Welcome to my latest blog entry, where I put the spotlight on the 2014 Filipino movie ‘She’s Dating the Gangster.’ This film, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, is a delightful amalgamation of romance, comedy, and drama. The movie is based on a novel by Bianca Bernardino, featuring a contemporary twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet love story. It uniquely blends a timeless tale of love and heartache with a modern, youthful aesthetic.
‘She’s Dating the Gangster’ stars some of the Philippines’ most beloved actors, including Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Richard Gomez, and Dawn Zulueta. The film’s narrative is a compelling mix of past and present, moving seamlessly between the love story of Kenji and Athena in the ’90s and their children, Kenneth and Kelay, in the present day. The plot’s complexity is mirrored in the characters’ wardrobe choices, which reflect their personalities and the eras they inhabit.
One of the most exciting aspects of ‘She’s Dating the Gangster’ is the movie’s unique aesthetic. The film brilliantly contrasts the grungy, rebellious ’90s fashion with the sleek, modern styles of the 2010s, making it a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts. But how does the film’s fashion translate into real-world style? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog.
What is a Character Analysis and Style Breakdown?
Before we delve into the characters’ aesthetics, let’s first understand what a character analysis and style breakdown entails. A character analysis is a detailed examination of a character’s traits, motivations, and development throughout a story. A style breakdown, on the other hand, is a comprehensive analysis of a character’s fashion choices, examining how their clothes, accessories, and overall aesthetic mirror their personality and character arc.
In this blog, our primary keyword focus is the Character Analysis and Style Breakdown. We’ll be looking at each character’s personality traits, their development throughout the film, and how these are reflected in their wardrobe choices. We’ll also provide an overview of ‘She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)’ Aesthetic, helping you understand the movie’s unique fashion sensibilities.
Our secondary keywords include the names of the characters we’ll be analyzing. We’ll detail the key elements of their outfits, provide styling tips for different occasions inspired by the film, and guide you on how to get the look. We’ll also show you how to include elements of ‘She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)’ aesthetics in your daily outfits.
The main characters and their aesthetics in ‘She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)’
‘She’s Dating the Gangster’ boasts a broad array of characters, each with their unique style. Here are the main characters we’ll be focusing on:
Daniel Padilla as Kenji / Kenneth: Kenji’s ’90s grunge aesthetic and Kenneth’s modern, casual style. Kathryn Bernardo as Athena / Kelay: Athena’s quirky ’90s fashion and Kelay’s contemporary, feminine look. Richard Gomez as Present Kenji: Present Kenji’s mature, refined style. Dawn Zulueta as Present Athena: Present Athena’s elegant, timeless fashion. Sofia Andres as Abigail: Abigail’s trendy, youthful look. Khalil Ramos as Lucas: Lucas’ classic, preppy style. Ian Veneracion as Present Lucas: Present Lucas’ sophisticated, polished aesthetic.
Each character’s style serves as a visual representation of their personality, growth, and the era they live in. Our character analysis and style breakdown will help you understand the nuances of their fashion choices and how you can incorporate elements of their aesthetic into your outfits.
Daniel Padilla as Kenji / Kenneth
Let’s start with Daniel Padilla’s characters, Kenji and Kenneth. Kenji, a rebellious teenager from the ’90s, is known for his grungy style. His wardrobe consists of loose, oversized shirts, baggy jeans, and combat boots, reflecting his rebellious, carefree attitude. His signature bandana and chain necklaces are a nod to the grunge and punk trends of the ’90s.
On the other hand, Kenneth, Kenji’s son, sports a modern, casual style. His outfits comprise slim-fit jeans, graphic tees, and sneakers, reflecting his laid-back personality. His style is more refined and minimalistic than his father’s, symbolizing the fashion evolution from the ’90s to the 2010s.
Key Elements of Kenji / Kenneth’s Outfit:
- Oversized Shirts
- Baggy Jeans
- Combat Boots
- Bandana
- Chain Necklaces
- Slim-Fit Jeans
- Graphic Tees
- Sneakers
Kathryn Bernardo as Athena / Kelay
Kathryn Bernardo, playing the dual roles of Athena and Kelay, takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and fashion styles. Athena, the high school belle, radiates a youthful charm, while Kelay, the fiery niece, gives off an edgy, carefree vibe.
- Athena’s Style: Think pastels, A-line skirts, and Peter Pan collars. She epitomises the ‘girl next door’ look with her casual yet cute outfit choices. Her accessories are minimalistic, often seen sporting simple earrings or a delicate necklace. A perfect example of her style is the pink blouse paired with a white skirt she wore during the school fair scene.
