch timeless movies and see photos dealing with time periods. I don’t necessarily try to remember everything I absorb—but there are times when I design that those images help inspire me later on.
generalidea.co.kr
“Those who wear clothes well naturally get better at wearing them and get a sense of style.”
Fall/Winter 2012 Runway
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B L O C K
FLY
Boys, don’t cry. Man up and learn to dress up. People give a damn about your get-up—so should you. They say clothes make the man. Well, meet the men who make the clothes, from tapestry-embroidered jackets to pixelated parkas and collared crustacean prints. Whether you’re stylin’ to win, to survive, to prosper, or to rise; just stay fly.
HERBERT CUSTODIO Designer menswear Describe your design process. First, I’ve got to see the fabric’s print, weight, color, and texture before I get into designing. I’m more into modern design injected with a little bit of tradition and humor. How has men’s style changed recently? Locally, it’s been a bit slow. Most Filipino men are still very conservative dressers compared
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to women. I still see a lot of 80s brands on modern men. Come on! Let’s move on; it’s 2012. Menswear is often branded as “boring;” what do you think? It’s true. It can be boring sometimes. That’s why it’s up to the designer to do something new without veering away from traditional pieces and silhouettes.
How is your style different from other designers? Maybe it’s that I like using a lot of colors. I’ve noticed that most designers here use black, white, and grey. Well, I did, too! Or maybe it’s because of the way I accessorize. And maybe because of the music I use in my shows… Recently, I’m into Kings of Convenience and Hiatus & Shura.
Words by Giano D. Dionisio Photographed by Adrian Gonzalez, Styled by Zoe Laurente, Grooming by Tinette Herrera, Modeled by Daniel Herman
P A R T Y
BLOCK PARTY
EDMUND MALLARI (Co-owner, PROGRESS) Ready-to-wear
In the past few years, how has menswear evolved? Menswear has really paid attention to detail and quality these past few years, two very important things in clothing. I think it is getting more technical each year. Some pieces of clothing have all these neat little functions to them—you really appreciate the detail.
With brands heading toward high fashion and premium prices, I guess you get more bang for your buck. How is your style different from other brands? We try and add a bit more quality and heart into the things we do. We don’t care how many samples we go through, as
KIX SUAREZ Bespoke
long as we get it right. We’re very unapologetic. Is the younger generation ready to embrace the growing variety of men’s styles nowadays? A lot of people—particularly younger people—lack individuality. They try and emulate some of these pop culture icons on a daily basis,
What goes into creating your collections? “Collection” is such a big word. I’m no designer; I just make what I like. What music do you like listening to when you work? Depends on what I’m into, but recently I’ve been listening to stuff by Similar Objects, Eyedress, How to Dress Well, and
not that there is anything wrong with that. But I think they forget that there is a whole other world of choices out there. A wider range of styles would be beneficial for them in being creative with their looks. They just might surprise themselves.
Crosses—quiet stuff. It’s been too noisy lately. Menswear is often branded as “boring;” what do you think? It is. Do you think people dress for themselves or for others? I wouldn’t know about other people, really. But in my case, I like dressing up.
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NIGHTVISION PERISH 69 by Aleksey Volchek
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NIGHTVISION
le bain independence by The Cobrasnake
fist pump @ 7th high
by Ernest Levanza
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NIGHTVISION
GET SHIFTY by Aleksey Volchek
always on vacation by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
big fish innovation white by Daniel Tan
strange rookie magic by The Cobrasnake
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NIGHTVISION
SUMMER FRIDAYS @ Tribeca Grand Hotel
by Chris Gurinsky and Natalie Pestun
lil death fan club by The Cobrasnake
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DIRECTORY BRANDS 21 MEN Forever 21, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City ACCESSORIZE Greenbelt 5, Makati City ALDO Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City AMARCORD amarcordvinatgefashion.com ANNE KLEIN anneklein.com AVEL BACUDIO tel. +639178866968 BENEFIT Greenbelt 5, Makati City BETSY JOHNSON betseyjohnson.com BIBA mybiba.com BOBBI BROWN Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City CALL IT SPRING Greenbelt 3, Makati City CELINE celine.com CHANEL chanel.com CHRIS DIAZ Myth, Greenbelt 5, Makati City CLARINS clarinsusa.com DIMPLE LIM tel. +639175748381 DOLLHOUSE BETTIE dollhousebettie.com DOROTHY PERKINS Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City DU MANILLE facebook.com/dumanille ERIC DELOS SANTOS tel. +639209264342 ESSIE essie.com FENDI fendi.com FOLDED & HUNG Glorietta 5, Makati City FOREVER 21 SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
