"James Reid has always been a dreamboat," Preview Editor-in-Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente explains in a special episode of The Making Of. "For his November cover, the idea was to go back to his roots as one of the country's OG leading men, except of course, you can totally see how much he's grown."
Straightforward as the direction was, a lot of thought and preparation went to make sure the essence of James' growth and self-expression was captured. After all, his first solo Preview cover showcases not only his timeless charm but also his evolution as an artist, both in style and in craft.
The Making of James Reid's November 2024 Preview Cover
This shoot, set against the picturesque backdrop of Cabin Resorts in Bulacan, embodies a dreamy, soft aesthetic reminiscent of indie films from the early 2000s. The concept for this cover was to revisit the James that audiences grew up watching, while highlighting his personal growth and maturity. "We wanted to play around with the idea of James that we grew up watching on TV, but with an edgier vibe," Creative Director Bacs Arcebal explains.
"The clothes also play a huge part in the shoot," Bacs adds. "We wanted James to wear women's wear for all layouts, but we made sure that it's the right balance of femininity and masculinity." James embraced this vision with open arms, sporting pieces that many might find challenging to pull off. His cover shoot ensembles included pieces from Proudrace, Rajo Man, Bode, Acne Studios, Comme des Garçons, Gucci, Dior, and Off-White, while accessories from Tiffany & Co. added a touch of understated elegance, and a miniature wooden boat from Rocket Sets rendered a sprinkling of whimsy.
With him at the shoot were stylist and friend John Lozano and his girlfriend Issa Pressman, who were both excited to see James take on the opportunity to experiment with more feminine styles, knowing that the musician could pull them off with ease.
The shoot's playful and empowering tone was further enhanced by the makeup and nail art. Makeup artist Thazzia Falek achieved a sunburned blush with added freckles, enhancing the boy-next-door vibe, while Nailandia's abstract, colorful nail art added a subtle pop of color to his digits.
James's involvement in the shoot went beyond just modeling. He was actively engaged in the creative process, adding a personal touch that enriched the overall experience. This collaborative spirit was evident when, as Associate Multimedia Director Jana Jodloman shares, James spontaneously grabbed the camera when shooting the short editorial music video for his single Mirasol, which perfectly encapsulated the shoot's youthful and vibrant spirit.
Lensed by Borgy Angeles, who in James' words is an "amazing photographer," who "can't take a bad photo," this cover shoot marks a significant milestone in James' creative journey, showcasing his versatility and willingness to push boundaries. It reflects his evolution as an artist and his ability to adapt without losing his identity.
From a production standpoint, the cover showcased the unwavering dedication of the team behind the scenes. Despite storms, reschedules, and last-minute hurdles—like tracking down a barber in Bulacan and securing a van—they delivered 100% to bring the vision to life.
Produced and Styled by the Preview Team
Photographer: Borgy Angeles, assisted by Rojan Maguyon and Karl Mariano
Creative Director: Bacs Arcebal
Editor-in-Chief: Marj Ramos-Clemente
Production: Reg Rodriguez
Fashion: Paulina Singh
Beauty Direction: Isha Fojas
Grooming: Thazzia Falek, assisted by George Dillinger
Nails: Nailandia
Story: Katrina Maisie Cabral
Video Direction: Jana Jodloman
Videographers: Greeko Junio and Ford Unciano
Social Media: Ianna Agus
BTS Photographers: Karlo Torio and JF Calimag of Studio Torio
Shoot Location: The Cabin Resorts in San Miguel, Bulacan
Special thanks to John Lozano, Vani Altamonte, and Ginno Cruz of The Cabin Resorts
Check out the Preview November 2024 Cover Story here.
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