The cult of personality
MANILA, Philippines - It goes without saying that to make it in fashion — or in any industry, really — you’ve got to have personality. Heaps of it. And while we do have plenty in our local scene (we’re looking at one-name wonders, like Rajo and Chuvaness), we also have a bunch flying slightly under the radar, shaking up the underground scene.
Photographer Jujiin Samonte and his partner Paulo Castro, together with Xtina Superstar, have added a lot of flavor and spunk to the local fashion industry in recent years, especially with their involvement in the Panty Monsters. Blogger Paul Jatayna has experienced a modicum of success with OS accessories, which he designs with artist AJ Omandac. Ava Paguyo first entered our fashion consciousness as a contestant on the first season of Project Runway Philippines and has since made a name for herself as a textile designer with the launch of her latest collection for Stockholm St. Graphic designer Garovs Garrovillo, along with photographer Ryan Vergara, have together delighted as the duo behind Everywhere We Shoot, while displaying their refreshingly odd/cute sense of style at industry events.
Nothing else captures the essence of these larger-than-life personalities better than the way they dress. For this, YStyle tapped Kris Abrigo, Soleil Ignacio and Tokwa Peñaflorida of design collective Thursday Room to illustrate them in their most iconic ensembles. Watch out for this bunch — they’re on the brink of first-name fame in the industry.
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Follow Thursday Room on Facebook, Tumblr (thursdayroom.tumblr.com) and Twitter (@ThursdayRoom).
Name: Jujiin
Age: Almost 30.
What do you do? Videographer, photographer, mascot, tourist attraction.
Why do you do it? Follow your heart, they always say.
What are you wearing? Crown by Mich Dulce, which I got for free when she featured me in one of her look books. Outfit by one of my favorite designers ever, ever: Geof Gonzales. I always wear him to big events. Like this whole ensemble, I was waiting at the Shangri-La lobby in Makati hoping Lady Gaga would come down and meet us. She didn’t, if you want to know. (Laughs)
Describe your style: It has the innate satisfaction of not looking like every person you see on the street, Internet and in magazines. Style is always genderless. There are no rules to break because there are no rules that exist. Sabi nga ng Spice Girls, “Spice up your life!”
Style inspiration? I just don’t want to look the same every day. Inspiration is body weight — the number-one dictator of what to wear! My moods are punk, schoolboy, monochromatic. Also, purpose: Is there a theme to follow or not? Do I want to challenge authority?
Name: Garovs Garrovillo
Image by SOLEIL IGNACIO Age: 28
What do you do? I work at Everywhere We Shoot.
What do you like to wear? Right now I love Bleach Catastrophe and all the things that my friends gave me! Early Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Mercibeaucoup, Tsumori Chisato and Yohji Yamamoto (meaning all the Japanese designers that I cannot afford! LOL.)
Why do you do it? Because I would do it forever!
Describe your style: Baduy, big, uneven, unflattering, colored hair, huge bag and shoes.
Style inspiration? Trying to achieve what I can’t buy! (Laughs)
Name: Xtina Superstar
Image by SOLEIL IGNACIO Age: Ageless. I’m as young as you want.
What do you do? I’m the superstar for all seasons.
Why do you do it? I was destined to do it.
What are you wearing? I’m wearing two of my favorite designers. The bodysuit is by my fabulous friend Boom Sason. Let’s face it, I know I’m one of the very few — if not the only one in this country — who can pull off a bodysuit, and the shoes are by Alexander Wang.
Describe your style: My style is very Xtina Superstar. You can put me in anything and you will see me. My style always evolves. Not drastically, but it changes and I still stick to things I like.
Style inspiration? Pop stars inspire me. Long-dead, chic women inspire me.
Name: Ava Paguyo
Image by Kris Abrigo Age: Old enough.
What do you do? I’m a fashion and textile designer.
Why do you do it? It’s my Rushmore. I’m an uninspired mess when I don’t do what I do.
What are you wearing? I got the saddle shoes from a Marikina-made shoe store in Cubao X. I made the turban/headband, graffiti dress and sick bag/ice pack hat — I got the idea when I got sick. The tights are DIY and the scarf is from my Stockholm St. collection.
Describe your style: Comfy, eclectic, grown-up, electric cute.
Style inspiration? My personal style has always been inspired by kawaii and by the ‘80s, but it got more subdued and mood-centric as I got older. I like neons for a pop, but I like my blacks, grays and whites, too. John Waters, oddities and the movies I loved growing up also directed the way I dress.
Name: Paulo Castro
Image TOKWA PENAFLORIDA Age: 28
What do you do? I’m a production manager, a DJ, and soon-to-be international pop superstar. I am also a proud LGBT advocate, being a part of the LGBT family myself.
Why do you do it? Because life is too short to waste on things that don’t make you happy! And because we deserve equal rights, especially in this country filled with self-righteous bigots forcing their own beliefs down everybody’s throats.
What are you wearing? I made the most of it! The shoes, I had custom-made, but I embellished them myself. The leg piece is by Filipino artist Leeroy New.
Describe your style: Loud, tacky, baduy, crazy, worst-dressed, hard, soft, effeminate and butch, all rolled into one. I don’t care if people get me or not. I like it when people laugh at me. It only shows they don’t get it.
Style inspiration? I’m an ‘80s baby. I believe in “More is more.” I don’t go with trends.
Name: Paul Jatayna
Image by Kris Abrigo Age: 22
What do you do? Designer/owner of OS (os-accessories.com)
Why do you do it? I couldn’t find accessories that I wanted to wear locally so AJ Omandac and I created our own — and AJ and I are obsessed with bones! Also, I’ve always wanted to start a fashion line with a good business backup.
What are you wearing? OS Overbite cap, Nixon Marquez hoodie and vest, pants from JP Singson, boxer shoes from Demonia
Style inspiration? Different music genres, from Grimes to Nirvana, from Kanye West to No Doubt. Just like my iPod on shuffle. I pick up a trend I like and infuse it with punk rock and a little ’90s.
