LIKE BRUCE WAYNE AND THE NEW COOL KID ON THE BLOCK

Because nobody out there does cool better than these guys

What makes a store great? Sure, it has got to be a handsome space packed with cool stuff. But that’s just the beginning.

And no, this isn’t in Sheung Wan nor Aberdeen Street.

The great ones have a unique point of view, a story to tell. When you walk in, it’s more like stepping onto a set of a perfectly art-directed movie.

Regiment, a brick and mortar clothing store rooted in history, heritage and the spirit of vintage Americana have all of your five senses checked - what music is on, what the sales staff are wearing and how the store smell (leather? sandalwood?).

To be clear, I am an everlasting devotee of men's stores that can painlessly solve my wardrobe problems: get you the paisley and red dress socks you need and get you out. Thank god for those places but Regiment is not that store. Regiment makes you rethink the way you dress entirely as to sell you some sweet vintage Momotaro jeans from Japan or a canvas briefcase from Filson . Just be forewarned: You're going to want to give yourself a clear budget before you even step INTO the store’s unassuming black door.

Not a cathedral but definitely a chapel of style—a place where the denim is just as holy as the Baracuta jacket, where service is sacred and the community is practiced and built. Honestly, gentlemen's stores like this were supposed to be extinct, but the guys behind Regiment (and SIGNET) resurrected the format and—just as crucially—updated it for us modern blokes.

Kelly See, Eddie Lim, Jason Qua and Tom Sing, the team of men behind Regiment (and SIGNET) have built a  whole culture of well-tailored cool in Manila (where there was none before), and if anyone can start a style movement in this part of the world, these are your guys.

And trust me, one trip here can change the way you dress for good. 

CLOSET STAPLE: WORKWEAR FOR CREATIVES

It has been almost 13 years since graduating from university and joining the workforce and I still see a lot of men who do not dress appropriately at work.

I know!  For freelancers, chances are, you will find yourself employed at some point in your life, and dressing the part can be a tricky water to navigate (well, for some).

I have always believed that how you dress is a direct reflection of what you hope to achieve on that particular day. It really is all about self-respect and a way of saying, “I care.”

Finding my sweet spot for style and sort of knowing how to do that was really a function of the time I grew up. In the early 90s, my parents required us to wear collared shirts even at socials at home or birthday parties, to be taken seriously (Yes, I think I was 8 or 9!).

I work in a creative environment and as stated above, how you dress is a direct reflection of what you are going to get out of your day. By which I mean, if you make the effort, people notice and you'll feel better and those around you feel better (unless you want to look like a hobo all day in front of your laptop, I’m definitely not stopping you).

Like a perfect shift dress and a pair of Jimmy Choos, for us men, a great pair of trousers is probably the foundation of any guy’s wardrobe from evening to daytime to business occasion and yes, invest in a really great jacket.  And if you have those two things, you will be able to go to any situation, anytime.

Here are a few key pieces, I believe every man should have in his closet:

Perfectly tailored navy and grey 100% wool suit. (I have a couple from my tailor in Hong Kong and Manila - The fits are just perfect.)

Slim fitted semi spread collar button down shirt in white, pale blue and baby pink

 

Pocket Squares

 

T: Brown or cordovan cap toe oxford shoes and B: shirts in plaid and gingham from Aware & Present

Slim straight selvedge jeans from SOSO

 

Soft constructed navy sport coat and accessorize with the perfect watch and a sturdy and classic bag from Filson

 

Trust me, these items will get you into almost anywhere for almost any situation.

BASIC MATTER 12: L.L. BEAN BOAT BAG

I’ve had my L.L. Bean boat bag for six years now. Nothing fancy though but it does the trick of carrying a lot from notebooks to paint brushes, paint canvas, a mini easel, my moleskines and magazines maximizing a lot into one bag and can be suspended over my shoulder rather than having plastic cutting into my fingers.



Despite getting a lot of strange looks from the public, they’re also excellent for those Salcedo/ Legaspi Village weekend market shopping excursions too.


Superior Labor Paint Tote Bag and Port Canvas Clipper Bag from Utility Coop

Aside from L.L. Bean, I’ve also discovered pages and pages of work wear and totes at the Japanese shop Utility Coop. When in the U.S., you can also find great totes at Estex, Filson, Billykirk and Klein Tools.