The model and influencer's journey in fashion is all about blending mindfulness with style.

PHOTOGRAPHY Borgy Angeles
STYLING Paolo Chua

When it comes to style, L.A Aguinaldo&rsquo;s look is a cool mix of classic, street, and experimental fashion. His way of seamlessly blending different fashion genres is exactly what sets him apart from everyone else. If you follow the model and fashion influencer, you&rsquo;ve probably seen him at big fashion events like Paris Fashion Week, catching the latest from Herm&egrave;s and Kenzo or getting an early look at Louis Vuitton's collections. Whether he&rsquo;s sporting a look from a top fashion house or an up-and-coming designer, Aguinaldo&rsquo;s distinct look and unique fashion sense make him a standout figure in the industry. Here, he tells L'Officiel Hommes Philippines all about his daily habits and evolving relationship with fashion.

What&rsquo;s the first thing you do in the morning?
[The] first thing I do in the morning is pray. I like to meditate when I first wake up and really just set my head&hellip; it's really the time where I try to set the tone for the day so I do a lot of meditations in the morning. That's where I pray. That's where I self-reflect and set the mood for the rest of the day.
Can you break down your grooming routine for me? Is there something you do that no one else does?
My grooming routine&hellip; I like to keep myself very clean so I like a clean shave. And also with my skincare routine I keep it simple: eye cream, moisturizer, and serum. Yeah, just basically trying to keep myself consistent with my routine.

When did you realize that self-care was important to you?
Oh, maybe around three, four years ago. I used to be always under the sun didn't care. But slowly I started noticing that my skin gets drier quicly and all these sorts of things. So, it was the time I decided to take care of my skin, and actually, one of the first things I did was get an eye cream so that's where I really focus on&mdash;my eyes. And, after learning more about skincare that's when I introduced serums, that's where I introduced moisturizers into my routine and now it's like an everyday thing right before asleep. I really have to make sure I take care of my skin.
How would you describe your signature style?
My signature style, I would say, I'm very, very in tune with my moods when it comes to styling myself. So, it depends how I feel during the day. Sometimes, if I just want to keep it clean a basic, simple black T-shirt with jeans would do. There are times where I want to be more experimental, too. That's the time I try something more trendy or something that I probably never see myself wearing. Maybe like balloon pands or it may be even a skirt, underpants, or like something like that.

Shirt, shorts, and bag; all FENDI

How did you develop your style?
I would say modeling had a lot to do with it, from my appreciation with style and discovering different silhouettes to working closely with these designers. You get to see what they're inspired from, and what keeps their creativity going. So, that's where I picked it off from like really just surrounding myself with fashion, and to this day it's something that&rsquo;s almost like breathing. You can just pull an outfit together, it's just like, you don't even have to think about it anymore.
How did you begin in the industry?
Well, I think modeling was my stepping stone into the whole fashion industry. It's really when I was a model that I really appreciated everything that goes into shooting, photography, styling, and designs of the clothes, and I really grew a deep appreciation for the art that came with it. I think that's what I had that other models didn't have: voice. I was really interested in what goes on behind the scenes with each piece. So, that's something I carry with me to this day.

What is an outfit that defines you?
I'd say a black outfit. I really love black. I mean, it's hard to mess up a black outfit, but also that's where your personality will shine and when you're wearing such a simple outfit, that fashion is more than just an outfit. It's also your personality.
What accessory would you never leave the house without?
For me, my watch and my rings I wouldn't leave my house without my rings. These are just rings that I like, I'm so used to wearing them that I feel naked if I don't wear them. First is my signet ring on my pinkie finger. And then this nice silver ring that almost goes with any outfit.
What are the pieces a man should always have in his wardrobe?
I think a very underrated piece. Is perfume actually like a perfume can just stay your whole look together. Because it's something that makes you feel good. If you smell good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you look good. Whatever you put on.

Who are some of your style icons?
A big inspiration for me is Pharrell Williams. I also look into Tyler, the Creator&rsquo;s style, Jaden Smith&rsquo;s style&hellip; a lot of musicians. So, I base my style around these artists and creatives because they have a sense of style with them.
What are your hopes for the future?
Well, I'm just excited for the future. I mean, it's something that we should look forward to, and I think everyone should be hopeful with the future because it is yet to be created&mdash;and that's the exciting part. We can make it whatever we want it to be. So, I think it's very important that we remain hopeful and excited for what's to come.

PRODUCTION Paolo Chua
GROOMING Lilian Yeung
VIDEO DIRECTION Kevin Redder
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Pao Mendoza
SHOOT ASSISTANT Tere Gabat
LOCATION Ascott Bonifacio Global City

Man of the Hour #1: L.A Aguinaldo

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