Jesus Miranda Martinez ｜ Gentlemen Style Series

Text by Kadri Karolin Kõuts | Features Editor
Photos by Sybil Kot | Editor-in-Chief

H&M jeans and jacket, Club Monaco shirt, Mango He scarf, Rolex watch.

When I ask Jesus Miranda Martinez to tell a little about himself, our very first sartorial victim bursts out laughing: “I’m usually the one doing questions,” says the 39-year-old about his career in human resources at a major international retailer. While recruiting people for one of the trendiest high-street clothing brands on the market, Jesus has taken a more introverted role in his personal life and likes to keeps things simple. He doesn’t run a blog, rarely filters his photographs and disagrees to linger with hashtags. Not to mention he has never appeared in a fashion feature before. But for a guy like Jesus, who pairs up dandyish tailored jackets with patterned silk trousers and leather loafers, it was only a matter of time when the well-dressed gentleman welcomed The Style Voyager into his newly furbished apartment in Sheung Wan to capture the treasures of his wardrobe. With an array of galleries and specialty coffee shops, this particular Hong Kong neighborhood fits our host almost as well as the flamboyant pocket squares he wears on a daily basis.

Having born in The Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, Jesus effortlessly transcends his Mediterranean roots into a closet that is dominated by many shades of blue and white, classic silhouettes and timeless pieces hand-down from past generations. Both of his most cherished vintage items, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch and a suede jacket, once belonged to his father.

Before moving to Hong Kong for work, Jesus has lived in five continents from the US to Australia, including South Africa and Mainland China. With such a nomadic lifestyle set in the agenda, the Spaniard has mastered the art of combining contemporary menswear with a sweet sense of nostalgia.

Valentino sneakers, Zara pants and scarf, BLK DNM shirt and Scotch & Soda jacket.

What is the essence fashion for you?

I enjoy fashion. It is one way to represent what you’re about, what’s your personality. Whether you go out in the streets, is it a Sunday morning or a work meeting, it’s what you’re comfortable wearing with. Its about to be properly dressed for each occasion without loosing your personality and becoming one more. It tells about you, same as your manners or your voice tone.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Las Palmas is not the most stylish city in the world. It’s flip-flops and shorts… I don’t think it has been a big influence. Even in Spain, I sometimes get attention because of the way I dress. But I’m not trying to. I don’t like flashy things. From time to time, I check Jak & Jil and The Sartorialist.

If I have somebody who taught me the basic rules – it’s my mother. Being a housewife, she wasn’t really into fashion, but she always paid attention to how my sister and I dressed when we were kids. She used to tell me whatever you do, wear good shoes. When my mother passed away, a business acquaintance then told me she was the most elegant woman in Las Palmas.

What completes an outfit for you?

I don’t think I go for a single item. I do wear tote bags all the time. Everybody who sees me says: “Oh, the guy with a big bag”. But I feel that an outfit is not complete without proper shoes. They don’t have to be expensive ones. I love retro running Nikes! I also prefer low rise round neck tees and shirts without pockets (why do you need a pocket?).

 

Trickers shoes, Tate pants, Massimo Dutti shirt, ITER jacket.

Are there any items you would never consider wearing?

Short-sleeved shirts, boot cut pants and thick sole sandals. Never.

Describe your style in a sentence.

I don’t think I have a consistent style. I can change from day to day. It mostly depends if I want to dress up a little bit more or less. I also like to play around things a bit. Yesterday I was wearing trousers that combined shorts and leggings.

Tell us about your beauty routine.

I usually trim my beard once a week. I never shave. For the hair I just blow dry and use a little bit of gel. I’m more into fresh colognes rather than deep ones. I use a special edition of D&G’s Light Blue and La Nuit de L’Homme by YSL for the night.

How do you spend your leisure time?

 I love reading. And movies, but it’s not easy to go to the movies in Hong Kong if you prefer something off the mainstream. I play tennis, but I don’t gym. As a kid, I did some sailing, which I would like to pick up again.

 

Rivieras shoes, Zara pants, Design Workers London shirt, COS scarf, ITER bag.

What makes a woman look good?

I think it’s about knowing how to dress up as well as being more casual. Even if a woman puts a lot of effort into her outfit, it doesn’t have to look like it. Body posture is important too. Wear high heels only if you know how to walk in them. I don’t really like clothes that are too tight. In the end, it has to be balanced. If you wear a skinny pant with a fitted t-shirt… I mean sexy doesn’t have to be tight.

