Don Protasio Is Reshaping Cambodian Fashion, One Fabric at a Time
Don’s signature blend of edgy and luxurious elements, as seen in a metallic silver jacket paired with flowing black trousers, showcases his penchant for modern menswear. The Filipino designer, making waves in Cambodia’s fashion scene, continues to push boundaries, one bold garment at a time
By Dayne Aduna
Recommended Video
Southeast Asian sophistication
With Cambodia as his creative home, Don Protasio has carved out a niche in the region’s fashion scene with his bold approach to menswear design.
His journey in fashion is marked by his unique ability to merge contrasting elements: the edgy with the luxurious, the traditional with the modern. Don’s signature style is best exemplified in his striking metallic silver jackets paired with flowing black trousers—a combination that speaks to both his artistic vision and his understanding of practical sophistication.
Metallic metamorphosis
Don’s pieces often feature unexpected material combinations and silhouettes that remain accessible to the modern man. This delicate balance between avant-garde design and functional fashion has become a hallmark of his brand, which attracts clientele ranging from creative professionals to fashion-forward entrepreneurs.
His designs often include subtle references to Southeast Asian cultural elements, reimagined through a contemporary lens. This cultural fusion is evident in his choice of fabrics, cuts, and styling. It creates pieces that resonate with both local and international audiences.
As Cambodia’s fashion industry continues to evolve, Don’s influence extends beyond his designs. He has become a mentor figure for emerging designers and a catalyst for creative expression in the region.
This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!
Photography BJ Pascual
Creative direction Vince Uy
Fashion Ryuji Shiomitsu
Grooming Thazzia Falek
Grooming assistants George Dillinger, Vincci Tardes, and Jhessie Recto
Hair Patty Cristobal
Nails Luz Fortuno (Triple Luck Brow and Nail Salon)
Retouching Summer Untalan
Model Diego Morissens (Luminary)
Production Jones Palteng
Fashion assistants Aaron de Chavez, Ar Valdez, Patricia Naomi Cruz, and Nichole Anne Pura
On location PioneerX Studios

Dayne Aduna
Dayne Aduna is an Associate Editor at VMAN Southeast Asia, specializing in fashion, grooming, film, television, and contemporary pop culture. With a strong editorial focus on menswear, his work explores how style intersects with shifting cultural movements across Southeast Asia and beyond.
His expertise spans fashion journalism, celebrity profiling, grooming and skincare trends, fragrance, runway reporting, and cultural commentary, with a particular eye for emerging creatives and youth-driven style.
Dayne has written extensively on fashion houses, seasonal trends, designer collections, and the evolving image of the modern Southeast Asian man, bringing both editorial depth and cultural relevance to his coverage.
