MANILA, Philippines - On the self, grooming, and fashion, L.A. Consing Lopez walks us through his influences and personal style. YStyle sits down with the New York-based stylist and creative director and talks shop.
If the work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.
L.A. Consing Lopez, the stylist and former style editor for Rogue magazine, still manages to be elusive. With a portfolio built on visually-arresting covers and editorials for Rogue, global campaigns for retail giant Bench (from Hollywood celebrities to South Korean idols), the personality may not have banked on a social media caché, but his work is as ubiquitous as they come.
We caught up with the New York-based consultant and creative director for the low-down on what he’s been up to, his take on personal style, and how one can survive on a wardrobe of monochromatic navy. YStyle sits down with L.A Consing Lopez and talks shop.
YSTYLE: Can you give us an update on your life in New York? What has work been like since you’ve brought your business abroad?
L.A. CONSING LOPEZ: I’m a fashion stylist and creative consultant, here, in New York. Since completing grad school in Global Fashion Management at FIT, the work I do for clients also includes marketing strategy and brand building. I like the idea of helping a brand expand, using creativity in a way that fosters business expansion to impact the bottom line. I’m also drawn to projects that allow me to collaborate with and support global Pinoys — like Rafe Totengco for Rafe New York and the inspirational Geena Rocero.
I am doing my consultancy in New York and Manila, so I shuttle back and forth where the projects take me. In New York I’ve worked with evening wear designer Donald Deal, Redken Fifth Avenue, and Rafe New York. In Manila, I always jump at the opportunity to work with Filipino brands like Bench, Kashieca, and Harlan + Holden. I am also continuing as a contributing editor for Rogue magazine, covering NYFW and shooting New York-based editorials.
How important is it for you to touch base and keep working with local brands?
Working on the Bench brands and Kashieca is very fulfilling. It always amazes me how they evolve every season with trend-right merchandise, making it an even greater pleasure to style and creative direct these ad campaigns. I always look forward to collaborating with the country’s best photographers like Mark Nicdao and BJ Pascual on these shoots. I’m very grateful that Ben Chan entrusts me with some of the campaigns for his brands, probably the most important Filipino labels.
Speaking of Bench, which campaign was your favorite to shoot?
The 2012 summer ads for Bench will always be one of my favorites, just because it was such a jet-set- inspired campaign. We built massive sets of three dream destinations — Havana, the French Riviera, and Hawaii. So it looked like we took the brand’s A-list endorsers on a global adventure.
In your tenure as style editor for Rogue magazine, what would you say was your favorite cover to shoot?
To name my top five, I would say: Iza Calzado (2012) had a visually stunning cover. It won Best Cover Design at the Asian Publishing Awards in 2013. Valerie Weigmann (2011) felt almost like walking into a private tennis match with a gorgeous woman. Georgia Schulze-del Rosario (2010) is absolute classic Rogue — a nostalgic ‘70s-like beach shoot. Solenn Heussaff (2009) was in a crazy cutout maillot that really helped launch her into superstardom. Jenny Rockett (2008) was landmark moment. Because after this nautical shoot, it was suddenly like every girl wanted to be a Rogue girl.
ON STYLE
“I hop between three styles,” L.A. relates. “First, I love incorporating ethnic prints and nomadic styles. I take this lounge-y traveler vibe and try putting it in an urban context. On the flip side, I go very minimalist and monotone. These days I wear complete navy blue — from my blazer and shirt, to the socks and shoes. I’m obsessed with this color and it has become my daily uniform. I’m also very inspired by the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s and have no qualms about dressing like I’ve popped out of those decades.”
Who taught you the rudiments of style?
From a very young age I was exposed to classic Hollywood movies — from How to Steal a Million to North By Northwest — which, I think, gave me an appreciation and understanding of the importance of costume in storytelling. It is on these retro pop-cultural references that I built the foundations of both my personal, and professional, sense of fashion.
What inspires you to dress?
I’m inspired by menswear inspired by womenswear, that is ultimately inspired by menswear. I love how this style comes full circle.
What are your five go-to wardrobe pieces?
A “go-with-anything” blazer, dark brown loafers, a slim pair of navy trousers, a cashmere sweater, and a good, everyday leather tote.
ON GROOMING
What particular ways do you have in terms of grooming?
I always say, if there is something men should not scrimp on, it’s a good haircut. There’s very little men can do to improve their appearance. We don’t (and shouldn’t) have the benefit of makeup. So a good head of hair should complement, frame, and accent the best of our features.
Moisturize? Sunscreen daily — Clinique SPF21. Shiseido Men moisturizer at night. Blow-dry or air-dry? Blow-dry! With a diffuser! It looks like a mini-salon in my bathroom! Pomade or wax? Mousse. Fine-toothed comb or your fingers? Always groom with your fingers. What’s your favorite scent? Bald’Afrique by Byredo. First found this Swedish perfumery company in Paris. I’ve been obsessed since.
ON SELF
First job? VIP service manager and personal shopper for Rustan’s. Style icon? Jeremy Irons. Vacation destination? Paris and Bali. Stylish movie? Talented Mr. Ripley. I could live in that movie. Stylish figure in literature? Sebastian Flyte from Brideshead Revisited. Haunts? Strand Book Store, Le Pain Quotidien, and the Neue Galerie in New York. Necessary extravagance? Scents. Never caught wearing? Never say never. Whose style do you admire? Michael Bastian. I had the privilege of working for him while taking my master’s. He is a designer with a distinct voice in American menswear that borrows from the past and thoughtfully brings it to the present. What do you think is the look of the moment? The ’70s. Think Robert Redford in Three Days of the Condor.
ON FASHION
Basics? Bench and James Perse. Shirts? My Dad’s Ascot Chang shits. Underwear? Bench Body of course! Belts? Mostly vintage from my dad. Shoes? Prada and Salvatore Ferragmo. Outerwear? Junya Watanabe for spring, Moncler for winter. Day bag? Saint Laurent. Accessories? I never leave home without a watch — I wear vintage watches from my dad and lolo. I also never remove my scapular, which has my antique St. Jude medal and various pendants I collect when I travel. Suits? Jil Sander and Dries Van Noten.
Where do you shop the most?
I usually prefer shopping in department stores and multi-brand shops, instead of standalone boutiques. Barneys in New York, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, and Adora and Univers in Manila. I shop for a lot of my basics in Club Monaco and Bench.
What was your first “major” purchase?
In first year high school I remember saving my allowance to buy a burgundy velvet pullover from Paul Smith. Obviously, I had no occasion to wear it — I was 13! But I still have that top today, and whenever I wear it I’m reminded of my early love affair with fashion.
What was the last memorable thing that you bought?
A gold bracelet with a painted protective “evil eye,” from a jeweler in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
What was the last thing you regret buying?
I plan out my purchases and shop very selectively. It’s very rare that I have buyer’s remorse.
Photos by Patrick Diokno
Special thanks to W17