Street Dapper King 2024: David Guison

Before he became one of the top Filipino fashion content creators, David Guison was an outsider. He wasn’t a model and wasn’t born into a family associated with fashion. But that didn’t stop him from pursuing what he loved. During his high school days, he used the school’s casual Fridays to flex his style muscles.

“Every Friday, we could wear whatever we wanted. That was an opportunity for me to dress up and explore. The only restriction was that we needed to wear something with a collar,” David recalls. “The principal would always compliment my outfit. It boosted my confidence. When I went to college, I took up multimedia arts. That’s when I met all the fashionable and creative people.”

In 2009, he launched DG Manila, his fashion and lifestyle blog chronicling his ensembles. Through it, he became an inspiration, which encouraged his audience to use clothing as a tool for self-expression.

“I started sharing my content online on Lookbook.nu and Multiply, featuring my outfits. It was okay, but at the same time, not a lot of people could relate to my style because there were just a few of us,” David says. “With the industry now, guys are sharing their style on TikTok and other platforms, it makes me happy.”

As one of the 2024 Street Dapper Kings, Garage Magazine sits down with David as he shares his creative process regarding dressing up, style and grooming essentials, and his vision for the future of men’s fashion.

How would you describe the way you dressed before? What makes it different from your personal style now?

I feel like my style and personality go hand in hand. When I look back on my first shoot with Garage Magazine in 2012, I always cringe at that moment because I was so awkward. I didn’t have a personality and was really shy. Now, I feel comfortable in front of the camera, and I’m able to show my personality. I think that translates into my style as well. Before, I would just dress up for the internet. Now, I’m very mindful of the clothes that I wear. I aim to support local brands. Now that I can afford luxury brands, I mix high and low. My style has evolved from minimal to experimental.

What accessory or fashion item are you currently obsessed with?

I’m very much into luxury bags. Back then, I couldn’t afford such pieces, so I saved up to build a solid collection of bags—not just because they were trendy, but because they were my dream pieces.

I’m also obsessed with discovering local brands. Instead of buying P2,000 to P4,000 bags from fast fashion brands, I choose to support local brands or businesses. It’s also an icebreaker when you attend an event because people notice the piece, and you can tell them it’s from a local brand. It builds up the community.

What are your grooming essentials?

I’m very particular about my hairstyle but not with the products. I feel like skincare and makeup also make for good content. I posted two makeup videos related to normal grooming. There’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself.

Favorite fragrance?

My dream perfume is Vanille Antique by Byredo, and I bought it this year. I have about 40 perfumes. When I go to events, it’s nice to be complimented on your scent. I also layer my perfumes. My base is Grand Hand from Korea, and I mix it with Dior Sauvage or Chanel. When I layer my scents, that’s when I get the most compliments.

What’s the one fashion rule you follow?

I had this rule before to only wear classic pieces so that when I look back at my photos, I wouldn’t cringe. But looking at them now, I feel like my style then was boring. It was too safe. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try trends to explore your personal style.

Where do you think Filipino menswear is heading?

I see a lot of growth. Men are more experimental now when it comes to dressing up. I’m just so happy to consume content online and see people push the boundaries of menswear. It is inspiring.

Producer: Poy Villamonte
Photography: Mik Primacio of Fatbrain Collective
Art director: Angelo Manalo
Grooming: Muriel Vega Perez and team MVP
Videographer: Andrea Cater 
Location: Manila Prince Hotel 
Special thanks to Edlene Cabral, Kim Tan, Abby Legaspi, and Giselle Trasmonte