- Kelay’s Style: She’s all about denim jackets, graphic tees, and ripped jeans. Her style screams ‘rebel,’ reflecting her strong and independent character. Her signature accessory? An oversized backpack filled with necessities.
Richard Gomez as Present Kenji
Richard Gomez as Present Kenji gives us a masterclass in sharp dressing. His style exudes sophistication and reflects his character’s maturity and growth.
- Present Kenji’s Style: Expect a lot of tailored suits, crisp white shirts, and sleek ties. His outfits range from monochromatic to neutral tones, maintaining a professional yet stylish appearance. His glasses add an intellectual allure to his overall look.
Dawn Zulueta as Present Athena
Dawn Zulueta, as Present Athena, showcases how to age gracefully while keeping up with fashion. Her style is elegant and timeless, matching her poised and calm character.
- Present Athena’s Style: She can be seen donning classic pieces like wrap dresses, pencil skirts, and silk blouses. Her color palette is rich and warm, complementing her character’s maturity. Her accessories are chic yet minimalistic, often seen with pearl earrings or a delicate chain.
Sofia Andres as Abigail
Sofia Andres as Abigail brings a fresh, youthful energy to the screen. Her style is girly yet modern, reflecting her character’s sweet and bubbly personality.
- Abigail’s Style: Think cute sundresses, pastel colors, and trendy accessories. She is often seen in floral prints or monochromatic outfits, with her hair styled in soft waves or a high ponytail.
Khalil Ramos as Lucas
Khalil Ramos as Lucas brings a boy-next-door charm to the screen. His style is casual yet stylish, reflecting his laid-back and friendly character.
- Lucas’s Style: Lucas’s style comprises of classic jeans, plaid shirts, and comfortable sneakers. His color palette includes cool tones like blues, greys, and whites. His accessories are minimal, often seen with a simple watch or a casual backpack.
Ian Veneracion as Present Lucas
Ian Veneracion as Present Lucas shows us how to age like a fine wine while keeping up with fashion trends. His style is mature yet trendy, reflecting his character’s growth and sophistication.
- Present Lucas’s Style: Expect tailored suits, crisp shirts, and sleek loafers. His color palette is neutral, often seen in shades of black, grey, and navy. His accessories are classy and minimal, complementing his overall look.
Styling tips for different occasions inspired by ‘She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)’
Inspired by the film’s unique aesthetic, here are some styling tips for different occasions:
- Casual Day Out: Channel Kenneth’s modern, casual style with a pair of slim-fit jeans, a graphic tee, and sneakers. Add a touch of Athena’s ’90s fashion with a colorful bandana.
- Date Night: Take cues from Kelay’s feminine style with a floral dress and ballet flats. Add a denim jacket for a touch of casual chic.
- Office Wear: Emulate Present Lucas’ sophisticated aesthetic with a tailored suit and polished shoes. Add a tie for a touch of elegance.
How to get the look: Summary of outfits and where to buy them
To get the look of your favorite characters, here are some outfit summaries and where to buy them:
- Kenji’s Grunge Look: Oversized shirt and baggy jeans from Levi’s, combat boots from Dr. Martens, bandana and chain necklaces from ASOS.
- Athena’s ’90s Look: Colorful top and denim skirt from Urban Outfitters, accessories from Forever 21.
- Kenneth’s Modern Look: Slim-fit jeans and graphic tee from Uniqlo, sneakers from Nike.
- Kelay’s Feminine Look: Floral dress and denim jacket from H&M, ballet flats from Gap.
How to include elements of ‘She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)’ aesthetics in your daily outfits
Incorporating elements of ‘She’s Dating the Gangster’ aesthetics into your daily outfits is all about balance. For instance, you can add a touch of Kenji’s grunge style to your outfit with a bandana or chain necklaces. If you prefer Athena’s ’90s fashion, try incorporating colorful tops or denim skirts into your wardrobe. For a more modern look, take inspiration from Kenneth’s casual style with slim-fit jeans and graphic tees.
Conclusion
‘She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)’ is not just a love story; it’s a fashion journey that takes us from the grunge trends of the ’90s to the sleek styles of the 2010s. The movie’s fashion is as diverse and vibrant as its characters, making it a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts. By understanding the character analysis and style breakdown, we can appreciate the film’s fashion on a deeper level and incorporate elements of its unique aesthetic into our outfits.
So, what are your thoughts? How would you dress like Daniel Padilla as Kenji / Kenneth? Or Kathryn Bernardo as Athena / Kelay? Or any other character from the film? Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
