Paul Nathaphol

This collection, Existence precedes Essence, is inspired by the 1950s philosophical movement, the
existentialism movement. In the philosophy of existentialism, there is no predetermined nature or
essence that control or define what we are, what we do, or what is valuable for us. In other words,
we are free to act, independently of any determined factors or influences. It is our rights and freedom
to fight against what is perceived of us to be, to create our own human nature and values. We act
with full responsibility as to who we become. What define who we are, is nothing else but ourselves.
Jean-Paul Sartre’s work, “Being and Nothingless” has also been explored. In a nutshell, Sartre
talks about the freedom of expression, making up one’s mine without influences and being
responsible for one’s own action. What an individual will be, is what he makes himself to be. He had
chosen his way of life and an identity. Thus, the act of oneself is not trivial, but definitive of one’s
very own selfhood. As he said, “Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
With the above inspiration, putting together with PAUL NATHAPHOL’s sharp tailoring signature,
the result is very daring yet classic thrill. Besides the tailoring specialty, PAUL NATHAPHOL also
showcase his draping skill in this collection. The pieces will showcase a combination of tailoring with
draping, creating an interesting equation of sexiness with classiness.