How the amazing styling team of Rain x Em transformed Erik Santos and Christian Bautista into dashing balladeers is an interesting story to tell.
The measure of a true man is not merely by his clothes, but by how he carries himself in special occasions and even on regular days. But truth be told, some men are more practical when it comes to fashion choices – picking whatever is on top of the closet shirt pile and pairing it with a reliable pair of jeans and sneakers. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with this process. But on days when you want to look extra special, it doesn’t hurt to seek help from sartorial experts.
Related: How Team Rain x Em Went From Making Blankets Into Skirts To Styling The Biggest Celebrities
Balladeers Erik Santos and Christian Bautista went through that same phase. In fact in an exclusive interview with the singers, the two shared how Team Rain x Em’s magic transformed their styles to what it is today.
Erik Santos on stepping out of his comfort zone with Team Rain x Em
Erik Santos has been working with the team for 5 years already. According to the multi-awarded singer, one of the secrets why he has collaborated with the team for this long is because they are fun, open, creative, and fierce.
During his early days as a singer, Erik would opt for safer choices. Unlike Erik, Rain and Em are known for their out-of-the-box ideas, taking risks when it comes to styling. And because of this, Erik entrusted the style experts with his fashion choices. He admires how Rain and Em style their artists based on their personality and not just simply on how they look.
Having maintained this great relationship with the stylish duo for a long time, the singer eventually learned tips on how to dress one’s self depending on your personality, body, and posture. One tip that Erik shared is that, when wearing a suit a man must have it well-fitted. It must have the right cut and proportions to emphasize the highlights of your body.
Another is to have your own scent, whether it’s aromatics, floral, or balsamic. One of the things people immediately notice is how a man smells. Erik’s signature smell is Jo Malone Lime and Basil and a set of colognes by Dior that are exclusively sold abroad.
Erik chooses five of his favorite Team Rain x Em looks
Being with the team for five years, we asked Erik to give us his five favorite styling moments by team Rain x Em.
First is his pictorial for his 10th anniversary concert inTense featuring a royal theme. Erik is proud to say that even with the theme, Rain and Em were able to capture a look that is authentic and truly “Erik Santos”. And all-black three-piece suit with a white accent? We couldn’t agree more.
Second of Erik’s favorites is his photo shoot for his last album Champion Reborn. According to Erik, it is “a little bit edgy yet classy”. In the picture, Erik wears a simple yet elegant all-black ensemble that true to the taste of team Rain x Em, makes a signature look for the famous recording artist.
Third on Erik’s list is his latest pictorial for his upcoming album this September. According to Erik, what he likes about this is the balance of edge and elegance. A well-fitting long-sleeved gray turtleneck and black pair of form-fitting slacks truly complements his fit body and his charming demeanor.
Coming in fourth was his look at the recent MYX Music Awards. This was something Erik learned from Rain and Em. With his long neck and petite body, the team encouraged Erik to stick with turtle necks and fitted pants. And we think this actually makes him all the more handsome.
Finishing Erik’s list is a casual look recommended by Rain and Em as well, which is a tucked in polo shirt and a pair of slacks that he usually wears in his noontime show on weekdays. We agree. The trusted combination is a great look for the modern gentleman. And Erik of course is one stylish gent, don’t you think?
Christian Bautista on finding his sound and style with the help of Team Rain x Em
Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista has been with the team for a span of a decade. When asked what made him stick to Rain and Em, the pop idol said “Some artists every year, they change [stylists] for so many reasons – the stylist flies to the U.S., they prefer another career, or sometimes ‘di na talaga kayo nag-mamatch. Rain x Em is somehow able to adapt to what the industry needs at that current period, they are able to adjust. And they don’t force a certain look upon each artist kasi iba-iba talaga ang artist.”
Christian shares that one of the secrets in having a long and genuine relationship with your stylist is trust, openness, and a good understanding that this is their expertise.
Like Erik, teaming up with Rain and Em has taught Christian a lot about fashion specially the importance of matching clothes with his image and persona.
Of course not every man is as lucky as Christian. And while he acknowledges the privileges that come with fame, he says that the essentials of looking good lies in one’s character. He says, “I think it all boils down to respect.”
“You have to respect yourself enough. You don’t have to change the brand, you don’t have to change the cut. If you feel you’re comfortable – if you respect yourself enough, if you respect your surrounding, your workplace, you will really feel the change, YOU will respect your value” he explains.
Being in the showbiz industry for more 15 years, Christian shared tips for men who like him before, didn’t have the fashion sense he has now. “Know your personal style first, kasi kung kopya ka ng kopya hindi mo alam kung anong bagay sa ‘yo. You have to be comfortable, you have to like it. You have to love it as well.”
And if you’re still looking for a style that’s perfect for you, Christian gamely advises, “Your friends can help you. Find a friend who knows a lot about style, and shop with that guy or girl. Try on different clothes.”
Christian is soon to be wed to the gorgeous Kat Ramnani. And with their good looks and sensible style, the walk down the aisle will be quite a spectacle. We’ll talk about this more in a future article. Stay tuned and follow MEGA Man.
More than just looking for the right fit of clothes, Team Rain x Em also looks for the right fit of personality. In the play of color, cut, and fabric, the team does well in accentuating not only one’s good looks, but also a person’s good nature.
With Erik’s album in the works and Christian’s wedding coming soon, we’re definitely sure that these men of style will wow their fans and audiences everywhere. Not only are they hardworking, talented individuals, but also men who exude a confident style that perfectly describes their true selves.