Is there a difference between being stylish and being trendy?

Absolutely! Being on trend is easy nowadays. You can look at magazines and buy all the bestsellers from the retailers. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re properly dressed. Style is everything. It’s more about being attractive rather than pretty. Maybe it’s because I like feminine over girly types.

 What do you think about the fashion scene in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is such a mix. I respect people who are really personal with their style. Maybe I’d never wear that outfit myself, but I respect that more than just putting all the fancy labels on top of each other. You can see that there is nothing personal about it.

 

Do you hunt for brands?

I never shop because of the brand. I look for the item and pick from everywhere. I’m quite reluctant to spend too much money on a single piece. I can spend a bit more on shoes, but if it’s a t-shirt, I think it’s not worth it. One year, two years later you have to swap it anyway.

What are your plans for the future?

I like Hong Kong. Especially the Star Street and Sau Wa Fong area. But I don’t think it’s a city to be in for a long long time. I don’t see myself retiring here… Spain – it’s life in the streets. In Hong Kong, people are in the streets because they don’t have anywhere else to be. I do miss the European way of life; I like late dinners with no rush where you can drink wine (Ribera del Duero) without getting drunk.

POLYU FASHION SHOW 2013

Back in June I was invited to PolyU Fashion Show where the undergrads present their final year project. The Institute of Textiles and Clothing in Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the most prestigious fashion design school in Hong Kong. With the likes of Vivienne Tam as alumni, the graduation show is definitely much more than a school project for the local fashion scene. The following are a few personal highlights of the show. 

Winner of the Overall Grand Prize, the Outstanding Menswear Award and the Creativity Award. Lee Pak Ho has certainly made his point of being an advocate for sheerness in menswear. The opening piece was a little bit of a shock to me but the rest are simply brilliant. The strongest piece in the collection would be the overall sheer plaid suit and the “cloudy” suit. Having said that, I probably won’t dress my boyfriend that way.

Francesca Chin‘s Time Sculptor collection is my favourite collection in the show. I love the form-fitted jacket with embossing details in cream color paired with knitted pencil skirt, also the turtleneck maxi dress with silver embroidery and the black lacer cut mini dress. The overall image of the collection is almost warrior-like to me. But the designer has carefully executed the collection into highly wearable pieces. 

Zac Tso‘s Tribe Futurist collection looks a slightly over-designed to me, but I do like certain details he experimented with this collection –  the sportswear-inspired side slit maxi skirt and the beaded cape jacket. 

Reichen Man‘s collection Coral definitely captured the imagination of the audience. showcases sophisticated craftsmanship. The bold pieces, though unwearable to most, demonstrated refined craftsmanship and sophistication in the pairing colors. I would love to see an accessory line by him.

Yankee Leung‘s Futurist Classic collection is a close investigation of the many possibilities of the future suit – The oversized sweatshirt which ensembles a suit jacket, the cut up tuxedo cape and the white jacket which comes in two pieces- a cropped top and a girdle, all of the above showcases the designer’s effort to re-define the “classic”. The collection is streetwear-inspired, slightly K-pop-ish at times, but certainly a highlight of the show.

And some really fun moments…

Rhyox Wan – …and we live off of the unsettling soul

Stella Leung – Kyotokyo
Joyce Kun – so long, farewell, my stranger

Lois Li – Steipnir in pastel

And it was really lovely meeting Twee from Ezzentric Topz. She has recently relocated from Australia to Hong Kong, so make sure that you check out her blog and online vintage shop.

Photos by me.

New hair and a new fishtail.

Photographs by dear mom : )

(Asos fishtail skirt, Romwe vest courtesy of Sam, H&M cardi, Monki clutch, Pull and Bear flats.)

I cut my hair! Can you see that? I know it’s not a dramatic change, but hey, one step at a time.  Somehow the experience of going to a hair stylist resembles that of visiting a dentist: The interrogative question – What have you done to your hair/teeth, young lady? – which induces a lot of guilt, followed by a 4-hour treatment and a post-treatment trauma. This kinda explains why I haven’t visited a hair salon in 17 months : P You guys know me,  I’ve had this long hair on one side since I started blogging. I was a but intimidated by the idea of changing my hair up. So DO tell me what you think about this!

