More on Tim Yap

Dear Rissa,

I’m going to attend our Med Night and the attire is formal to semi-formal. What clothes do I need to wear and what colors? Please help. Thanks. – Medman

Dear Medman,

When it comes to men’s clothing, I’m no expert. So for this problem, I’ve asked Tim Yap to help solve your fashion fears.

For semi-formal events, it’s so typical of men to wear a long-sleeved polo with slacks. To stand out from all the other men’s "uniform," Tim suggests going for a ruffled or sequined top – anything with unique details. "Especially since now people are proud of their individuality, look for details that are uniquely yourself so you won’t blend in the sea of anonymity," he says.

In your first step to being adventurous, you can start with color. Tim suggests trying colors you haven’t worn. If the color looks good and matches your skin tone, wear it!

But for Tim, there are more details to men‘s clothing aside from color – like the fabric, the collar, or even the cufflinks. Look at clothes in a different way! "Paul Smith always has funky detailing," he observes.

"Improvise!" he says. You can always make the details yourself. For Tim, a tie can be used as a belt or try putting buttons on your jacket. Or like in Vogue Italia, the belt was worn as a sash! Even ribbons as belts caught Tim’s eye! In Rhett Eala’s recent show at the RCBC Atrium, Rhett creatively used ribbons as belts for the men. And for Tim, it still looked masculine.

"The trend towards embellishment is really refreshing because it reflects individuality," says Tim.

The King of Jackets and Layering also advises that you should have a jacket even for semi-formal events, which you can always take it off if you feel hot.

As for formal wear, "I find ties really stiff – unless you’re a banker or some corporate businessman, it’s protocol," Tim says. But in Donna Karan’s latest, a mao shirt used in a tux with a bow tie still looks good for him.

According to Tim, there are two schools of formality. The first consists of the shirt, the double or single-breasted suit (with one, two, three, or four buttons), the vest and the pants. The second is the tuxedo set which includes the bow tie, tux shirt, shoes, sash and cufflinks. For him, both are classics.

"But today, where fashion has no strict suit, if you find the two constricting, you can wear just the tux or the sash, he says. "It’s better to see someone without a bow tie but is comfortable than one with a bow tie but is ipit!" And yet he suggests, it’s always better to invest in both kinds of formal wear.

Time also suggests trying different colors of suits. But the first suit you should own should always be basic black. And, of course, invest in a nice pair of cufflinks.

If you find difficulty buying the perfect suit, try having one tailor-made. "People say reputation-wise, the best suit maker in town is Paolo Basa," Tim shares.

There are events where you can go funky-formal by changing colors or putting a shawl around your neck. Tim owns a fabulous rubberized leather shawl by designer Ignacio Loyola. Instead of tassels at the end, Ignacio used small metal rings connected together – handmade!

To cap off this fashionista’s advice, "Never wear something that makes you feel uncomfortable," Tim stresses. "If you’re uncomfortable, it defeats the purpose of dressing up which is to enhance yourself."

Hi Rissa!

Lucky girl, you! As Benetton girl, you’ll get to be exposed internationally, you can wear cool clothes and keep them (plus you get paid), you meet interesting people and... you spend more time with Tim Yap. Oh, he’s one cool cutie! If I could be transformed into a guy, I’d like to be him! Hot Tim Yap! Can I be his girl? He! He! I think it’s impossible kasi hindi kami bagay. The only similarity we have is we both look Japanese. Other than that, no more!

Oh please, Genie Rissa, grant my wish. Please feature the man, Tim Yap. Thanks a lot! – Moon

Dear Moon,

Yeah, I must admit, being chosen as one of the faces of Benetton and being New York to shoot the spring/summer 2002 catalogue and international campaign sure is great!

As for Tim, I’m no genie but yes, I will grant your wish. Here’s more about the fashionable eventologist, the man with endless energy and creativity, and the person who throws the best parties.

Full name: Tim Yap

Age: Ageless

Birthdate: January 17

Status: Happy

Trademark clothing item: Jackets (layering and clashing colors)

I will never be caught dead wearing... sando tucked in briefs.

I wish I never bought... this oversized white winter jacket that made me look like a Chinese Baby Spice.

I only shop ... everywhere and anywhere.

Fab fashion find of the moment: Russ and Sanrio stuffed animals as accents

Cheapest fashion item I own: P30 to P50 vintage finds from Bambang and Ukay Ukay in Baguio

Most expensive fashion item I own: Alain Mikli reversible robe

Favorite designers: Local – Michele Sison, Rajo Laurel and Rhett Eala

International – Dries Van Noten, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto

Favorite brands: Local – Human, Sari Sari and Anonymous

Foreign: Benetton, Zara, H&M, D&G, Costume National, Comme Des Garcons

The fashionable few are... Patrick Reyno, Robbie and Marco Antonio, Ricco Ocampo, Carlo Rufino of Paul Smith, Leica Carpo, Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Wendy Puyat and Celine Lopez.

The fashion industry is... fickle.

Filipino style today... needs to be promoted more internationally.

If I were a cartoon character, I’d be... a cross between The Little Prince and Astroboy.

If I were an actor, I’d be... Daniel Radcliffe so I can play Harry Potter.

If my life were a movie, it would be... Temptation Island.

I love... my work, Antonio and Sandy Arando’s yoga classes and Jon Jon Rufino’s cooking.

I hate... it when the sun rises before I hit Hap Chang.

I wish... I can have a closet like Tessa Prieto Valdes’, the writing flair of Clinton Palanca, the business acumen of Ben Chan and the charisma of Virgie Ramos.

I look up to... people who have been there, done that, yet still continue to make a difference in the scene – Louie Ysmael, Freddie Panicucci, Maurice Arcache, Inno Sotto, Ben Cabrera, Joe Salazar and Atom Henares.

At 10 a.m., you’ll find me... in never never land...

At 10 p.m., you’ll find me... in never never land (go figure).

I never leave the house without... fixing my hair and having an entire week’s wardrobe in my car!

On a three-day trip, I would pack... everything!

While in the bathroom, I read... my texts, newspapers and magazines.

My phone bill is large because I always talk to... Atom Henares, Mons Romulo Tantoco and Kara Tolentino.

But if I had an hour of his/her time, I’d talk to... Andy Warhol and Steve Rubbell.

Look of the moment: Eclectic, from prep to punk, anything goes hip couture

Controversy of the moment: Nothing, just petty intrigues

Person of the moment: Sarah Meier – she is our answer to Chloe Sevigny

Best party I’ve attended: Club Pacha in Ibiza and my nephew’s birthday party

Worst party I’ve thrown: In downtown Manila, the product manager called me last minute and I wasn’t involved in the creative process – boring!

On Saturday nights, I’m... painting the town RED.

And on Sunday morning, I’m... still painting the town RED!

The best thing about being Tim Yap is... all the friends I make.

The worst thing about being Tim Yap is... people misinterpreting my fun.

My parents have always said... to always be a good boy and follow the traditional route.

But I say... live according to your own beliefs and party on.

My last meal would be... full of the fattening things I deny myself.

God should take me in heaven... because the goal of my life is to make others happy...plus even God enjoys a good party.

All I want for Christmas is... a trip to Italy...and world peace.