Five Times SB19 Shattered the Stereotype of Male Fashion

It has been more than three years since SB19 changed Pinoy pop groups forever. With their vocal prowess, rap skills, and precise dance moves, the five-piece P-pop band became the first Southeast Asian artist to grace the top 10 of Billboard Social 50 weekly and year-end charts. Its latest single, “Bazinga,” topped BTS’ “Butter’s” six-week run on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, the latest in a swathe of recognitions that the band has achieved since their launch in 2018.

But aside from their stage-ready dancing and singing talent, SB19 made a mark on the Philippines’ entertainment business because of their eclectic style. They debunk the typical macho Filipino image by sporting flamboyant outfits in bold shades, donning oversized blings, and wearing make-up. But while an onlooker might dismiss this as simply staying on brand, breaking conventions has been in SB19’s DNA since day one. Here are five times SB19 shattered the stereotype of male fashion.

Leopard Prints

SB19 is not one to back out from donning nonconformist styles that scream sexuality and confidence like animal prints. In shooting a teaser to the “Bazinga” music video, Ken wore a leopard-print jacket, leather pants, and bold sneakers, while Justin went for the animal-print ensemble and slipped into a pair of white sneakers for a nice contrast.

Layered feather

SB19 pulled off this black layered feather shawl wrapped around their shoulders during a live performance of their hit song “Mana” at the YouTube Fan Fest 2021. They completed the gothic look with generous strokes of eye make-up, and black pants and shoes.

Fur

Who says Filipinos can’t rock fur in a tropical weather? SB19 proves that neither our hot climate nor the stereotypes of men’s fashion can deter them from pulling off fur coats!

Makeup

The boys love makeup and are not apologizing for it. We are fans of their eye make-up that veers away from the conventional image of Pinoy band singers. Glittered? Smokey? Colored? Yes to all!

Traditional outfits

In honor of Filipino traditions during the Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange in 2020, Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin wore handwoven fabrics from different parts of the country. The pop of bright colors matched the boys’ caramel skin while the stylish cuts added a modern twist to the weaved outfits.