I’ve always wanted a fishtail skirt, but it’s an incredibly old-fashioned thing to put on, and whoever does that is running the risk of looking Paula-Tsui-ish – no offence here, she’s no doubt a great singer. I ordered this from Asos.com, and I have to say that I’m really in love with it. I have relatively narrow hips. The shape of the skirt kinda put emphasis on the hips and gives me a fuller bottom, thus a more feminine figure. I know many girls in Asia struggle with wider hips, but I guess if this post doesn’t help you with what you should wear, it at least gives you an idea of what to avoid ; )

I figured a flowy top and a draped cardi would look very feminine and comfy with the skirt, and that’s exactly the mood I’m going for lately – as you can see. Thank you Sam for lending me the top, I really really like it!

Lazy saturday and movie playlist.

Photographs by Liyo Wu

(Jeffrey Campbell Mariel wedges via Solestruck.com, Free People skorts, unknown brand top, Topshop sunglasses, Asos clutch, Zara scarf and H&M bangles.)

How are you!? Finally it’s a day-off for the completely exhausted Voyager : P I slept for 12 hours straight and watched/rewatched 5 movies in a roll – nothing has ever felt so great! So my saturday movie list: The Lives of Others, The Pianist, The Children of Huang Shi, The Red Baron and Head in the Clouds. I know, quite a heavy playlist for saturday afternoon huh? Guess I’m just not the romantic comedy type when it comes to movies : P

Okay, outfit time! As you can see, I finally got myself a pair of Mariel! These shoes are amazing because they make the legs look so much longer, and this particular shade is so wearable and fun. I love how the snakeskin print looks so textured on the scarf. Oh and snakeskin’s gonna be big this fall and winter, don’t miss that out! The rest of the outfit is my work uniform because they are comfy and time saving. I mean, how much creativity is left there after 10 hours of working everyday?

What are your office staples?

Have a lovely weekend!

Confession of a lazy blogger and shoe-a-holic : P

Photographs by dear mom : )

(Apparel: Free People Platform sandals, H&M blazer, sunglasses and skorts, vintage bangles)
(Nails: Chanel Steel Le Vernis on fingers; Ogre-the-top Blue by O.P.I on toes.)

Okay girls, I have two things to confess: First, I’m the laziest fashion blogger in town; Second, I’m buying way to many shoes lately : (
These Free People platforms are amazing – so amazing I even found myself lounging in them at home – I just couldn’t take them off! Seriously I don’t know what to do with these shoes after this season… any advice?

Life is all about working lately. I’m building up a blog for my company and it’s now published. I’m so happy to have Mr. Blake Jacobsen to be our first featured blogger. Visit the blog here, or directly to Q&A with Blake.

The weather’s getting better and I’m gonna have my day-offs (finally!). Hopefully I can bring you some street style photos in the next post. Stay happy and inspired.

Parka weather and Cantonese opera.

Photographs by dear mom : )

(Zara parka, Topshop sheer top and sandals, denim short from Thailand, vintage purse from Midwest Vintage)

Hey! This is going to be a really short outfit post and a few random photos of a Cantonese Opera house near my place : P I’m a little tired from the blogging format because it takes me a lot of time to write and it kinda slows down my blog post frequency… and that sucks : ( So I guess I would go with what I feel like doing this time, sorry if you love the inspiration sections…

So, let’s talk about the outfit! The weather’s all grumpy at the moment so parka is my go-to outwear. I got this sheer peacock print top from last season last season and it’s really unique. I’m also loving these Ninja sandals from Topshop simply because they go with everything. I hope you like this outfit post!

I took these photo on my way home from the photoshoot. This is one of the oldest opera house/cinema in Hong Kong. I walk by it everyday but never really take a look inside. I was told by a nice lady that the beautiful woman – first picture above –  is actually played by a guy. Hmmm… very nice.

For Japan.

Photographs by dear mom : )

(Zara shirt, H&M dress, Topshop straw hat, vintage handbag from Poland, Max oxfords)

We all know about the devastating earthquake and deadly neuclear aftermath in Japan. What can we do apart from making donations and praying for those who are  facing the disaster. Sam from Sam is Home emailed Chictopia about her idea of wearing red as to commemorate all that has happened in Japan. Thanks to that Chictopia is now hosting a campaign called “Wear Red Wear Hope” in collaboration with the Red Cross.

“The fashion community can not only inspire what people wear daily, but we have a voice that can call other people into action at a time of crisis and loss.” – Sam from Sam is Home. 

