Rajo roars
I can’t help but get emotional every time Rajo Laurel stages a fashion gala. I was a young fashion admirer when the PMAP produced his first big show at the GSIS building, and a budding writer when he had his breakthrough collection staged at the Intercon. At that time, Rajo was known to be someone who made things that were pretty. He was the toast of debutantes and brides. The next time he wanted to go beyond and break fashion barriers during his last show at the NBC Tent. There were mixed reactions—he was ahead of his time.
Fast forward to last Tuesday’s Rajo Red gala, where all of tinsel town and country stood in ovation as Rajo showcased the extent of his expertise. In a giant square stage surrounded by huge screens, Rajo displayed his inspiration as the triple A-list audience was treated to a surround-light-and-sound-and-fabric sensory experience. Every piece solicited oohs and aahs and “I-want-thats” from the Rajo clamoring crowd. The collection was diverse, the execution, impeccable. There’s one word for it. Master.
Rajo’s love for the stage was evident in the pieces he created. Rajo Red was indicative of his passion for his craft. I was watching event chair and Red Cross lady Tessa Prieto-Valdes as she stood almost the whole show in ovation and got really overwhelmed by the poetry that was unfolding right before our very eyes. Rajo knows his audience and his audience loves him back tenfold. His curtain call was dramatic and I could see that Rajo was holding back his tears. And then all his beaders, sewers and seamstresses came out to join him in the final bow. In a world where everybody wants the spotlight all to themself, Rajo’s selflessness is what catapults him higher as an artist.
The fashion show offstage was as colorful as the one onstage. This is what you get in a Rajo show. Each lady is better dressed than the other. People watching and outfit rating becomes a spectator sport. Let me give you my top 10, in no particular oder.
