BASIC MATTER 32: CARLO RUFINO ON KEEPING IT SIMPLE

When it comes to my personal style, the most basic and effective rule is “keeping it simple”. Classically well-dressed men like my good friend Carlo Rufino, Brand Manager of local preppy brand, Regatta to menswear designers’ Thom Browne, Michael Bastian, Scott Sternberg and brothers, Kirk and Derrick Miller knew this principle, and so should you.


(Carlo Rufino wearing Regatta and shoes from Opening Ceremony. Photo by Anson Yu)

Hey, it’s 2012 and there are hundreds of styles to choose from with certain classicism with a modern, sophisticated twist whether bespoke, high-street, designer or ever thrift finds from that hole in the wall vintage store.

Trust me! You don’t have to look trendy to look good and yes, you don’t need money to look damn good.

INTO THE WOODS

As temperatures drop, fall fabrics get thicker, giving structured pale preppy looks a nonchalant country vacation vibration.






Traipsing through tangled vineyards and tree thicked woods? Regatta’s countryside collection is a punch of whimsy ablaze country home-tinged pallete, totally unspoilled just like an off the beaten path.

After all, making your great escape doesn’t have to mean disappearing entirely.

PEP RALLIES, RAH RAHS AND REGATTA

Growing up, the pique polo shirt was my uniform. Made from 100% breathable cotton, my mom got me a couple in pink, white, blue and yellow from brands like Lacoste, J. Crew, Le Tigre, Collezione and yes, Regatta. I would usually pair it with my trusty khakis and madras shorts, chinos, plimsolls and Sperry Topsiders – think US East Coast preppy.


(stacked old pique shirts from Lacoste)

Regatta, the local go-to brand for preppy leisure apparel in the country draws inspiration from this season’s exciting University Athletic Association of the Philippines games (UAAP), our country’s version of the National University Athletic Association in the US, to launch its Wear Your Color collection – a new line of shirts from its Varsity Collection that features a play on colors, as well as patterns and layering highlights.


(Regatta's "Wear Your Color" Ambassadors – Kirk Long of the Ateneo and Andrew Wilson of De La Salle University.)

Its varsity collection transported me back to my weekends spent either at the driving range with my cousins, Sundays at our farm down South and school pep rallies during my 8 years in the Ateneo.

“Our Wear Your Color collection is perfect for students who want to express their school pride in a stylish, comfortable and classic way. Whether you’re cheering proudly for your school teams or just want something classy to wear to school, you will surely find something that suits your taste and mood from our Wear Your Color collection,” says Carlo Rufino, Regatta’s Brand Manager.

Giving the campaign a major dose of school spirit are four ambassadors from the Ateneo, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas, who embody sports excellence as well as a fun, free-spirited vibe.

With Regatta’s Wear Your Color collection, it is possible for today’s students to express their school spirit garbed in clothes that are casual and comfortable.

ONE BIG FIGHT!

SKIPPER HAPPY

Headed down south to enjoy the infinite stretches of warm blue water, fine sandy beaches and hidden coves? Well, even if it’s not in the horizon, you’ll still want to dip into Regatta’s current line-up of fresh and happy seafaring looks.



(Regatta at Philippine Fashion Week)

Get set cruise in the latest collection! The mood is nautical chic and yes, a more than slightly ironic take on traditional yachting separates, such as stripes, navy and a lot of neutrals.


(What I wore : Navy blazer, my usual plaid button-down shirt, bespoke trousers, red socks and my tan lace-ups)

OK, I badly need a tan. I totally can't wait to hit the beach this weekend!