ABOUT ME

Born on December 9, 1990, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Theodore Iglesias grew up in a home where cultures intertwined seamlessly. His father, a Korean immigrant, was a skilled mechanic who owned a small but reputable motorcycle workshop, while his mother, a Spanish fashion boutique owner, had a keen eye for elegance and design. Their modest home sat above the boutique, nestled in a busy street where the scent of fabric, motor oil, and Jakarta’s humid air mixed into something uniquely comforting to Theo. As an only child, Theo learned independence at an early age. While his mother adored him and his father was quietly proud, he never sought to be pampered. Even as a child, he carried himself with an unusual level of maturity—preferring structure and responsibility over indulgence. By the time he was old enough to understand work, he had already learned to split his time between helping in the boutique after school and assisting in the workshop on weekends. His ability to manage his responsibilities with precision became apparent; he kept his room meticulously arranged, his schedules organized, and his commitments unwavering. But amidst his structured life, one thing always sparked an undeniable excitement in him—perfumes and fashion. Unlike other boys who rushed toward the toy section at the mall, Theo found himself drawn to the men’s formalwear and fragrance aisles. The moment he stepped inside a department store, he would head straight for the cologne displays, testing each scent, inhaling deeply as if collecting memories in his mind. His mother, who always smelled of delicate amber and rosewood, encouraged this passion. She taught him that a person’s fragrance was just as important as their outfit—a signature that left an impression long after they were gone. His father, while less concerned with appearances, taught him something just as valuable: "Respect isn't just given, it's worn." Watching customers in tailored suits walk into the boutique, and seeing how others instinctively treated them differently, Theo internalized a belief that stayed with him: how you present yourself shapes how the world sees you. As Theo grew older, his admiration for formalwear became more than just appreciation—it became a philosophy. He was captivated by the silent power of a well-tailored suit—the confidence it exuded, the respect it commanded. To him, a suit wasn’t just clothing; it was armor—a declaration of presence, discipline, and identity. He became meticulous with his own appearance, ensuring that every piece of clothing he wore spoke of composure and intent. But despite his strong sense of self, his upbringing and passions often clashed. He belonged to a working-class family, yet he found himself drawn to the world of luxury and refinement. The expensive colognes, designer suits, and polished elegance he admired felt like a world apart from the grease-stained hands of his father and the fabric-laden boutique of his mother. Was it possible to be both? Could he balance his practical, hardworking roots with his deep love for sophistication and high fashion? His early maturity also made it difficult for him to truly connect with others his age. While his peers worried about trivial matters, Theo was already managing time, handling responsibilities, and perfecting his image. He sometimes felt like an outsider, struggling to find someone who understood his love for structure, control, and refined taste. Being mature was a strength, but it was also isolating. Even so, Theo never wavered from who he was. He continued to chase the things that made him feel alive—the sharp scent of bergamot, the weight of a finely tailored jacket, the way people’s gazes changed when they saw confidence in a man’s stance. But deep down, he always carried a question: Was identity something you chose, or something you were born into? One thing was certain—Theo was determined to carve his own path, blending the grit of his upbringing with the refinement of the world he aspired to belong to.