ON A PLAID NOTE

“Style is knowing who you are and what works for you” - Frank Muytjens

Spot on!  I have always been a big fan of Frank Muytjens, J. Crew’s menswear design genius. Like him, I like to keep things understated with a hint of heritage. I like old things like mi padre and mi abuelito’s old classics – the usual gingham, plaid and oxford.  

(Uniform dressing at the luxury carpet factory- Navy trousers, micro check shirt from Steven Alan and my trusty loafers. To get my look, see image below)

Mad for plaid? When was I never? Despite being a huge trend last year, the perfect pattern still matter. Like your favorite basic white dress shirt, the plaid shirt is an anchor for every man’s wardrobe, complimenting your trusty blazer may it be navy or khaki, solid pullovers and yes, chinos on weekends; seriously, choose wisely – there’s too much of it right now.

A couple of my closet staples in plaid are from J. Crew, Club Monaco, Orvis, Ralph Lauren and Steven Alan. Oh, the joy of plaid paired with chinos, bare ankles, red socks, penny loafers, boat shoes and wingtips –  please stop me from drooling.

BASIC MATTER 38: LOOKING FRESH

In this heat (yes, it’s 29 degrees outside – kill me now!), it’s always good to wear clothes that are light. Mi abuelito and mi padre would always use the term ‘fresco,’ or ‘fresh’ - meaning anything that keeps you cool, basically.

Gingham, plaid (in Japanese cotton), sear suckers, linen, cotton and twill - one reason why my wardrobe’s been the same the past 15 years.

GINGHAM, BETSY AND SOME ART SPACE

Style is personal.  I cringe when people say I am trendy because I am not.

I remember Barron, founder and editor of Effortless Gent saying that “A truly stylish man knows, understands, and respect the rules, yet knowingly defies and breaks them, bends them and interprets them as he pleases.”

(Blue Gingham, silk cufflinks, denim trousers, lace-ups and a pair of bright red tube socks)

No one can stop me from wearing gingham all week and plaid the week after. I have created a uniform of white dress shirts and a plethora of denim and wool trousers in navy and black - It is really not about the labels you wear.  Mom once said,  “Appearance is not the most important thing but it matters” - I agree!

(Enjoying Betsy Westendorp's collection at Manila Contemporary, hours before the interview and shoot)

I have always admired people with a visceral sense of style that is very much their own – think Nick Sullivan of Esquire and Derek Blasberg of Harpers Bazaar and V Man.

Don’t blame me for having a good time.

MAD WITH PLAID

Just like well tailored suits, tapered shirts and trousers – dressed up or down make you look good. Trust me, even the sartorially challenged can make an impact.

Here's what I wore today at work:



(Plaid Hackett Brompton tailored fit in red, bespoke denim trousers and tan cap toe lace-ups)

UNIFORM DRESSING : PLAIDS

Like oxfords and seersuckers, plaids always appealed to me.

I am actually wearing one now. All shirts from Gitman Vintage / Gitman Brothers

FEELS LIKE THE NEW WAVE NEVER STRETCHED ITS POISONOUS TENTACLES AT ME

Coming up short isn’t always a bad thing but I have never been a fan of short sleeve shirts. I used to own a couple but only wore them twice and gave it gave it away after. I once read in a mens magazine, ‘If you’ve got muscles, don’t wait till you hit the beach to show them.’ Unfortunately, I have no bulging muscles to begin with.

I simply prefer long sleeves even in the summer which drive mom and dad nuts. I ‘d neatly roll them up thrice but again, it really depends on your style persona. I am generally low-key. I like putting most of my energy into interesting things like checking out dads closet and going thrift shopping -It is my portrait of restraint. I may not waste time sitting in one corner listening to songs in my IPod but I guarantee you I have a lifetime supply of plaid shirts in my closet.






Here’s what I found at the thrift shop for $1.60. This handsome vintage plaid shirt from Towncraft, an embellished-free shirt reminiscent of the 1950s – totally surfer boy chic . Marry them with dark slim jeans or get friendly with this season’s shorts and pair it with moccasins or your trusty espadrilles for mooching.

Although I rarely leave the city, it is great to look as if I am preparing for a weekend jaunt in the countryside.