Alex Payan Wants You To Dress With Character
From the stage to screen, Alex Payan finds identity in both acting and the clothes he wears
- Discovering a permanent affinity for performance during high school theater, Alex approaches both film and runway as two sides of the same expressive coin.
- Drawing inspiration from cinema icons and vintage Americana, he champions high-quality, long-lasting staples over the disposable nature fast fashion.
Finding his way into acting
For 22-year-old Alex Payan, acting began in high school theater. What started as an extracurricular activity became something he wanted to pursue professionally after graduation.
“I knew this was something I really loved, and something I didn’t want to let go. I thought, ‘I’m going to get better at this, keep working at it, and make a career out of it.”
His work across modeling and acting has shown him how closely the two can overlap. Rather than seeing them as separate disciplines, Alex considers both forms of expression different faces of the same coin.
“At the end of the day, they really are almost two faces on the same coin.”
That connection also extends to the clothes he wears on set. For Alex, costuming can help establish the mindset of a role and create a distinction between himself and the person he is playing.
The psychology of the silhouette
Wardrobe serves as Alex’s direct catalyst for transformation. While everyday dressing functions as his personal uniform, stepping into a character’s clothes provides the distance needed to forego his own identity and lock into his acting.
“Whenever I step into the clothing of a character, it really does help transform and immerse you into being somebody else,” he said.
“I see the way I dress as my branding, like a uniform. Whenever I step outside wearing what I wear, I’m Alex.”
Away from the set, Alex draws inspiration from cinema and subcultures, particularly punk. He cites Tyler Durden in Fight Club and Django in Django Unchained among the figures that have influenced how he sees clothing.
He looks to figures like Wisdom Kaye, Pharrell Williams, and Jeremy Allen White, creatives who treat clothing as an authentic extension of intent. Their approach reinforces his belief that personal style requires consistent self-awareness rather than chasing fleeting feeds.
Fashion as an art form
Beyond casualwear, Alex approaches personal style as an exacting discipline rooted in deliberate structure. He considers the balance of proportion, movement, and physical presence just as critical as any traditional art medium.
“I absolutely do believe that fashion is, if not, the most self-expressive art form. ”
“It’s crazy because it involves a body, it involves architecture, it involves a silhouette, it involves movement, all of the things you have to consider whenever creating a wardrobe,” he added.
For Alex, what someone chooses to wear functions as an unvarnished projection of personal influences and interior values. Whether cut slim or styled oversized, each silhouette broadcasts how an individual moves through the world before a word is uttered.
The importance of choosing quality pieces
That perspective carries into how Alex shops. Rather than constantly buying into new trends, he prefers vintage hunting and quality pieces that can stay in his wardrobe for years.
“Same thing with my boots. It’s leather boots, like, they’re ostrich skin, and with that, they patina, they fade, they grow more and more into being mine.”
His rotation relies on reliable essentials: worn-in ostrich cowboy boots that patina with age, durable trousers, and a sharp black muscle tee. He treats every crease and fade as tangible proof of a garment’s journey with its wearer.
“If you want to replicate my style, it’s all about pieces that have character. You should draw to make your clothing your own.”
Investing in foundational items allows his personal wardrobe to mature alongside his creative craft. That focus on timeless pieces keeps his aesthetic grounded even as industry trends shift.
Looking beyond trends
Alex’s interest in clothing also extends to the independent labels and makers behind the pieces. He is particularly drawn to brands that focus on traditional techniques and handmade construction.
“I would love to put together a campaign that really dives into boutique brands, really underground boutique brands that do things like selvedge or handmade boots.”
He hopes to explore these smaller labels through future creative projects, bringing attention to the work and craftsmanship behind what people wear.
For Alex, the appeal is in pieces made with care and built to last, rather than clothes made simply to follow a trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alex Payan is a Filipino model and actor known for his role as Kiko Evans in Viva One’s Ang Mutya ng Section E.
His experience in modeling helped him develop an understanding of movement, expression, and presenting himself in front of a camera before moving further into screen acting.
His fashion references include cinema, punk subculture, vintage clothing, and distinctive pieces that carry a strong visual identity.
He views them as complementary: modeling refines emotional projection within a static silhouette, while acting brings continuous interior movement to the lens.
A mix of vintage Americana and cinematic Western cues, built on worn-in boots, durable trousers, and fitted basics.
