Street Dapper King 2024: Kelvin Morales
At first glance, Kelvin Morales comes across as the sweet boy-next-door—charming, approachable, and effortlessly charismatic. But behind his warm smile and kind demeanor lies the mind of a creative visionary, constantly at work. As a rising young fashion designer, Kelvin’s imaginative eyes are always observing, and his mind is forever exploring concepts for his next collection.
Selected as one of the 2024 Street Dapper Kings by Garage Magazine, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kelvin to delve into his creative process, get a sense of his personal style, and explore his vision for the future of men’s fashion.
How would you describe your style?
I’m a fashion designer, and I consider myself a canvas for my designs. My style is experimental and evolves with the seasons. Sometimes I’m heavily inspired by Japanese aesthetics, and other times I prefer a more tailored, classic look.
What’s your current fashion obsession?
Maison Margiela Tabi shoes. I didn’t expect them to be so comfortable, but they are! I wore them on trips where I did a lot of walking, and they’re even more comfortable than a pair of sneakers.
What’s one fashion rule you follow?
When it comes to men’s fashion, I stick to a palette of two to three colors. If I want to experiment with the details, I’ll add a bold necklace or something colorful to keep the outfit from looking flat.
Who’s your style icon?
I don’t really have a specific icon, but I find Tommy Cash from Russia fascinating. He’s so experimental and loves pushing boundaries with fashion. Harry Styles is another one who plays with style in an inspiring way.
What’s one look that makes you feel confident?
Recently, I’ve discovered that wearing a barong makes me feel really confident. There’s a certain respect people show when you wear it, likely because of its rich cultural significance.
What are your grooming essentials?
I swear by Kiehl’s products for my skincare routine, which I adapt depending on what my skin needs. I also use high-quality face masks regularly.
Favorite scents?
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity and Le Labo are my go-to fragrances.
What do you think is the future of men’s fashion?
Locally, I see men becoming more adventurous with their style, experimenting with materials and sheer fabrics. On a global scale, I think brands are starting to put more focus on men’s fashion, which is really exciting to see.
Kelvin Morales is a testament to how personal style is more than just clothing—it’s an ever-evolving expression of one’s creative spirit. As he continues to make waves in the fashion industry, his experimental approach and unique vision are sure to leave a lasting mark.
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