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FRED PERRY Greenbelt 5, Makati City GABRIEL FONTILLAS tel. +639173337503 GERRY KATIGBAK tel. +639189417189 HAUREX haurex.com H.E. BY MANGO Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City JIMMY CHOO Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City JOEL ESCOBER Myth, Greenbelt 5, Makati City LACOSTE Greenbelt 3, Makati City MAC Rustan’s Department Store, Makati City MAKE UP FOR EVER makeupforever.com MUNDO mundo.co.nz OXYGEN SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City PENSHOPPE SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City PHILOSOPHY Beauty Bar, Greenbelt 5, Makati City PRADA prada.com RAOUL RAMIREZ tel. +639179996714 SHANON PAMAONG tel. +639178302108 SINÉQUANONE Greenbelt 5, Makati City SONIA RYKIEL soniarykiel.com SPRINGFIELD Greenbelt 3, Makati City STEVE MADDEN Greenbelt 5, Makati City STOLEN GIRLFRIENDS CLUB stolengirlfriendsclub.com TOMATO GREEN facebook.com/TomatoGreen TOO FACED toofaced.com TOPMAN Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City
TOPSHOP Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City URBAN OUTFITTERS urbanoutfitters.com XERNAN ORTICIO Myth, Greenbelt 5, Makati City YVES SAINT LAURENT ysl.com ZARA Greenbelt 5, Makati City ZXANDER TAN twitter.com/zxandertan ARTISTS Amit and Naroop (Photographer) amitandnaroop.com Ashley Abtahie (Stylist) ashleyabtahie.com Art Alera (Photographer) arturoalera.com Toch Barreiro (Photographer) tochbarreiro.blogspot.com Dean Bleza (Photographer) facebook.com/deanstuff Rxandy Capinpin (Photographer) rxandy.blogspot.com The Cobrasnake (Photographer) thecobrasnake.com Fernando Colon (Photographer) fernandocolon.com Justin Create (Photographer) livebeaumonde.com Joyce de Dios Ignacio (Makeup) joyceignacio.com Cholo Dela Vega (Photographer) cholodelavega.tumblr.com Leon Diaper (Photographer) leondiaperphotography.com Ricky Diokno (Hair) tel. +639178229 Alex Doucet (Photographer) alexdoucet.net Amanda Elkins (Photographer) amandaelkinsphotography.com Zeko Eon (Photographer) zekophotography.com Eji Eustaquio (Photographer) ejieustaquio.hasaportfolio.com Dominique Farina (Makeup) makeupbydominique.com
Adrianna Favero (Photographer) adriannafavero.com Kristina Goldberg (Grooming) kristinagoldberg.com Adrian Gonzales (Photographer) adriangonzales.tumblr.com Joaquin Gregorio (Photographer) joaquingregorio.com Chris Gurinsky (Photographer) chrisgurinsky.blogspot.com Yuki Hayashi (Makeup) twitter.com/yukikane Stefan Hernandez (Hair) stefanhernandez.com Tinette Herrera (Makeup and Hair) facebook.com/tinetteherrera Kai Huang (Photographer) hungryalien.com JSquared Photography (Photographer) jsquaredphotography.com Marley Kate (Photographer) marleykate.com Dimitry Loiseau (Photographer) dimitryl.com Red Mil (Stylist) facebook.com/red.mil Miguel Miranda (Photographer) miguelmiranda420@yahoo.com Jason Nocito (Photographer) jasonnocito.com Joseph Pascual (Photographer) otherjoseph.tumblr.com Rubén Pascual (Photographer) cargocollective.com/rubenpv Hanna Pechon (Makeup and Hair) behance.net/hannapechonsce Natalie Pestun (Photographer) nataliepestun.carbonmade.com Nikkie Po (Illustrator) theothernikkiepo@gmail.com Mara Reyes (Stylist) tel. +639272896887 JP Singson (Photographer) jponfashionspeed.com Daniel Tan (Photographer) dtanph.com Patrick Velasco (Photographer) putograft.tumblr.com Aleksey Volchek (Photographer) volchekshot.mefashionvictimdiaries.blogspot.com
S TAT U S IN VA D E S
ALYANNA MARTINEZ Stylist ALYANNA MARTINEZ is all about glitter and gold. You know what they say, girls just wanna have fun.
alyannamartinez.com
LIP-SHAPED OIL DIFFUSER
Just pop in a tea candle and your favorite scented oil to spread a sweet scent around your home.
NECKLACE
My grandmother gave me this when I was around ten years old. I wear it every single day. It has more than a hundred diamonds.
BENEFIT’S POREFESSIONAL
I have three tubes of this miracle product. It’s the perfect base, oil control, pore and line refiner before applying makeup.
PINK GEORGE FOREMAN GRILL
I have always wanted a George Foreman grill for healthy cooking at home. Imagine my joy when I spotted one in pink.
BEJEWELED SUNNIES
Got this in Bangkok and I have used them in countless editorials. Life is always better with a little bling.
DELUXE: HOW LUXURY LOST ITS LUSTER BY DANA THOMAS PINK GLITTER SKULL
Just one of those random things you pick up at a flea market. I love skulls, pink, and glitters, so why not?
It’s a great read for anyone who loves designer goods or fashion in general.
PRADA × SCHIAPARELLI SHOE ORNAMENT It’s an ornament of Prada’s infamous flame shoe from Spring/ Summer 2012 from the Prada × Schiaparelli exhibit at the Met in New York.
MILI POWER SPRING 4
Being a heavy iPhone user, I constantly find my phone without any power left at midday. This nifty backup has enough power to charge my phone back to 100% battery life without being a slave to power outlets.
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BENEFIT BELLA BAMBA GLOSS
I use this when I want a break from my usual bright lipsticks.