Chic People: inKARLcerating
inKARLcerating is the kind of guy I would deem “patron saint” of Chictopia’s male population. This avant-garde Style Icon has been impressing us with his androgynously-artistic way of dress since fall of 2008. To me, his iconic fashion staples (embellished boots, distressed drapey tops, and skin-tight trousers) have become part of the makeup and fabrication of this website. Without this gent, Chictopia would be far less chic!
1. Q: How did you hear about Chictopia and why did you decide to join?
A: I remember browsing the net because I was looking for street style photos of cute Japanese skinny boys then: “Wham bham!”—- I found Chictopia.
2. Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a member of Chictopia?
A: It feels like a community. You feel that everyone can be your friend; friends with benefits and by benefits, I mean inspiration.
3. Q: How did you get interested in fashion and outfit blogging? What did you dress like as a child, and how has your style transitioned over the years?
A: I was a late bloomer. I began shopping for clothes for myself in college. Before, I spent my money largely on makeup and grooming products. Suddenly, it occurred to me that things were getting out of hand and very expensive. I stopped and then I discovered thrift shopping and online shopping. This all contributed to my interest in clothing then later on my interest in fashion.
I dressed up like any Filipino kid. We wear a lot of denim and sneakers. Actually, I was never aware of my clothing articles. I just wore whatever my mom and aunt gave me. I borrowed my brother’s clothes and shoes, so it’s quite obvious that I really didn’t care before. It changed when I met people online who had great taste in art, fashion, music.
4. Q: How does it feel to be one of the few guys on Chictopia? What would you say to prospective male Chictopians to encourage them to join?
A: At first, we were really few. I remembered checking out only a maximum of 7 guys when I was online on Chictopia but now, there are a huge number of guys on this site and it’s really overwhelming. More is more! There’ll be more inspirations and more styles to see. The very fact that everyone can join Chictopia is a bonus already. It’s a warm and welcoming community and I must say that a lot of great things had happened to me ever since I joined Chictopia and I reckon great things will happen to you once you join this site.
5. Q: How do “real-life” people react to your avant-garde way of dress?
A: They are a lot of reactions I get from people. I honestly feel sad whenever people roll their eyes whenever I pass by. I mean c’mon! I just don’t dress like you so what’s to hate about? But I’ll never forget the people who are nice to me and approach me just to say they love my clothes or shoes. I’ll never forget the lady who sold peanuts on the streets; she gave me free nuts just because she liked my outfit.
6. Q: What three words epitomize your personal style?
A:
1. Character
2. Drama
3. Layer
7. Q: We love your flowing draped tops and metallic and studded accessories. What is the best place to get a hold of these types of items?
A: The thrift store! Also, there are local designers and retail stores which sell such items e.g. Don Protasio, Norman Noriega , Patrick Galang, as for retail brands, Proud Race, Oxygen and our very own Paradigm Shift! As for the metallic and studded accessories, I buy cheap accessories on the streets.
8. Q: Your hair and makeup choices are so edgy and high-end. (You remind us of a dashing Anime or Manga hero!) Do you have any advice for guys who’d like to start experimenting with makeup?
A: It’s ok to wear makeup. It’s kind of the same as wearing hair wax or hairspray. It depends largely on personal preferences but if I have a choice, I’d skip wearing makeup but I really have nasty skin (blame my genes) so I need to wear makeup.
9. Q: What is your number one favorite item in your wardrobe?
A: My leather pants.
10. Q: What is the number one item you regret not buying?
A: Ohhhh… the pixie-ish wedges I saw at Forever21 the other day. I promised to get them the day after, but when I returned they were gone.
11. Q: Do you have any personal style icons? To whom would you recommend fashion-forward guys looking up to for inspiration?
A: Yes I do: a mix of Charles Guislain, Rad Hourani and Rick Owens. I suggest guys to also consider getting inspirations from women because I respect guys who can rock the androgynous look.
1. a hole new world
2. boy in a coma
3. let there be blood
4. on line
5. wallflower-
Craving more “inKARLceration”? Visit his Chictopia page and personal style blog for more.
~Pink_Champagne
More on my blog, PINK CHAMPAGNE
