Rajo’s Vision of the Millennial Filipina

November 4, 2018

Supermodel and fashion photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Our country, the Philippines, is blessed with many great designers especially ones who’ve championed the textiles and materials of our forebears. Our people have used some of them from a thousand years before, prior to the Spanish colonial period.

Supermodels from left: Ria Bolivar, Jasmine Maierhofer and Jo Ann Bitagcol. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

There’s the research, academic and creative work of Patis Tesoro, there’s the elegant, stylistic landmark creations of Pitoy Moreno who is a National Artist in the hearts of his countrymen even without the official conferment (akin to Nora Aunor).

Dita Sandico Ong has pioneered the use of natural fibers in her work. The variety of tribal weaves, textures our country has to offer can be mind boggling such as the Nalak of T’Boli Tribe of Southern Mindanao to Hablon from Miagao Iloilo.

from left: BENCH Founder Ben Chan, Kaye Tinga, Rajo Laurel and Tessa Prieto Valdes. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

There are several monumental efforts here from Rajo. First is to collate all of these different materials and textures from the many parts of the country and create a cohesive collection out of it. Then truly reinterpreting these materials in a new light and transforming them for the Filipina of today takes another kind of genius altogether. These are just some of the achievements in Rajo Laurel’s 25^th anniversary fashion show, RED CHARITY BALL at the MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. It was the true culmination of the success that Rajo Laurel has achieved over the years.

Unliever Head of PR for Personal Care and PMAP Exec. Apples Aberin. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Supermodel Ria Bolivar; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Abel (from Ilocos) is almost unrecognizable taking on an otherworldly sheen. Jusi and Piña are cut, twirled and even crumpled takingon shapes never seen before, some of them are like abstract flowers, other forms that have originated from Rajo’s fertile mind. But always draped perfectly to highlight the female form of the Filipina. Some of the shapes are geometric, origami-like fusing both eastern and western influences.

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If turning these beloved and revered materials for the Pinay of today was all that he did, then it would have been more than enough of a pinnacle for his career. But he went beyond that. He also made innovative use of newer ‘fabrics’ such as plastic, and shaped them into the unmistakable, or traditional form of the terno.

from left: U.S. Amb. Sung Kim, Philanthropist Chavit Singson and Panamanian Amb. Rolando Anibal Guevara Alvarado.The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

He didn’t stop there, he also used a metallic fabric, almost like an astronaut suit also for the familiar terno. His mind is able to envision, no place, no planet that cannot be conquered by the strength and ambition of the Filipina. (I’m not so sure about Filipino men, but definitely the Filipina).

The traditional Filipino Terno is given a space age make over. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

BENCH

The most recognizable Filipino fashion brand BENCH by Ben Chan was also able to show their mostly male, masculine collection that same night. Rajo in several TV interviews (together with Kaye Tinga and Tessa Prieto Valdes) especially in CNN Philippines profusely thanked Ben Chan who is a strong supporter of Filipino Fashion designers. The BENCH collection was able to balance out Rajo’s, which was mostly for women.

BENCH Collection; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Lea The Journey

Lea Salonga

Red Charity Ball producers and Rajo himself pulled out all the stops to tell his whole story and progression if you will by tapping someone who was there from the beginning. No less than Lea Salonga serenaded audiences with two hits Rajo requested: THE JOURNEY an original by Lea Salonga and THE HUMAN HEART from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. THE JOURNEY was written by Julie Gould who also wrote the hit FROM A DISTANCE.

Lea Salonga is a childhood friend and supporter of Rajo. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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In between the powerful performances she was able to relate, “I first met Rajo when we were kids, I was 6 years old auditioning for KING AND I from Repertory Philippines. This is where his love for fashion and costume and theatricality came from. So many years later we both turned this love and these passions to lifelong vocations. And I’m only so proud as a frequent client as well as an old friend to see how he has grown and evolved and thrived in this incredible industry.

Leo Valdez as King Mongkut in Resort’s World Manila’s production of KING AND I (2012) where Rajo Laurel was costume designer.

RWM’s King and I

The venue holds a special significance to Rajo’s story as well. Manila Marriott’s Grand Ballroom is just next door to Resort’s World Manila. After that historic Repertory Philippines production decades before, Rajo was able to reprise his fascination and love for KING AND I through a Resort’s World Manila Production at the Newport Performing Arts theater (NPAT) last 2012.

This time though instead of being part of the cast Rajo would be Costume Designer. Leo Valdez was King Mongkut with Monique Wilson who played Anna, later productions would have Nonie Buencamino and Menchu Lauchengco Yulo in the same roles.

Nonie Buencamino (King Mongkut) and Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Anna) in Resort’s World Manila’s production of KING AND I (2013) where Rajo Laurel was costume designer.

Rajo described the musical through the video presentation, “With fashion you could see how a simple person could become the King of Siam. I fell in love with the power of clothes. It has the power to transcend reality and somehow at the same time make it all real and tangible.”

The Archipelago Collection; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

ARCHIPELAGO

In his own words Rajo explains his thought process, “The collection is ARCHIPELAGO, it’s my 25^th anniversary collection, essentially it is an essay. It is my attempt to define what Philippine fashion is now. So I began by collecting fabrics from all over our beautiful country. I was going from Aparri to Jolo, to create this wonderful collection. For me what’s beautiful about this is there’s a continuing legacy. It’s almost like creating a tapestry, a story of our people.

Supermodel Ria Bolivar; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Being a Filipino designer it’s already enough that I am part and parcel of the global world. As part of that global stage is to tell stories of where you’re from. I’m from the Philippines, I am a Filipino fashion designer; hear me. This is my people. This is my heritage and this is the magic that we weave. After 25 years of doing what I love to do, I feel that I made a difference. And I have been a catalyst for change. I have been a catalyst for good. And I am grateful what I do is what I love. And I love what I do.”

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BENCH Collection; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Wide Ramp

What’s the most spectacular collection worth if it’s not seen properly? So a large horizontal shape, like a theater stage was constructed in the center with square ramps to side. This allows the large 95 piece strong collection to be displayed efficiently over a large space. The stage and ramp goes through almost the whole breadth of Marriott’s Grand Ballroom.

from left: Coleen Garcia, Dr. Vicki Belo, IzaCalzado, Cristalle Henares-Pitt and Lovi Poe.The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Of course choreographing, directing an ensemble piece of models and dancers necessitated an equal part of genius to Rajo’s. This was in the person of overall director Robbie Carmona, who is considered to be THE top-flight fashion show director in the country for some time now. Both the design of the stage and Robbie’s choreography gave photographers and audiences multiple angles to view Rajo’s innovative designs.

Watch out for more photos from Rajo’s ARCHIPELAGO collection in upcoming articles.

from left: Rajo with Fashion Show director Robbie Carmona during rehearsals.The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Accessories by JEWELMER;The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Supermodel Jasmine Maierhofer; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Rajo Laurel is the most celebrated Filipino designer in the new millennium.The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Accessories by JEWELMER;The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Top designers: from left: Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron, Ben Chan and Patrice Ramos Diaz. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Supermodel Ria Bolivar; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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BENCH Founder Ben Chan hugs and congratulates Rajo Laurel. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

BENCH Collection; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Accessories by JEWELMER; The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Supermodels from left: Ria Bolivar and Jasmine Maierhofer. The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Accessories by JEWELMER;The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Accessories by JEWELMER;The RED Charity Ball on its 10th Year Celebrated Rajo Laurel’s 25th Anniversary in Fashion at Marriot Manila’s Grand Ballroom last October 27, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

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