When it comes to men’s dressing, the cardinal rule is to invest in classic pieces. Gents should have wardrobe staples that are building blocks to present their personal style. Think of a dependable pair of denim jeans, a good white shirt, and sneakers that could be jazzed up with a few accessories and a statement jacket. But when it comes to formalwear, Filipino men could either go for a traditional barong look or a tailored suit ensemble. Having both in their wardrobe is a must, but finding the right one could be tricky, especially the latter.
Lucky for stylish Filipino gents out there on the hunt for the perfect suit, a new menswear brand has entered the local retail scene, offering formalwear pieces that are stylish, designed with function, and the very definition of “affordable luxury.”
Earlier this month, luxury retail destination Rustan’s welcomed Benjamin Barker, a modern-day gentlemen’s outfitter, to the Philippines. Established in 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, the premium menswear brand led by Nelson Yap serves well-crafted and heritage-inspired men’s apparel as well as other lifestyle pieces to the market. Suits' origin can be traced to the Western side of the world. But with Benjamin Barker, Nelson wants to give it an Asian, making it tailored to Asian silhouettes and needs.
One of its champion pieces, the suits, are designed for comfort and crafted from fabrics sourced from Japan, Turkey, and Korea, making them ideal for frequent travelers. The suits also recognize the diversity of Asian physiques, which led it to provide a dedicated Slim Fit category. This thoughtful tailoring ensures that each garment not only exudes sophistication but also complements the wearer's individual style with a contemporary and well-fitted aesthetic.
Nelson’s pride also lies in the brand’s crease- and stain-resistant shirts, perfect for the on-the-go gents. Donnie Tantoco, president of Rustan Commercial Corporation, attested to the quality of the brand’s shirt, witnessing how a red wine didn’t stain the piece.
Going beyond mere clothing, the brand also presents a holistic lifestyle range that encompasses meticulously crafted accouterments such as ties, pocket squares, and tie bars, as well as premium leather products like shoes and belts to ensure that every facet of a gentleman's style is meticulously addressed.
“It fills a sweet spot in the demographics,” Nelson told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle about his brand. “My vision is to make wearing suits cool again.”
Benjamin Barker’s boutique is located on the 1st Level, Annex of Rustan's Makati. To know more about it, visit @benjaminbarker and @rustansph on Instagram.
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