(an exclusive interview with one of today’s well-loved menswear style bloggers, Joseph Ligero)
Style blogging for our local bloggers is never a form of competition where the number of followers dictates the worth and caliber of a blogger. Everything is purely based on one’s love for fashion, their respective sense of style, confidence, and the right attitude. Their population grows, and now, there is no definite age bracket for one to enter the streets of style blogging.
For the 20-year-old Manila-based style blogger Joseph Ligero, it is everyone’s game. The only tool that’s being handed to you, are your senses, and your passion. As he describes his own website, “(it) aims to inspire my readers with regards to increasing their confidence whether it may be in fashion or lifestyle through the numerous posts I share. At first, I was really reserved on the clothes I wear especially the ones I wear whenever I’m in public but later on I finally realized that I would not be able to achieve anything (that involves fashion) if I will keep being my old shy self.”
You’ve seen him first on our Millenial Issue back in January 2016 featuring the magnificent works of photographer, Karlo Torio. In this exclusive interview, Joseph talks about his style mantra, Mr. West, and the best thing about being a style demigod in his own right.
You’re one of the most active mens style blogger right now. How do you manage to keep the ball rolling? How often do you keep your portfolio up to date? Do you have a team with you whenever you work on shoots?
Actually what I really do is — whenever I have nothing to do (which is most of the time when I am not too busy with school work), I try on different clothes I have on my closet and when I come up with something interesting to wear, I immediately schedule a shoot and post it on my blog.
I don’t have a specific schedule on when I should post something on my blog. I try not to pressure myself on giving myself a deadline (except for client posts, of course) since it ruins with the whole “creative process” I have in my mind.
My “team” comprises of me and my girlfriend. She shoots my outfit posts most of the time whenever I don’t have any photographers or friends who ask me to have a shoot with them.
When did your knack for style blogging started?
My knack for dressing up started when I was in high school, but the blogging began when I was already in college. I discovered David Guison and Mikyle Quizon and realized that I also want to share my style through the use of a blog, and so I did.
How do you define your personal style? And what makes it different from the rest of the style bloggers out there?
Basically, my style revolves around the music I listen to — trap and hip hop. While some see beauty in the mundane, I see beauty in violence, destruction, and darkness which is also my source of inspiration in my personal style.
What differentiates me from most style bloggers today in the country is that I make it a point to push myself to think outside the box and explore new styles and not just stick to what the society accepts.
What’s the best thing about style blogging?
While most people would say that the perks of getting new clothes is the best thing, to me it’s the appreciation I get from my readers. The mere tweet or comment I get saying, “Kuya, ang ganda ng suot mo” or “Kuya, ang galing mo po manamit” really pushes me to do more and inspire more people.
3 basic needs/must-haves of a modern style-conscious man.
Clean white shirt. Skinny fit jeans. White sneakers.
Who are your style icons? Who inspires your way of life, be it in fashion, attitude, and personality?
Kanye West. He has inspired so many people like me to be a better person. Through his music, he has inspired me to fall the problems I have encountered and will encounter in the near future. He also made me believe in all my capabilities.
“We’re not always in the position that we want to be at. We’re constantly growing. We’re constantly making mistakes. We’re constantly trying to express ourselves and actualize our dreams.” — Kanye West
Your take on “normcore” fashion trend. What is your opinion on the gender-breaking rise of unisex clothing?
In my opinion, people nowadays associate themselves more with a certain practicality than with unreasonable self-expression. People need to find their own path towards originality.
Sometimes people are unable to keep in mind that they can wear whatever they like. Sometimes it might make them look silly, sometimes it might make them look great, but as long as they don’t go around killing people or whatnot, it really isn’t anybody’s business. Let people wear what they want!
What is your style mantra? And if you are to give an advice to all young bloggers out there still trying to figure out their style status and niche, what would it be?
Just do your thing and wear what you want ;)
5 random things we don’t know about you.
(1) I try to portray a bad boy image, but in reality I have a pillow that I can’t sleep without. I bring it during out of town vacations and whatnot.
(2) I am a closet Belieber. Been a fan since One Time.
(3) I may find beauty in destruction, but I find it annoying whenever my things are cluttered. I know. It’s weird.
(4) I enjoy it whenever people think I’m gay. I don’t know why, but I’m not gay though.
(5) I may look “fierce” on most of my photos, but I’m really a crybaby.
CHECK OUT MORE OF JOSEPH’S STREET STYLE LOOKS AT: http://josephligero.com
