Queer Eye for the Pinoy guy (and gal)

By this time, fashion—loving cable subscribers–straight, gay, undecided– are recounting their experience, or lack of, with Kyan Douglas and Thom Filicia, two of the five—member team making up the outrageously popular American makeover show, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. (Note to the unapprised: five homosexual guys take a regular Joe in need and straighten out his style sensibilities, making over his home and wardrobe, updating his culinary and cultural skills, and improving his grooming rituals). As an admirer of the stylish quintet, I add my own two bits.

Grooming Guru Kyan Douglas and Design Doctor Thom Filicia were in Manila for the weekend to promote the Queer Eye book, The Fab Five’s Guide to Looking Better, Cooking Better, Dressing Better, Behaving Better & Living Better. This, naturally, caused a stir among the show’s devotees. I was happy to cover the "Queer Eye for the Pinoy Guy" fashion show, which was to be the culmination of Kyan and Thom’s visit. Aside from the show, I was also asked to attend Kyan’s grooming presentation and book-signing session at the Greenbelt 3 lobby.

I was a bit late for the Greenbelt show and was floored by the mob that had assembled for Kyan as soon as I stepped off the elevator from basement parking. Kyan’s voice barely resonated over the shrieks of the adoring crowd, a response that made me realize just how much the appeal of a gay man can go beyond gender biases. I didn’t even attempt to check if there was a free seat in the press area and instead lingered at the back, discussing Kyan with some other media members.

"He’s not photogenic at all; he’s so much better—looking in person," said one magazine editor. "I don’t care if he’s gay. He’s so cute," declared a female fan standing behind me (a thought echoed by her other female friends and women shoving their way through the crowd, trying to get a better view). I just marveled at his flawless complexion.

In between presenting his grooming makeover on one lucky female and fielding questions on beautification, Kyan declared to the appreciative throng how he and Thom Filicia had observed Filipinos to be stylish and fashionable. This statement, met with raucous self—congratulatory applause from the audience, culminated in a fashion show at the Ayala Musuem later that night.

I came early for this one, slipping through the doors just as the lights were dimming. I took a seat in full view of the guests of honor. Both were dressed in spiffy suits. Kyan’s skin still looked fabulous.

The fashion show started and the runway filled up with ensembles from clothing brands under the Stores Specialists, Inc. umbrella. Each designer brand had its solo share of the spotlight, under Kyan and Thom’s scrutiny. Diesel’s funk regalia featured bright colors and loud prints over ratted jeans. Lacoste put tracksuits in summery colors on the women and light jackets over subdued khakis on men. DKNY took to contrasts with pairings of acid color underneath somber black, and flirty skirts with tailored jackets. Functional graphic totes took centerstage for Kate Spade, while Jack Spade’s bag options for men included canvas mailman bags in neutral shades. While taking notes on the clothes, I snuck glances at the two visitors. Thom was singing along to the music. Kyan was nodding his head in approval.

According to the invite, Kyan helped style the models for the show, and show director Jackie Aquino’s crew injected a further Queer Eye flavor by displaying wearable ensembles that reflected the Fab Five’s principle of progressively practical fashion. The most notable reflection of the Fab Five signature was the pervading presence of the "tszujed" (pronounced "zhuzhed") sleeve, the Carson Kressley—coined term for the glamorously crumpled, rolled—up sleeve of a man’s dress shirt.

More Carson Kressley influences cropped up with dapper white suits for Calvin Klein, and knit shirts layered over striped button—downs from the Kenneth Cole collection. Youthful fashion prevailed for the A/X Armani Exchange presentation, Anne Klein jazzed up the working woman’s wardrobe with earth—toned graphic skirts, and Laundry by Shelli Segal displayed feminine wiles with sexy, teal—colored dresses. CK Jeans suited up the women in tight jeans and scooter jackets, and put a stylized treatment on rain jackets for men. Springfield’s urban streetwear fashion touched on skater fashion with plaid shirts, comfy jeans, and knit beanies.

The highlight of the show, however, was a presentation of how Kyan Douglas worked his makeover magic, uncovering the style potential in three Filipinos. "Before" pictures preceded the made—over versions of the volunteers. Kyan gave a stylish updo to a girl with thick, unmanageable tresses, added some texture and structure to one guy’s thinning mane, and infused lighter tones and wispy fringes to another girl’s lackluster hairstyle.

At show’s end, Kyan and Thom took to the stage to impart a few words. They thanked their sponsors at Ayala Malls and Stores Specialists for bringing them here, waxed appreciative about Manila, remarked on each other’s get—up, gave a big wave, and exited front—right to backstage. As the audience applauded, my fashion-editor seatmate pronounced the experience surreal. I sat there, still marveling at Kyan Douglas’s flawless complexion.

Clothes and accessories by Diesel, DKNY, CK Jeans, Springfield, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Laundry, Kate Spade, Jack Spade, Armani Exchange, Anne Klein and Kenneth Cole.

Presented by Stores Specialists, Inc. and Ayala Malls.

Photos by JOVEN CAGANDE