Trying to be cool

MANILA, Philippines - City and desert coexist depending on the things you’re wearing.”

As with most things in life, Phoenix frontman Thomas Mars kind of has this whole summer dressing thing figured out.

While it may be tempting in the face of sweltering heat to simply drop trou and picture the metro as your own personal Indio, California—at some point you have to face the fact that it can’t all be sweaty thigh gaps and kombucha-drenched crop tops all the time.

Take solace in the fact that alternative forms of summer weather-appropriate apparel do exist. Levi’s latest collection, for instance, features both denim and non-denim options engineered with quick-drying, breathable fibers that draw away moisture, regulate temperature, and look damn good at the same time.

How many flower crowns do you know can say the same? —Sam Potenciano

Photos by Ralph Mendoza, Styled by Sam Potenciano, Hair and makeup by Sari Campos, Modeled by Francisco (IM Agency) and Katarina Rodriguez