Street Dapper King 2024: James Reid

James Reid has come a long way from his matinee idol days. This time, he is in charge. He sings the music he wants, takes on projects he likes, and, most noticeably, wears clothes worthy of icon status.

In recent months, James has traveled to key fashion capitals, witnessing firsthand the latest collections of the fashion industry’s noted designers and houses. He turned the streets of Milan and Paris into his runway, as luxury labels dressed him in their chicest ensembles—and he assures everyone that this is just the opening chapter.

“I love getting dressed by all the designer brands. Looking good makes me feel good. It helps me have a good day,” James says. “It is an honor to be dressed by the top clothing brands in the world. I feel blessed that they want to collaborate with me to create certain looks and for the shoots I’m doing.”

Overdyed shirt, DRIES VAN NOTEN available at UNIVERS Greenbelt 3.

Inside the grand Sunset Suite of The Manila Hotel, James sits down with Garage Magazine to share his creative process regarding dressing up, style, grooming essentials, and his vision for the future of men’s fashion.

How did your passion for dressing up start?

What inspired me when I was younger, more than anything, was my sister Lauren. She always had great taste, not just in clothes but in many things. She was one of my inspirations while growing up when it came to fashion. Just as music expresses different emotions and acting allows you to present various emotions and personalities, fashion does the same for me. I can color myself however I want or feel on any given day.

What accessory or fashion item are you currently obsessed with?

My Bottega bag, the Andiamo. I bought it when I was in Milan during spring-summer fashion week. I passed by the Bottega store and had been eyeing that bag for a long time. I’ve been using it every day since I got it. I don’t typically get bags like that, but I felt I deserved this one.

Jackstone choker, NEIL FELIPP x KELVIN MORALES. Angels jeans, FIORUCCI available at UNIVERS Greenbelt 3.

What’s the one fashion rule you follow?

I don’t think I have one. Whenever I think I have things figured out, the next day I might try something new that I didn’t think I would wear, and everything shifts again. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. People change, our preferences change, and that’s natural. Our style evolves. The only rule is to be open-minded to new things.

Do you look up to any style icons?

Pharrell Williams and Tyler, the Creator. I think they are super dope, and I love the lines they have created. I like how they tie fashion and music together.

Linen suit, FENDI. Eyewear, FENDI available at VISIONS EXPRESS.

What’s the one outfit that makes you feel confident or empowered?

Nothing makes me feel more confident than wearing a suit. You get this feeling of power. However, I also feel comfortable, cozy, and at peace when I’m wearing just a sweater and shorts.

What are your grooming essentials?

I don’t do too much. I like to keep it very simple. I think using too many products can be bad for your skin. Generally, the body knows what to do. I do have an alcohol-free facial cleanser, and I always use moisturizer and sunscreen. That’s about it.

Dotted Appliqué long sleeve shirt, BODE available at UNIVERS Greenbelt 3. Eyewear, BOTTEGA VENETA available at VISIONS EXPRESS.

Favorite fragrance?

I got it when I was in Paris. It’s the Louis Vuitton Lovers cologne for men. It’s very woody.

Where do you think Filipino menswear is heading?

I see more rules being broken, not just in men’s fashion but in general. More lines will be blurred. There will be a lot of mismatching and distressing. We are still at the height of experimentation.

Photographer: Jan Mayo
Stylist: Poy Villamonte
Writer: John Legaspi
Art director: Angelo Manalo
Grooming: Mac Igarta
Videographer: Andrea Cater
Editorial assistant: Jessica Pag-iwayan
Location: The Manila Hotel
Special thanks to Edlene Cabral, Kim Tan, and Abby Legaspi