Full look by Egonlab, socks by Hugo, boots by Collegium.
Not everyone arrives in fashion with a plan. I never planned to be an Editor at a menswear magazine, and over the years I have come across many models that we have featured before, only this time around they are photographers, stylists, in production, djs, you name it, some even got into designing. For Feliciano James, born in the Philippines and raised creatively by London’s clubs, it started with being stopped. Since then, he has built a career that stretches far beyond modelling, helping shape the city’s after-dark scene through his role as co-owner of Rex Rooms.
Photographed exclusively by Phoebe Joy James and styled by Star Burleigh, we caught up with Feliciano for a fun chat.
You came into fashion from a completely different world. What was your relationship with style before anyone ever called you a model?
Style was my first creative outlet. Engineering taught me how things work; fashion taught me how to communicate without saying a word.
You were scouted during a lunch break from your engineering job. What surprised you most when you entered the fashion industry?
How much of success comes down to presence. The clothes get you noticed, but the energy is what people remember.
Sunglasses by Saint Laurent, Full look by Leo Prothmann.
Have you seen Zoolander? And have you had a Zoolander moment?
Of course. Every model has had a moment where they’ve spent 20 minutes discussing a facial expression nobody else could see.
I love the award ceremony with the “Slashie Award”, literally, we are all slashies today. You are London-based; the city has such distinct fashion tribes. Which subcultures have influenced your aesthetic the most?
London’s blend of punk, nightlife, and tailoring. I like things that look polished but feel slightly dangerous.
Full look by Issey Miyake
What’s the piece in your wardrobe you’ll never part with?
A black leather jacket. Some pieces become clothing, others become biography.
Is there a fashion rule you love breaking?
The idea that less is always more. Sometimes more is more.
Which designers do you feel most connected to right now?
The ones creating a point of view rather than chasing relevance.
What is the last fashion purchase that genuinely excited you?
A pair of boots. The older I get, the more dangerous that answer becomes.
Sunglasses by Balenciaga, Top by Lueder, Jeans by Juun J, Scarf by Romeo Stedman Mouras, Jewelry by TwoJeys.
You are co-owner at Rex Rooms, what makes someone truly stylish in a club setting?
Someone enjoying themselves. Confidence beats a designer label every time.
Let’s have some fun, what’s a trend you’d like to see return?
People dressing for the occasion instead of the algorithm.
A trend you’d happily retire?
Looking rich instead of looking interesting.
Top by Kentroy Yearwood, Jeans and bag by Zadig & Voltaire, shoes by Timberland.
A trend you regret sporting?
The kind that only looked good in the mirror and nowhere else.
The last song that made it onto your playlist?
The one I replayed three times before realizing I was replaying it.
One city that consistently gets menswear right?
Tokyo. Effortless precision.
And finally, what’s fucking young to you?
Staying curious enough to reinvent yourself before the world does it for you.
Pants by Yuma Hsu, coat by Lueder, shoes by Leo Prothmann.
Full look by Saul Nash, loafers by Prada.
