Interview by Adrian Vallesteros
The impact of an outfit
I don’t think a lot of people understand the power an outfit can have. Growing up, I remember seeing those closest to me dress up and wear the biggest smiles when the pieces of clothing they had chosen came together perfectly—like completing a puzzle. That feeling stayed with me. I love dressing up, buying new clothes, and deciding who I want to be the next day. To me, fashion is more than fabric or trends; it’s a language, an expression, a statement to the world. And someone who values that impact as much as I do is 22-year-old aspiring local Filipino fashion influencer Joshua Constancia.
For him, fashion is a tool for transformation. It silences self-doubt, defies expectations, and connects him to the world. In a generation where self-expression is paramount, Constancia stands out not just for his bold streetwear aesthetic, but for his unshakable belief that style is a rebellion against conformity.
In this exclusive interview, The Young Post explores Joshua’s journey from a shy teenager to an aspiring fashion influencer, his fearless approach to gender-neutral dressing, and the lessons he’s learnt along the way. His story isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling seen.
From Jordans to joy: “It started with a pair of sneakers.”
When asked what started his intrigue in fashion, Constancia said that “it was when my dad got me my first pair of Jordan sneakers.” He described the first moment he wore them to school as an event that sparked his interest in shoes, at first, simply because of the fact that it brought something he didn’t know he was particularly fond of: Attention. But it wasn’t in the obnoxious or egotistical sense, rather, he explained it as something he just quite simply “liked”. The compliments he got and the stares of admiration were something he enjoyed, and to this day, it still stuck with him.
“Shoes have played a big role in fashion for me,” he said. That first pair of Jordans became armour, helping him shed his shyness. Fashion wasn’t just about looking good – it was about feeling confident enough to take up space.
Finding his style through experimentation
Constancia’s fashion journey began with trial and error. “I wasn’t always into fashion – I just suddenly grew into it,” he says. At 17, he discovered Instagram fashion influencers and began exploring different trends: “Hypebeast, e-boy, a little hipster.”
When asked about a risk he took with fashion, he reflected on his e-boy* phase. “Right after that era, my outfits really started getting better. It paid off unexpectedly because without going through that, I wouldn’t be here now.” This experimental approach shaped his current philosophy on style. For those seeking to elevate their wardrobe, but are intimidated by the rising prices of clothing and brands, Constancia’s advice is practical: “Don’t go for expensive brands. Go for cheaper ones – you can buy more clothes and build more outfits. Or just thrift.” He justifies this by adding that it is “your confidence” and “how you pull it off” that truly makes all the difference. But he also advocates for balance: “From time to time, get a statement piece.”
He expanded on the difference between “being trendy” and “being stylish”, noting that while trends provide inspiration – “when you don’t know what to wear, they help” – the key is making them your own. Accessories, he emphasises, are game-changers in this process. “Jewellery. Chains. Even if your outfit is simple, they make a big statement.” His current style – a mix of streetwear and minimalist pieces – reflects this philosophy of thoughtful experimentation.
When asked if dressing up daily is necessary, he doesn’t hesitate: “Every day, I want to stand out. It’s part of me.” This daily commitment to self-expression stems from his experimental journey. “I had to go through those phases to be where I am now,” he says. “That’s how you find what really works for you.”
Breaking boundaries: gender norms & confidence
The fashion world loves to debate the realms of masculinity and femininity – often turning what we wear into a bold statement. For many young people, this pressure to “pick a side” can make getting dressed or exploring clothing feel intimidating, or restricting even. But Constancia approaches the topic with refreshing simplicity: “A lot of female clothing is better than men’s. And it fits me too.”
His philosophy isn’t performative activism; it’s practical rebellion. When faced with questions from others regarding his choices on what he chooses to wear, he simply shrugs it off. “People will always judge,” he said. “Once you understand that, you’ll start wearing what you want.” His mantra? “Stop judging people. Mind your own business. Period.”
His defiance isn’t just personal – it’s part of a larger movement. Young people today are redefining fashion, blurring lines between masculinity and femininity. Constancia embodies this shift, proving that clothing has no gender – only potential.
Fashion as identity: more than just clothes
For Constancia, fashion is deeply tied to identity. “An outfit can show how a person is,” he explains. “It expresses their personality, their mood… Through an outfit, you can see how a person really is, how they live life.”
He recalls a pivotal moment in Hong Kong: “I was wearing jorts [jean shorts], sneakers, and a jacket I didn’t love. Then my sister bought a leather jacket at Zara. When I wore it, it switched up my whole outfit – my whole mood. I felt better. I felt more confident.”
Clothing, for him, is a mirror of his growth. “When I was younger, I was shy, introverted. Once I found streetwear, it helped boost my confidence. I started becoming more extroverted.”
What will your outfit say about you?
Constancia’s story is a reminder that fashion is more than aesthetics – it’s a dialogue between who you are and who you dare to be. Whether through a thrifted gem or a leather jacket that changes everything, style is a rebellion, a celebration, a declaration.
And for anyone hesitant to experiment? “Jump between styles. Get out of your comfort zone. One day, you’ll look in the mirror and say, ‘Oh, I found my style’”, Constancia emphasised.
So, what will your outfit say about you today?
*E-boy: A style and internet subculture associated with young men who have a moody, edgy, and often androgynous look. They typically wear dark clothing, chains, layered outfits, and sometimes heavy eyeliner. E-boys are heavily influenced by emo, skate, and TikTok aesthetics. —DeepSeek
**Hypebeast: Someone obsessed with wearing the latest, most hyped-up streetwear and sneaker brands (like Supreme, Off-White, or Yeezy). They prioritise exclusivity and brand clout over personal style, often spending big money on limited-edition drops. —DeepSeek
Photos recently provided by Joshua Constancia
