Martín Barba and the style of a young actor

Martín Barba is a 26 year old actor, host and model, with one of the most fun and versatile style out there. After playing on the MTV series “Ultimo Año”, that launched him into fame, currently stars in the Colombian novel Yo Soy Franky, since 2015. Being in contact with different cultures, makes his style “undefined”, according to his own words.In my opinion, this is the best example of how can you look casual without giving the appearance that you do not care at all about clothes.

How your style has evolved since you started acting and until now?

I think it has changed a lot. At the beginning I was looking too much for advice and it was really hard for me to take risks.Today I decide everything myself, I like to wear things that reflect my essence and make me feel comfortable regardless of how well people might take them.

Do you notice any major difference between how men dress in Colombia vs in Mexico?

I do not think there’s a big difference or I probably do not pay attention to that. I feel that the cold weather that goes throughout the year in the city of Bogotá complicates making the choice of my outfits. You have to wear several layers and preferably something waterproof. In my case, it drives me a bit crazy because I normally don’t wear any jackets.

Has your style changed since you live outside Mexico?

Of course, I think that living in different countries has made me absorb style of each of them.Being surrounded by different aesthetics makes you realize that things do not have to be like a society or a certain group of people thinks it should be.

Is there any piece or accessory you own that has a special meaning in your life?

I really like wearing necklaces, and most of them have a story behind. These are pieces that I buy at my travels and that I choose them to remind me of something specific. They all have life messages like not to forgetting my inner child, to remember the magic of life, the importance of being in contact with nature, and many other things.

Which is your favorite look you have used on a red carpet?

All of them when I was wearing them. I must accept that sometimes when I see old photos I say: “Ay wey!”

What is your beauty / grooming routine?

Taking showers…hahahaha

What is your exercise and eating routine?

I have a diet that I like to call “flexitarian”. I try to consume products of animal origin only once a day. So I eat lots of fruits, vegetables and seeds.Although it sounds very strict many times I give myself my “permits”;Eating is one of the great pleasures of life and I enjoy it very much.The world is not yet designed for people who follow this type of lifestyle. Usually I have to cook for myself or go to specialized places. As an extra piece of information, I love desserts.

Regarding exercise I like running and yoga. I live just in front of a park so I have no excuse and I do not need too much time to work out. That is really helpful when I have one of those busy days. It is a sport that I have practiced since I was very young, I used to run cross country as a kid. I discovered yoga a bit later, but I’ve been practicing it for 3 years now. Now I subscribed to a studio where we practice different yoga styles in a room at 40 degrees. It is one of the most pleasant and relaxing experiences that one can have after a long day at work.

Is there anything you wear now that you think you wouldn’t wear e if you were not an actor?And on the contrary, do you think there is something that you would like to wear but you don’t because of your career?

I am Martin before than being an actor. I would never let my profession limit me or change the way I dress. But yes, there have been times that that to follow a contract or  for characteristics of the character I play I have to wait. For example, I’ve been wanting to get a tattoo for a while now and I haven’t done it because I have not stopped working and I do not want to complicate myself covering so that it goes with the character.The same thing happens with my hair: although I like to be changing often, I can’t until I finish a project. When its done I will change.

What are your next projects? What would be your ideal project?

I am a living the present kind of guy, Now I am 100% concentrated in “I Am Franky”and giving it my best so it can get more seasons. I have also thought on doing theater. My ideal project is this one and it will be the next one. Nothing comes to you without a reason.

How do you think your style will evolve in the future?

I will be a beach hippie.I’ll worry less about what to wear, and would just take some old shorts, a random t-shirt and sandals.

Is there any current fashion trend that you would never use?

Never say NEVER.

Location: Garage Cowork. Calderón de la Barca #78, Polanco. Photos: Karla Lisker.