My Wear Red Wear Hope outfit consists of a fruit and floral print Zara shirt, a midi H&M skirt in vibrant red colour and a Topshop straw hat with flower adornments – symbolising life and hope. I hope you enjoy this ourfit! Please spread the word and show your support for Japan!

Join Chictopia’s Wear Red Wear Hope Campaign by uploading a picture of yourself wearing one red item. Also, donate US$10 to Red Cross Japan earthquake and tsunami relief funds. For more detail please click here.
And now, my favourite Ladies in Red : )

Upper row from left: Alyssa Bird, Sam is Home, Candy Kawaii Lover.
Lower row from left: Views from my Window, Hallie Daily, Pinkbulletstore.
Photo source: Chictopia.com

Have a lovely day!

It’s a midwest kind of style.

(Shawl, handbag, fedora, belt and jewellery courtesy of Midwest Vintage, American Apparel shorts and Topshop sandals.)

Me and fellow blogger Sam went on a style hunt to Midwest Vintage last Friday. It is a trade showroom-turned clothing store specialising in vintage fashion and recycled designs with 18 years of history. If you live in Hong Kong and somewhat style-conscious, I’m sure you’re familiar with this brand.

Both Sam and I put together three outfits with items from their store. It’s a little pause to my regular outfit posts and I hope you enjoy it! (I’ll put a link to Sam’s outfits once she has them posted.)

The shop has a lovely selection of original handbags and accessories of great quality. I’ve never seens such a big collection of clutches anywhere else in Hong Kong. As a hopeless clutch addict I was feeling a bit dizzy : P The first outfit is my favourite. I had my eyes on this poncho/shawl for a while now. It has this lovely peacocky colour and fringe details, a perfect statement piece.

(Military boots, clutch and belt courtesy of Midwest Vintage, plaid shirt and cargo pants from Midwest Vintage, Zara top.)

The second outfit is boyish from head to toe. Sam and I had a great time exploring the menswear section. Not only is it three times the size of the womenswear section, it also has a great selection of clothing that would fit us girls perfectly. (Well Sam’s 5’8, but I’m only 5’3, not a bad news, huh!?) I bought the plaid shirt and the cargo pants because they are just the perfect staple pieces to add to my overly girly closet. Oh and these really cool military surplus boots come in almost all sizes at a affordable price.

(Denim jacket, dress, bag, fedora and lace up boots courtesy of Midwest Vintage, American Apparel tights.)

The third outfit is a little bit out of my style comfort zone, but I gave it a try anyways and I love it. This really cute dress is one of their vintage recreations, aka the First Edition. It was made from a vintage three-button Polo shirt, cut and reshaped into a sleeveless mini dress.  We also spotted some Dries Van Noten-ish jackets which were recreated from vintage biker jackets and sweaters. If you are one of those who likes the idea of eco-friendly and creative recycling, definitely check out this line.

Oh this is on the front page of Chictopia today! Thank you Chictopia!
You guys are awesome : )

All outfit photos taken by Sam from Sam Is Home : )
Thank you girl, can’t wait to see yours outfits!

Midwest Vintage is located in the Tian Hau area, there’s a well illustrated map on their website so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find them (unless your sense of orientation is even worse than mine..) If you still haven’t had a chance to visit their store, here is a sneak peek.

Photographs by The Style Voyager

Thank you Midwest for letting us play around and try on your stuff. And thank you so much the nice sales lady who helped me clean up the mess : P Visit their website here! Or like their Facebook Page to get updates and special offers. (An online shop is not yet available but according to the owner, it’s on the to-do-list.)

Have a lovely day : )

Skyscrapers

Photographs by dear mom : )

(H&M blazer, clutch and chandelier necklace, vintage waistcoat from Prague, Monki dress, Asos.com boots.)

Ah it’s been a while, I hope you’re still with me : ) Spring has arrived in my city, and so far it’s been fairly nasty (according to Sam). The thing about Spring season in Hong Kong is that you want it so badly when it’s not here. But when it finally arrives you just want to get rid of it. With 95% relative humidity it feels like living in a steam room. The only difference is you can’t just step out of it and say to yourself – Thank God it’s over. : (

I got this “skyscraper” dress from Monki last year. I love the print so much but the quality of it has been quite a disappointment. (It’s the forth time I wore it and it has lost its shape already. I guess that’s the thing about fast fashion… ) I’m wearing this vintage wool waistcoat from Prague together with a H&M blazer over it. Accessories wise I’m wearing a (pretty broken) chandelier necklace and a studded clutch to brighten up the entire outfit. I hope you like this one!

