MANILA, Philippines - These are the sketches of the three gowns Rajo Laurel would have designed for Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj (right) during the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas (grand finals slated for Aug. 23; Aug. 24 Manila Time, aired live by ABS-CBN starting at 9 a.m.) — that is, had Rajo, an avid Miss U follower, been asked to (but unfortunately he was not, sigh!!!). According to a Funfare contributor, here’s what Rajo wrote in his blog:
1. National Costume (center) – I wanted to capture the ethnicity of the Pintados and mix it up with the exuberance and verve of the Ati-Atihan! So I came up with a sheer body suit with a tattoo design and traced with jet black and gold beads and lots of crystals.
I would then ask my super talented friend Arnel Papa to create massive layered cuffs for her in gold. I would also ask him to do some major earrings in gold with onyx stones. Then I would do a gold and black belt with black ostrich plumes! She then will be carrying a gold lamé and silk organza electric pleated overskirt that would playfully move as she walks on stage.
2. Evening Gown – I want Venus Raj to be in really pale, opalescent colors! I am thinking a really pale blush pink or a really pale sky blue. I want to do something ethereal.
I am suggesting something in silk chiffon with several layers. I want her to look like a goddess when she walks the stage. I do not want something typical of pageant gowns so I want it loose and fluid. I designed two variations (left and right) for this purpose.
My hopes and prayers are with Ms. Venus Raj as she competes! I truly have only good feelings for her and I cannot wait to watch this year’s Ms. Universe pageant because I know she will do extremely well!