The curious mix of high and low

MANILA, Philippines - While there’s a lot to be said — and written — about head-to-toe designer looks, there’s plenty to appreciate in the curious mix of high and low. To the dapper dresser with the chutzpah to throw in the cheap with the Comme, the affordable with the APC, the bargain-basement priced with the Balenciaga, we salute you. YStyle tasked five stylish folks to shop on the cheap at Fashion Surplus and channel their inner streetstyle subject.

An Estrada, photographer

How would classify your style of dressing?

Messy, effortless.

Describe your closet. Is it packed with designer goods, anonymous labels?

A mix of both. I love mixing vintage finds with designer pieces.

Your outfit here is a mix of high-low. Tell me a little bit about it.

 I don’t want to think of it as high and low. Sometimes I’m more concerned with the aesthetic and feel of the item. Although I really invest in key pieces like coats and shoes.

For this challenge, I was more interested in the men’s section at Fashion Surplus. I’m obsessed with loosely-fitted clothes. I also love classic things so I chose an oversized knit sweater (XXL). It made me feel like a public schoolboy and the color was perfect for the season.

What’s the secret to accomplishing the perfect high-low ensemble?

I think the best strategy is to never look too neat.

Jujiin, videographer + photographer

How would classify your style of dressing?

Genderless, uncomfortable, mix-and-mismatchy, monochromatic.

Describe your closet.

It’s like a drunk Harajuku that vomits Kamuning. An orgy of ukay finds and fancy clothes. It’s filthy and gorgeous!

Your outfit here is a mix of high-low. Tell me a little bit about it.

I like oversized clothes and the way they make shapes look interesting. I’m missing an accessory so I’m going to Dangwa to buy calla lilies.

What’s the secret to accomplishing the perfect high-low ensemble?


A snobbish gait and the perfect pair of sunglasses!

CJ Cruz, student

How would classify your style of dressing?

Generic and easy.

Describe your closet.

At the moment it is decided according to my color addiction. A lot of washed-out-blues and marl grays. Lot’s of vintage and thrift gray tees, stolen goods from my dad’s wardrobe. Always invest in great trousers! Comme Des Garcons, Rick Owens, Eairth.

Your outfit here is a mix of high-low. Tell me a little bit about it.

I like to be dressed for the whole day, from studio work in the morning to dinners at night. I’m very physical. I like to walk anywhere. I am into 100-percent cotton tees like this one from Fashion Surplus which is amazing. Just the right kind of layering in a tropical country. The trousers are from the Lanvin x Acne from four years ago I think, in a baggy fit I always loved. No-brainer Vans for every day and night .

What’s the secret to accomplishing the perfect high low ensemble?

Basics, basics, basics! I will always have a soft spot for generic-looking articles of clothing. I think it’s great when one can never define or ID an ensemble by the designer/brand.

En Estrada, photographer

How would you classify your style of dressing?

I have always been a fan of boy-meets-girl clothing. Growing up, I was a punky little tomboy so somehow this has always been incorporated in my way of dressing.

Describe your closet. Is it packed with designer goods, anonymous labels?

It’s a mix of both. I invest in designer dresses as well as vintage ones. Sometimes I buy designer dresses that look vintage! (laughs)

Your outfit here is a mix of high-low. Tell me a little bit about it.

I chose plaid because I’m a big fan of Band of Outsiders and this bold pattern is not going away anytime soon. I wore it with camel corduroy shorts to make the look effortless and casual. The stockings are from H&M and shoes are from Lanvin to give the plaid shirt a hint of british royalty.

What’s the secret to accomplishing the perfect high-low ensemble?

Always remember to make the look effortless.

Melvin Mojica, stylist

How would classify your style of dressing?

My style is “Uncle-Daddy.”

Describe your closet.

All my clothes are packed in their respective trash bags right now. I have a few Margielas but my staples are from Muji and Uniqlo. Heather gray tees, striped tees, plaid longsleeves.

Your outfit here is a mix of high-low. Tell me a little bit about it.

I’m wearing my favorite Commes des Garcons shoes. A gift from my mentor and friend, Miss Cecile van Straten. Looks like I’m going to teach a class or something.

What’s the secret to accomplishing the perfect high low ensemble?

Secret to a perfect high-low ensemble? Relax. It’s just fashion.

Fashion available at FASHION SURPLUSat SM MegaMall and SM Makati, Photos by EDRIC CHEN, Makeup by Yciar Castillo, Ria Aquino and Gery Penaso for MAC, Hair by Romeo Torrente of Studio Fix, and Jessie Laroga of Bench Fix, Nails by HELEN VALLEJERA and, GINA MACABANTI of Bench Fix