Preview Best Dressed List 2019: Koji Arboleda

Koji Arboleda takes uniform dressing up a notch and turns it into a sartorial statement. Being a photographer, he knew he needed to find a work uniform that would allow him to move about without settling into wearing a forgettable, nondescript attire. Hence, Koji turned to the Japanese aesthetic and created a wardrobe that strikes a balance between comfort and style. The result is a crisp and clean wardrobe he can take from photo shoots and straight to parties. Below, we dissect Koji's easy, fuss-free style.

Personal Style

In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?

"An after-school schoolboy?" [Laughs.]

 

When and how did you realize that this is your personal aesthetic?

 "I suppose my aesthetic was born out of when I first experimented with mixing formal and casual pieces and trying to strike a balance between the two."

 

When and how did you realize that this is your personal aesthetic? 

"I suppose my aesthetic was born out of when I first experimented with mixing formal and casual pieces and trying to strike a balance between the two."

How does your job as a photographer shaped the way you dress?

"Aside from working with a lot of people who are into beautiful clothing, part of my job is also being constantly exposed to various visuals and references that further help to form my dress sense."

If given the chance, whose closet would you like to raid and why?

"One of those Japanese schoolboys you see hanging out at Shibuya station?" [Laughs.]

Name five items in your closet that you absolutely can't live without. 

"A crisp white short-sleeved button down, a pair of pleated and cropped black trousers, an interesting blazer, a plain baseball cap, and a pair of white sneakers."

 

 

How would you describe your "uniform" outfit?

"Usually [I would be] in a monochrome of white-grey-black. Maybe in a plain tee (could be with an interesting cut or detail) or an oversized button down tucked inside black trousers [worn with] a minimalist pair of sandals, slip-ons, or chunky sneakers, and a cap. But if I’d like to dress it up I complete the look with either an oversized blazer or coat for a relaxed, lazy look."

Shopping Habits

Where do you usually shop for clothes, bags, shoes, accessories?

"I favor mostly Homme et Femme group shops like Archives, Homme et Femme, Hoodwink, and Univers. I also like Uniqlo of course. With regards to brands, I like Comme des Garçons, Carl Jan Cruz, Maison Margiela, Acne, COS, and Raf Simons. Online I typically shop at Farfetch and SSENSE. "

Are you an impulse buyer or more of an I'll-think-about-it-first kind of shopper? Why?

"I gravitate and opt for pieces I foresee as versatile and could be styled in more ways than one, but I’m also the type to instantly know when I’m in love with a piece... so I guess I’m both?"

Fashion Picks

What's your fashion obsession nowadays? Why?

"Investing in good quality trousers! I have a lot of black pairs but they all differ in silhouettes and details. I’m probably the only one who sees the differences in them though. You can always dress up or down any pair. They stay forever in your wardrobe more than tops, I feel."

 

Complete the sentence: Fashion makes me feel ___.

"Confident"

 

Produced by Steph Sison

Photographed by Shaira Luna

Art Direction by Bacs Arcebal

Set Design by Aren Dale Santos of ADSET Production

Video Produced by Maura Rodriguez

Video Directed by Karlo Torio 

Assistant Video Director JF Calimag

Videography by Sernne Dominia

Video Production Assistant Gerol Candelaria

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