Jacket, Balenciaga; Clash de Cartier rings, all Cartier
Some stars carry themselves with an unshakable poise that feels almost mechanical. Precise, never provocative, and always brand safe — the perfect celebrity who never finds themselves embroiled in a scandal and is beloved by most. The polish in their demeanour possesses a reflective quality that mirrors the parasocial affection of fans who often consider them the physical embodiment of their aspirations. Observe from afar, and you will notice a twinkle; walk closer, and you will find an image of yourself. PP Krit possesses both the lustre of a celebrity and the laborious, painstaking efforts of an artisan who hand-polishes their craft to achieve an inimitable shine: two sides of the same coin.
Vest, Balenciaga; Juste un Clou ear jewel, Clash de Cartier ring, Santos de Cartier watch, all Cartier
From my first introduction to him as the performer who starred in a wedding-themed concert (The Red Envelope Wedding Concert) alongside longtime creative partner Billkin, to watching him saunter down a couture show, and finally land on a recent podcast where he candidly shared his experiences of burning out, it is evident that PP Krit’s way of navigating celebrityhood is to not default himself to just being an idol waiting to be worshipped. He clearly leans into what fans want most from him, but is not afraid to showcase the arduous effort required to express his artistry. If his last Men’s Folio cover (alongside JUYEON in September 2025) helped demonstrate his humanity, then this story serves as an extension, showcasing the grit and non-linear journey needed to create something more valuable.
Sweater, Dries Van Noten; Jeans, Vetements; Clash de Cartier necklace, Cartier
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, the timing seemed apt for a check-in. “This year, I really want to finish my new album. I think fans will get to see new sides and perspectives of me that I’ve never shared anywhere before through this album,” PP says. “I’ve been focusing a lot more on reconnecting with myself. Things have been moving so quickly over the past few years, making it hard for me to give time to myself and to appreciate some very special moments.” Now, he promises to work only on projects he finds meaningful.
T-shirt, jeans, all Acne Studios; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Clash de Cartier rings, Juste un Clou bracelet, all Cartier
Rather than a single point of contention that caused the burnout, PP attributed it to an unsustainable work ethic that he has since shed. “Before, I wanted to do everything and take on every opportunity that came my way. But after a while, I realised that not having enough time to reset made it difficult to give my best to those projects.” By finding personal moments of joy and ascribing meaning to his work, PP was able to restore a sense of balance this year. Although it took place last October, opening for Mariah Carey in Bangkok seemed to encapsulate PP’s ideas of meaningful work. “It was such an honour, and also very surreal. She’s an artist whose music I grew up listening to, and so many of her songs have inspired different parts of who I am today,” he says. “Getting to share the same space as someone you’ve admired since you were young is a really special feeling.”
Clash de Cartier ring, Cartier
So what prompted this change in approach? “It has become easier with more experience, but not because I’m getting older — I’ve stopped counting two years ago,” he laughs. “I’m still learning about this all the time, but what’s important is loving and respecting your own feelings, alongside having people who love and value you for who you are.” He extends his gratitude to friends, family and his team. “They all make me feel I don’t have to be perfect all the time. I just need to be the best version of myself and do my best in that moment. That’s good enough.”
Jeans, Acne Studios; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Santos de Cartier necklace, Clash de Cartier bracelet, Santos de Cartier bracelet, all Cartier; Jacket, Stylist’s own
The “good enough” in question has allowed him to portray himself with an air of authenticity, without having to feign modesty to appear relatable. I pointed out how refreshing it was for artists like him to outwardly own his charm. Who else gets to describe themselves as sexy without coming across as corny? “Honestly, most of the things I say are just jokes. But charm, or even sexiness, comes from confidence and embracing who you really are. When you truly recognise your own worth, it becomes something more valuable than just physical attractiveness.”
Jacket, hoodie, jeans, sneakers, all Balenciaga; Clash de Cartier long necklace, Clash de Cartier necklace, all Cartier
Joining the ranks of Jacob Elordi and Kim Taehyung, PP Krit is now part of the Cartier family as the brand’s new face. “It’s such an honour. I’ve had the chance to work with the brand for almost two years now, and honestly, it doesn’t feel that different because the Cartier team has always been so lovely and supportive of me.” Acknowledging that these fellow ambassadors have their own distinct charms, becoming a Cartier ambassador, to PP, allows him to express a different side of himself. His first memory of Cartier was one associated with his mother. “I remember going through my mum’s safe and finding this small Panthère de Cartier watch that I basically stole to wear,” he laughs. “I just remembered how effortless it looked, and how well it matches any look — whether it’s formal or casual. I also love how practical it is, too.”
Juste un Clou earcuff, Cartier
His first piece of jewellery from the brand is the LOVE ring. “I bought it when I was 20 as a gift to myself. I’ve always found the meaning behind it to be very sincere and honest. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of the love I have for others and myself.” If allowed to raid anyone else’s jewellery collection — with no repercussions, of course! — he proposes taking over Cartier’s archives. “So many pieces have so much history. If I had the chance to steal something… I’d probably aim for the diamonds, because diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” PP chuckles. At present, PP’s most important piece of jewellery is his own Panthère de Cartier. “I wear it all the time, whether it’s in my everyday life, important events, or even concerts. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of all the good memories stemming from different moments of my life.” PP sees jewellery as the finishing touch to an outfit, determined by the day’s energy. “Most importantly, it has to feel like you, rather than just look pretty.”
T-shirt, jeans, all Acne Studios; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Clash de Cartier rings, Juste un Clou bracelet, all Cartier
When asked if there were pieces he would pass down as heirlooms, PP takes a moment to consider. “Honestly, I don’t even know who would wear some of my pieces if I passed them down one day,” he snickers. “It’ll have to be the classic pieces, like tweed jackets, leather ensembles and Cartier pieces that will look timeless no matter what.” Just like fine gold that is painstakingly mined, what PP presents through his artistry cannot be merely considered for its beaming glow alone — it comes with the hard graft, too. And much like the high purity of his spirit, perhaps, also signals a level of softness that must not be mistaken for fragility, but malleability that allows him to keep evolving until he reaches his final form.
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Photography Chee Wei
Interview LingJie Tuang
Grooming Sukwasa Khadphab
Hair Wasupon Ruangwiriyanan
Executive Producer Manfred Lu
Production Ratchada Tuptimphet
Set Design Production Sittichai Pliaplong and Team
Photography Assistants Pak Lueng-on, Tanakrit Netanuwat
Styling Assistant Katareeya Suksai