MANILA, Philippines - What defines the 21st century celebrity? These days, it’s more than just raw talent. Anybody who’s witnessed the rapid rise and fall of a YouTube hopeful can attest to the fact that it’s more than just the ability to carry a tune. To survive in modern day Hollywood and to become a fixture in the entertainment industry, it’s all about having that special “It” factor. Luckily for Joe Jonas, he has that in spades. From a musical standpoint, you can’t say the young man hasn’t earned his stripes. From his early singing days with his siblings as the Jonas Brothers to his successful solo career, Joe is practically a musical mainstay.
What is also setting him apart from his contemporaries is his sense of style. Joe’s natural confidence and striking good looks are accented by his personal tastes in fashion. His cover shot for Details magazine, as well as other noteworthy public appearances on numerous red carpets, is proof that, for this generation, Joe Jonas is a quintessential style icon. As an endorser of Bench, Joe Jonas lends his A-Listed stardom to the Philippine’s biggest and only global fashion brand.
The Autumn collection for Bench is all about rocking one’s inner Hollywood style icon — this means mixing and layering key pieces for fall and the brand’s wide array of basics. For this latest Bench campaign, Joe was shot in Manila by photographer Ronnie Salvacion. Through his lens we get a sneak peek of Joe on the set of a shoot set against camera equipment and props. The concept shows how the multi-faceted entertainer shines both in the spotlight and off-camera.
The mood of the campaign is light and relaxed, almost as if we caught Joe in between takes of a shoot. The singer-actor shows how to exude confidence with a couple of styling rules:
Rule No. 1: Comfort and Style Should Go Hand in Hand
There’s a golden rule: if you look good, you’ll feel good. The reverse of this applies as well — when getting all styled and dressed up there is no reason to sacrifice comfort. Enter the perfect cotton cardigan. It’s soft, versatile and functional. There’s a reason why preppies and granddads love this style — it’s a no-brainer way of looking good. Look for one that is cut slim and made in some of autumn’s favorite colors like maroon or dark forest green.
What is dressy but as casual as a basic tee? What about a basic, fitted sweater? Also known as a pullover, this sexy knit piece hugs all the right places and accentuates a trim silhouette. What was once a preppy staple for country clubs is now an urban essential perfect for school, the office, or nights out. Try one with a little color blocking for a play on dimensions. A deep purple is made masculine and bolder when it shares the spotlight with a somber gray.
Rule No. 3: Add Texture with a Mixed-Fabric Shirt
You have a couple stripes, a few checks, and loads of solids. But do you have a button-down that combines all three? Trends are leading men into trying “mutants,” shirts with unexpected combinations of colors, fabrics, prints and textures to make a unique sartorial statement. Look for shirts that have contrast sleeves and make use of basic elements like shoulders, pockets, and panels as a canvas for experimentation. Who knew plaid went so well with suede and cotton chambray? Wear with basic denim to tone down the look and apply to everyday styling.
Rule No. 4: Look For an Unconventional Blazer
These days you need something that can instantly dress up your outfit from day to night. Women have the little black dress, and men have the classic blazer. But before you go and grab another plain black or navy one, try something that is a little younger and a whole lot more fun. A fitted blazer can be given a makeover with a few minor tweaks resulting in major stylish feats. Try one with sleeves seemingly taken from another coat. A track suit sleeve paired with the torso of a blazer is an interesting take on the old notion of “semi-formal” and can easily be worn with your favorite jeans or khakis.
Rule No. 5: Sweatpants Are the New Jeans
Don’t limit yourself to a wardrobe of khakis and jeans. A pair of low-crotch and skinny sweatpants have the flattering effect of drainpipe jeans with the comfort of your favorite track suit. The key is to wear it the way you would any other pair of pants — with a button-down and loafers or a V-neck Bench Body tee and your favorite high-tops.
Don’t be afraid of new silhouettes, innovative cuts and styles are part of a brave new direction of menswear. Like Joe Jonas who fearlessly navigates through Hollywood, be daring and confident in your sartorial stride.
Joe Jonas’ campaign for Bench hits Bench stores nationwide. For more updates like Bench’s official Facebook page and follow @benchtm via Twitter.