My style has been under constant evolution since I first got interested in fashion almost a decade ago. It has been a challenge working in pieces from so many different brands into my wardrobe and I always appreciate others who can dress across brands and flip it their own way. Paul is a fashion student at F.I.T and he is someone who definitely owns amazing pieces but the way he wears them is all his own. For men especially I think it is key to look and feel comfortable in the clothes you own. When it comes to the Style Profiles on Third Looks, I select people who dress according to their own vision. I hope that this site helps people find their own style and empowers them to make informed fashion decisions.
Look 1
Vintage Snapback Hat
Jil Sander Floral T-Shirt
H&M Shorts
Raf Simons Derby Shoes
How’d you first get interested in fashion and how has your style evolved over time?
I liked clothes from an early age. I even went through my older sister copies of Vogue when I was younger. Then I got into skateboarding, wearing tapered baggy cords with Sal 23 or fatigue cargo pants and some Vans Old Skools. I would go through a copy of Transworld and see all those cool printed t-shirts and I was really into that, especially Hook-Ups. In early 2000 I came across Graniph T-shirts, which was a Japanese design company. I was looking into that and found an online forum called Superfuture and at the same time I was working for a high end retail store in NYC. These combined factors opened more doors to what’s out there. As I got older I transitioned to a more fitted and minimal style (slim wool trousers and dressy shoes). Despite that I always seem to go back to buying sneakers. My style changes now and then but I always reflect on my old style and mix it with my current style.
Look 2
Supreme x Champion Hooded Coach Jacket
Rick Owens T-Shirt
Ann Demeulemeester Trousers
Rick Owens Sneakers
How has your education as a designer changed your outlook on clothes and shopping?
Fashion education made me more critical. I have an idea of how clothes are sewn together so when I see something made poorly, that just raises a red flag. Sometimes it is the complete opposite, I would see something so interesting and well made that I have to figure out how it was made. It can really help you realize some people are creative geniuses.
How do you like to shop for new items?
Looking online for interesting stuff is always the most convenient way for me to find new items. Online shopping is great but there’s so little you can do and look at with a web browser, so I try to go to actual stores. Some of those stores probably have cool pieces that are not available somewhere else.
Who’s style do you admire or look to for inspiration?
There’s no particular style icon I admire. I’m inspired by a lot of things, music, places, art, films, magazines, people, it’s endless. I can see something in the street and I can be inspired from that. I do go through a lot of fashion magazines and it helps give me an idea of how pieces would work and sometimes I try to see if those work for me, thou sometimes I just blatantly copy it.
Look 3
Thom Browne Cardigan
Thom Browne Polo
Thom Browne Trousers
Thom Browne Shoes
What are some pieces you are looking to add to your collection?
I am a big fan of Takahiro Miyashita, so when he started The Soloist, I been looking forward to add some of his pieces in my closet.
Look 4
Raf Simons Neoprene College Hoody
Ann Demeulemeester Trousers
Rick Owens Sneakers
What would you like to see more of in the current menswear market?
Diversity? It seems the menswear marker is so communal. I want to see something different and interesting. The market right now is not providing what I used to like about menâs fashion. I remember when the moments when I would see images from the runaway and I already knew I wanted piece. Going online months before aand seeing a particular outfit and when you see the outfit and you just cannot wait for it till it hit the stores. We need more clothes that will make us interested, not exactly new but not something completely copied by several labels.
Special thanks goes out to Sidney for these photos. Be sure to check out his work on his revamped website. For imagery of Paul’s style click this feature we collaborated on.
Photos by Sidney Lo
