Here’s how Donny Pangilinan and his team brought a fresh take on formal menswear, even with styles that are a “tale as old as time”
When we talk about the influence of Donny Pangilinan, it goes beyond the screen. His personal style plays a big part of it, and it reflects who he is as a man—traditional at best, but with a twist of adventurous modernity. Indeed, his style at the 2024 Star Magical Prom attests to that. In an exclusive interview with his stylist John Lozano, he reveals how they created the actor’s attire that could fit well in both fairytales and true to life events.
Related: Steal His Style: Dressing Like Donny Pangilinan
Making the look
Being the other half of the pairing DonBelle, joint appearances of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano call for looks that, just like them, work together. With Belle’s twist to the yellow ball gown of her eponymous character from Beauty and the Beast, Lozano worked around the counterpart of the female character. “It made the perfect sense, so went with the modern take on the Beast. The concept and reference were clear, so we reached out to Vin Orias to come up with a look that was on theme, but at the same time modern enough to suit Donny’s style.”
Leading a number of lists for the best dressed men at the occasion, the Can’t Buy Me Love star donned a navy blue worsted wool three-piece set composed of a trench coat, trousers, and a classic vest from ORIAS Studios. Underneath the outerwear, he donned a white v-neck dress shirt and a black, silk cravat tie to create a color dimension with the pieces. For his footwear, he complemented the black and white pieces with his wingtip Oxford shoes. To finish off his look with a regal touch, he opted for a Bulgari earring and rings.
Elevating his style
With menswear, pieces tend to be more basic and straightforward. But what sets an ensemble above the rest are the layers of elements that equate to a personal and exceptional style. Case in point, the details on Donny’s outfits.
Looking closely at his suit, Orias injected texture play with the use of a glen check pattern. Enough to reflect its presence yet delicate to the eyes and on camera, this said fabric could be an option for those who would want to elevate their look without the worry of standing out like a sore thumb.
“The first thing I keep in mind is his look and branding over any theme,” the stylist explains. “What’s important is that the look remains consistent with his style and taste. Then, the rest will follow—the designer, cut, details.”
As an individual who knows that exploration is part of his personal and professional agenda, Pangilinan keeps his style true to his DNA—classic, yes, but modern. Laidback, yes, but with intricate elements that make a statement. “The statement here are the details like [the] vintage buttons on his vest, the pearl buttons on his inner shirt, and the jeweled cufflinks,” Lozano notes.
Tailoring your fashion
Concluding the conversation on Donny’s look for the Star Magical Prom, Lozano passed on his expertise when it comes to curating a formal look. “For men, it’s always about the perfect fit and impeccable tailoring,” he says. “You could wear a very simple suit, but if it fits really well then it will look polished and sharp. A classic suit always works, and will never go out of style.”
Photography by NIKO GONZALES
Special thanks to JOHN LOZANO
