Inside Jason Dhakal’s ’70s and Aughts-Layered Wardrobe

R&B singer Jason Dhakal’s sartorial language is inspired by neo-soul, Freddie Mercury, and flare.

Before starting a career in music, Jason Dhakal was simply a teenager who began to fall in love with neo-soul and jazz. At the same time, he began paying attention to his style. “I think [at] around 13, I started being more intentional with how I express myself and how I let people understand me through my personal taste.” But don’t get him wrong: he’s been dressing up ever since he could remember. “I guess it comes with being queer,” he laughs.

His sartorial language of split-collar polos, crop tees, and form-fitting tank tops, which he loves to pair with well-worn denim, echo the ’70s and the aughts, eras conquered by two of his biggest style inspirations. Freddie Mercury and Amy Winehouse are blueprints for Jason, who “just loved how they had their own unique perception with fashion, and how they dressed was cohesive to the type of music they made.” In fact, on the album art of his single “ur man,” the R&B singer sports a pouf and mullet à la Winehouse, and leather pants à la Mercury. 

Being an artist has made Jason more in tune with how he presents himself through clothes, and “the kind of world I want to create for my art.” To contemporize retro aesthetics, he mixes vintage finds with local favorites like Bagasáo, Randolf, Nicolò, and Steph Verano. His secret to nailing down a look? Visual balance, but also a great fit. “Once you understand your proportions, your outfits get better! Swear by it.”

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Photographs by Joseph Pascual. Associate Fashion Editor: Carlos Mangubat. Producer: Bianca Zaragoza. Makeup: Angeline dela Cruz. Hair: Miggy Carbonilla. Production Design: Arj Madz. Shot on location at Shutterspace Studios.

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