Runway inspirations

(From left: Dsquared² Spring 2011; Brioni Spring 2011; Sonia Rykiel Spring 2011)
Photo source: Style.com

Flowy white blazers are probably your best dress up companions for Spring. Love the almost cape-like blazer by Dsquared². The look was made impecable with the waistcoat and a maxi thigh slit skirt (and the lace details.); The blazers spotted in Brioni’s Spring collection looks crisp and well-tailored, a must-have style for the season; It’s time to gear up with bold prints, and the bolder the better. Love the playfulness in Sonia Rykiel’s Spring collection! Oh and don’t be afraid of matching them up with even bolder accessories!

Street inspirations

(From left: You Got Me Sewn; Fashion Chalet; B. Jones Style)
Photo source: Chictopia.com

Bea from You Got Me Sewn had made this slim Khaki maxi skirt herself and paired it up with a cute blazer. I like the shape of the skirt! And she looks picture perfect : ); I love how Erika Marie from Fashion Chalet can achieve simlicity at its finest! She looks breathtaking in the Marie Antoinette dress by Wildfox Couture. (I can’t post all the pictures here in full size so I suggest you to visit her blog!); And once again, Beth from B. Jones Style has inspired me with her springy blazer and pants with wild floral prints. Join her for a recent thrift adventure here!

Get the look now!

(1. Zara Double Breast Blazer; 2. Zara Camel Coloured Clutch; 3. Topshop Wine Cropped Backed Layered Front Waistcoat; 4. Jeffrey Campbell Gemini via Solestruck.com; 5. Topshop Metal Sticks On Curb Chain; 6.Ecote Tiedye Maxi Dress via urbanoutfiter.com )

Layering with Parka.

Photographs by dear mom : )

(Zara parka, Monki denim shirt, Vintage mens plaid shirt from Prague, Jeffrey Campbell wedges and Topshop hot pants.)

Lately I’ve been trying different things out, for example, a parka. I know it sounds ridiculous, but this is the first time I put on a parka (mainly because my mom used to call it the homeless jacket).  It’s so versatile and comfortable I don’t ever want to take it off again. (Which makes me wonder if the homeless people actually put on their parka before or after they became homeless.. you see what I mean?) – Alright, that’s a lot of useless information.
Back to the outfit, I’m wearing the parka over a denim shirt over a plaid shirt. It’s a bit bulky to layer on three button-up tops so I went bare-legged to balance it out (and in case you’re wondering, I had pants on!) I hope you enjoy this post!

Runway inspirations

(From left: Sportmax Spring 2011; Dior Spring 2011; Michael Kors Spring 2011)
Photo source: Style.com

I really like the whole sportswear trend, I’m not a sporty girl but it looks fun and chic. My outfit was pretty much inspired by the Dior Spring 2011 opening look by Karlie Kloss, minus the flirty sailor effect. (The fact that there won’t be another Galliano+Karlie Kloss opening for Dior is killing me… ) I’m also loving this sportmax coat, and the flat platform sandals and knitted socks combination by Michael Kors. (Angelica if you’re reading… it’s just a personal taste thing ; ) I love your blog!)

Street inspirations

(From left: Jean Greige; B. Jones Style; Hallie Daily)
Photo source: Chictopia.com

Jean Greige is probably my new favourite in the style blogosphere cause she’s a natural. Love her shoes and ankle socks in this outfit! (Go to her blog now for this really fun DIY turbeanie tutorial!); Don’t know about you guys, but I’d been following The Vintage Society, Beth’s “previous” website, for many years before she started B. Jones Style. She’s such a inspiration for me, and this army green maxi looks perfect on her; I love how Hallie can pull off such a huge amount of leopard prints. It’s very lovely photo, and you know what!? Chinese girls are pretty amazing : P

Get the look now!

(1.Levi’s Fish Tail Cropped Parka via Asos.com; 2.Perrin Premium Platform Sandals via Topshop; 3.BDG Classic Plaid Breezy Button-Down Shirt via urbanoutfitters.com; 4.Jeffrey Campbell Perforated Wedge via urbanoutfitters.com; 5.Urban Renewal Vintage Cut-Off Denim Vest via urbanoutfitters.com; 6.Zara Hooded Parka)