David Guison on leading in the age of style, influence, and discovery
This is an excerpt from MEGA’s February 2023 issue
Can you tell us about the exact moment you first fell in love with fashion?
DAVID: I used to have memories of myself as a kid going down the stairs with a white shirt, a navy blue vest, and a matching pair of shorts, telling my family, “Ganda suot.” In high school, there was a “civilian day” every Friday and we could wear whatever we wanted, as long as [it had] a collar. I would save my money and buy a new outfit every Friday. These are just some of the memories I had falling in love with fashion. And who would’ve thought that I would make a career out of documenting my daily ensembles and get featured on MEGA?
Did your style change drastically over the years? How would you describe your own style now?
DAVID: I used to say that it took me years and years to find my personal style. But now, I think it’s still constantly evolving. I have different styles for different eras in my life. I think what’s important is you know what you like and what pieces of clothing make you feel most confident in.
What was your most memorable fashion moment? How about your least favorite?
DAVID: My most memorable fashion moment would have to be when I was awarded with the “Best Style Blog” (Yes, blog. Haha!) in an awards event back in 2014—that’s when I realized I can have a future in this field.
My least favorite fashion moment would have to be attending Philippine Fashion Week in 2014, as well. Not having enough funds to buy a new outfit, I went to a thrift store in Taft—I was a fresh graduate then—and bought a pair of heavy duty boots. When I entered the venue, [wherein] you have to pass through the runway or stage to be able to get to your seat, the right sole of my boots ripped off and the whole thing was left on the runway. I was so embarrassed. I still have that pair of boots, by the way. I’m sentimental like that.
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If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? What’s your ultimate closet staple?
DAVID: If I could only wear one outfit for the rest of my life, it would have to be a black shirt, black trousers, and a pair of black loafers. That way I think I’d have my Steve Jobs moment and get away with wearing the same thing every day. I also have a good fitting black shirt that highlights the chest and biceps—that never fails to make me feel confident! As for my ultimate closet staple, I’d have to go with a pair of black trousers. If you asked me this question two years ago, I would say a corduroy jacket, so again, it’s always a different piece for different eras.
What advice would you give to individuals who are still trying to find their own style?
DAVID: I would like to focus on the guys reading this: I would say build your wardrobe first. Get all the basics you need—a crisp white shirt, a white button down, a white tank top, a pair of good fitting trousers, a pair of leather shoes, your go-to-sneakers, etc. From there, you can start adding pieces that you really like, such as a printed top, a pair of corduroy pants, and a pair of Air Jordans—whatever showcases who you are.
Read more on David’s dynamic style identity in MEGA’s February 2023 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photography JHARWIN CASTANEDA
Creative Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Beauty and Grooming Direction MIA CASTRO
Styling AARON MANGSAT
Makeup JASON DELOS REYES
Hair DALE MALLARI
Sittings Editors MARIAN SAN PEDRO, BAM ABELLON, BITHIA REYES, and RAYA AÑASCO
