Back in 2015, a young boy captured the heart of the Filipino nation with his heartfelt performance of One Direction’s “Night Changes” on “The Voice Kids” Philippines. Since then, Kyle Echarri has become a mainstay in the local entertainment scene, steadily growing from a promising young talent into one of his generation’s most recognizable faces.

More than a decade later, the now 22-year-old artist continues to evolve. His latest milestone comes in the form of a new partnership with local eyewear brand Sunnies Studios and Sunnies Flask. Fronting the campaign, Kyle wears pieces from the brand’s Clip-Ons collection, a reimagining of optical frames that combines everyday lenses with magnetic polarized clip-ons for sun protection. The design is foldable, practical, and made for life on the go. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, the multi-faceted artist talks about his show business journey, fashion evolution, and more.

Fresh from his appearance in the Netflix film “18th Rose,” Kyle brings his signature mix of ease and intention to the campaign. Off-camera, he is just as thoughtful, especially when it comes to personal style, growth, and staying grounded in an industry he has been part of since childhood.

For Kyle, fashion has become less about trying too hard and more about feeling right. That shift also comes with a more conscious approach. He prefers thrifting over buying new pieces, drawn to clothes that carry history and character. Classic staples dominate his wardrobe, from plain white and black shirts to easy-to-mix essentials.

“Before, I would really try. Now, I just go for what makes me comfortable,” he shares. “I like timeless pieces. That way, I don’t feel the need to keep buying more.”

It is a mindset that aligns seamlessly with Sunnies Studios’ latest collections, which lean into retro influences. Kyle admits he has always been drawn to the enduring appeal of past decades. “What goes around comes around,” he says, pointing to how trends from the 70s, 80s, and even the early 2000s continue to resurface. Growing up, he was also influenced by old photos of his parents, which shaped his appreciation for classic silhouettes.

Despite his polished image, Kyle’s daily routine remains refreshingly grounded. A typical day starts with vitamins and a ginger shot, followed by a gym session before heading straight to work. “Because of my line of work, it really depends on what I have scheduled that day,” he says. After a full day, he makes time for family and unwinds with video games, something he considers essential. “It keeps me sane. It keeps me childlike.”

Lately, he has also been easing into reading, with self-help books at the top of his list. He is currently reading “Atomic Habits” and plans to follow it with “The Power of the Subconscious Mind.”

“I get a lot of stories from scripts already, so I like reading books where I can learn something,” he explains.

Having spent most of his life in the spotlight, Kyle is intentional about holding on to his sense of self. Growing up in the industry meant learning from a wide range of experiences and influences, but he emphasizes that authenticity is always a choice.

“My biggest goal is to never lose myself throughout the process,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s up to you how you react and what you share.”

This authenticity extends beyond his work and into how he presents himself to the world. For him, real style is not dictated by trends or opinions. “Fashion is such a strong way to express yourself,” he says. “If you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, that’s what matters.” He recalls wearing a crop top at one point, unfazed by public opinion. “I was comfortable. I was happy. That’s enough.”

He is equally candid about the realities of social media, especially for a generation that often measures itself against curated online lives. While he acknowledges that his own platforms highlight the best moments, he makes it a point to remind his audience that life is not always perfect.

“There are ups and downs in everything. You just have to learn how to enjoy both sides,” he says.

For young people trying to find their identity in a fast-paced, image-driven world, Kyle offers simple but honest advice. Focus on what genuinely makes you happy. “You only have one life,” he says. “If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, there’s no point.” It is a lesson passed down from his father, and one he continues to carry with him.

He also encourages embracing both success and failure. “Enjoy the highs, enjoy the downs. Don’t be scared of the downs because that’s what will bring you up,” he shares. While it can be tempting to dwell on past mistakes, Kyle believes growth comes from moving forward while learning from those experiences.

As for what lies ahead, especially when it comes to his education, Kyle openly shares that he’s thinking about getting a bachelor’s degree related to business. He is hopeful about releasing an album within the year, a goal he has long been working toward.

From a young boy on a singing competition stage to a multifaceted artist navigating fame with intention, Kyle continues to carve his own path. And if there is one thing that defines his journey, it is a commitment to staying true to himself, both in style and in life.