Style Evolution: Manny Pacquiao
The People's Champion is a global icon thanks to his golden fists, but once he was a simple man trying to figure out his place in the world. Through the years, his wife, Jinkee, has been recognized for her fancy fashions, but Manny, who made that all possible, grew his closet, too. As he made his way to the status of Legendary, so has his style.Â
We look back at this journey.
1996| An unassuming but determined 17-year-old brimming with potential taken after he won his first 10 professional bouts in 1995. These rare snaps of Manny Pacquiao surfaced on the Internet in 2015.Â
1998| Despite several wins under his belt and on a one-way path to domination, this was Manny Pacquiao unaware that the world was waiting for him. At this point, he also worked as the conditioning coach of basketball player Asi Taulava.
1997 to 1998| Pacquiao won his first World title versus Chatchai Sasakul in 1998. It's also the year that launched a period of Cachupoy (a shaggy, longish cut parted cleanly in the middle, named after a famous Filipino comedian) hairstyles.
At this point, Manny was not yet a household name and little was known about his life—and style—outside the ring.
1999| Manny took the middle-part cut a step further by highlighting the front strands thereby accentuating his facial features. This was the start of a legend.
2000| For his fight with Nedal Hussein, Manny did away with the copper locks in favor of a noticeably shorter bowl 'do, which went nicely with his neatly trimmed mustache.
2001| Just like Hydra, the gilded locks came back—with a vengeance.
2005| On the cusp of fame, Pac-Man was developing his personal style. In the year he first fought and lost to Erik Morales then knocked out Hector Velazquez, he channeled a more patriotic gangster look, even using a rosary as if they were chains.Â
2007| For his third bout with Marco Antonio Barrera, the Pinoy champion certainly looked slightly underdone next to the suit-wearing Mexican.Â
2008| With his status immortalized forever, Manny became more regular with the tailored jackes and suits, looking every bit the champion he is.Â
2009 to 2010| Manny switched to a casual golfer aesthetic, complete with argyle, sweater vests, and golfer hats.
2011| In February, he made headlines for having a haircut that was allegedly stolen from Justin Bieber. Manny denied this and said he was going for another martial arts hero, Bruce Lee, calling him his "idol".
2011| Manny graced Esquire Philippines first ever cover wearing designer duds from Zegna, Hugo Boss, and Dolce & Gabbana. It was the picture of an icon.
2010 to 2015|Â A career shift from boxer to politician prompted another style shift. During his days as a member of the House of Representatives, we saw Manny start donning polo barongs, formal barongs, and more suits.
2016 till today|Â A seat in the Senate has certainly pushed Manny's style to newer heights. Observe:
 
