The emperor’s clothes

Not all wardrobes are created equal. For women, closets serve as sanctuaries from their prosaic lives, filled with shoes they never wear, gowns saved for an undated gala event, and bags waiting to be filled. For men, it seems that closets are simply a place to dump things.

Let these three stylish men debunk that theory as they share their wardrobe stories, from the immaculately OC (as in obsessive-compulsive), to the wilder side of things.

Despite their differences, boys will forever be boys. Their wardrobes will always be filled with sneaks, a boastful collection of tees, and denimania. Unlike most celebrity wardrobe stories, this story shows that most fashion superstars have outfit camps like you and me, dependent on their personality, of course. No stylists allowed in this shoot. It’s all blood from here.

Jacques Dupasquier: Mr. Gatsby, Is That You?

When I first saw Jacques Dupasquier’s closet, all I could remember was that moment in The Great Gatsby when Daisy Buchanan was about to collapse upon seeing Jay Gatsby’s wardrobe. It was as if she was staring at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Jacques Dupasquier is known for his classic sense of dress, whether he’s beefed up in a bespoke suit or just goofing off in a clever T-shirt (which most of the time doubles as a pick-up line). If Kimora Lee Simmons ever had a male alter-ego, Jacques would be it, with his endless array of every clothing piece available to man. His current obssession is to bring a renaissance to the H belt, which can be "ghettofied" with street wear. However, watches are still close to his heart, as his collection boasts the creme de la creme of tickers. Just like him, Jacques’ choices exude unapologetic confidence.

How would you describe your closet?

Heavenly!

Have you always been a clotheshorse?

Moi?

If you could trade your wardrobe with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Mine and no one else’s!

Treasures in your closet?

Everything. If not, it wouldn’t be in my closet in the first place.

Oldest thing in your closet?

A 1953 Rolex "Oyster Perpetual" bought at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong.

Do you have a wardrobe system?

Of course. There’s a logic to arranging my clothes. If not, I wouldn’t be able to find what I’m looking for. Every different type of clothing has its own built-in section. For example, all of my shirts are split into different categories and arranged accordingly by color, from formal to casual, long sleeves to short sleeves. The same goes for all of my other clothes. Once the system is in place, all my mayordoma, Manang Yolly, has to do is make sure everything always goes back to its original place.

What should every man’s closet have?

Only things that reflect his own personal style and no one else’s.

What shouldn’t be in every man’s closet?

Women’s clothes. They should stick to their side of the closet. In my case, I get ALL of the closet space, including hers – well, at least until I find a "her" worthy of sharing my closet space with.

Wish list for your wardrobe?

None, I’m really content with what I have and if I wanted something, I’d go buy it.

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Brent Javier: Mas Y Mas

Brent Javier is one of today’s hottest faces. Unlike the vanilla Romeos of the past, Brent gets past the sweetness of his perfectly sketched mug and uses attitude as his bullet for tyranny. His look combines street with a bit of hip-hop, reggae and rock ’n’ roll.

When Brent told me to brace myself for his wardrobe, he definitely wasn’t kidding. The man lives in his very own walk-in closet. His apartment is filled to the ceiling with countless designer duds, sneakers and tees – mostly casual stuff and not a suit in sight. Everywhere you look, there is surely some item of clothing piled up. He made me feel low-maintenance with his high-octane wardrobe. Despite the fashion typhoon called Brent’s wardrobe, it’s comforting to know that no matter how intimidatingly fashionable he may be, his closet is a testament to his being human after all.  

How would you describe your closet?

Schizophrenic.

Have you always been a clotheshorse?

Yep.

If you could trade your wardrobe with anyone’s in the world, who would it be?

Justin Timberlake or David Beckham.

Treasures in your closet?

Everything.

Oldest thing in your closet?

A pair of jeans that belonged to my lolo.

Oddest thing you have but love anyway?

My oversized underwear from when I was fat.

Do you have a wardrobe system?

Yep, organized confusion.

What should every man’s closet have?

A pair of well—worn jeans, and clean underwear.

What shouldn’t be in every man’s closet?

Bikini trunks.

Wish list for your wardrobe?

The Marc Ecko designer collection, the Sean John collection, and every pair of sneaks ever made.

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JM Rodriguez: Behind The Scenes

JM Rodriguez is one of the most talented young actors around. He burst onto the scene as the unforgettable Cornetto man, made his mark in his theater performances – most memorably in Rent – and is now a regular on TV. His wardrobe, however, is void of any drama – thank heavens. Behind the scenes, JM is perhaps one of the most laid-back people I know, and his fuss-free lifestyle is evident in his choice of dress. Although he insists that he’s messy, his compact yet efficient system exhibits his knack for self-deprecation. What JM’s wardrobe does show is loyalty. His brand of choice is Levi’s. JM has jeans, which even in my life as a retail whore, I’ve never, ever seen. His choices are simple, practical yet full of soul, and unique – just like him – and, oh, with a frosting of a great sense of humor as well.

How would you describe your closet?

It’s probably the most disorganized part of my room. When I moved to my flat, I didn’t have time to segregate one type of clothing from another. I’m glad I have Myrna, who memorizes my wardrobe better than I do, so I just ask her to pull a piece out of the closet.

I’d say it’s a closet that has lots of T—shirts, jeans, and sneakers.

Have you always been a clotheshorse?

Nah! I didn’t like shopping and I never used to have a dress sense. My directors in Repertory would always say that I was a sloppy dresser. I would always be in a T—shirt, khaki shorts, and Birkenstocks. When I started doing TV and getting all these free clothes, I realized there were other types of clothing aside from Birkenstocks and khaki shorts. Plus, I had to start dressing up better because TV makes you vain – I noticed every year I was in showbiz I got more and more vain. Then you hang out with very stylish people who give you quick lessons on what’s baduy and what’s cool.

If you could trade your wardrobe with anyone’s in the world, who would it be?

Giorgio Armani. He probably has his custom-made collection in his closets. I think Armani suits are cut really well and are made of very good fabric.

Treasures in your closet?

My Rent Singapore T—shirt. I had a lot of good memories doing Rent in Singapore. It was a surreal experience. Something I will never be able to duplicate.

Also an acting workshop T—shirt that says "I joined the Repertory Summer Workshop with teacher JM." I used to teach acting class to teens and now I see my students out in the clubs and can’t take it when they call me teacher JM.

Oldest thing in your closet?

A worn-out pajama T-shirt that I don’t want to throw away because it’s so comfortable.

Oddest thing you have but love anyway?

A top hat. It was a costume I wore way back when I started doing theater. I think I’ll probably be able to use it in some play in the future, which is why I don’t want to throw it away.

Do you have a wardrobe system?

Well, my T-shirts are in one place. My Levi’s jeans all hang together. My long-sleeved shirts are all in one place, too, and my leather shoes and sneakers all hang at the back of my door.

What should every man’s closet have?

Good question. Plastic hangers? Just kidding. I’d say handkerchiefs, a lot of boxers or boxer briefs, and plain white and black undershirts – you can get really good ones at Levi’s, Topman, Marks and Spencer, Calvin Klein, or at (my favorite mall) SM Shoemart. Levi’s jeans in different colors, sports socks, formal black and brown socks, decent dark- and light—colored suits, a barong, lots of cool T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts for partying (you’re better off having them tailor—made), black and brown formal pants, and lots of sneakers.

What shouldn’t be in every man’s closet?

Moth balls?

Wish list for your wardrobe?

All of the retro Puma and New Balance sneakers I can have, and the men’s clothing lines of Zara ,DKNY, Emporio Armani, and Versace.