Looking Behind The Scenes: (and behind the lens of Jujiin Samonte)

MANILA, Philippines - Staging one of the most celebrated shows in this year’s Philippine Fashion Week for W by Rajo Laurel spring-summer 2011 Collection back-to-back with KT © Paperdolls was no joke.

“It wasn’t a walk in the park,” shares director Robby Carmona. He continues, “But if you’re working with a dream team of creative and hard-working people then the task doesn’t become as daunting. Rajo Laurel, Kate Torralba, and our friends from Wharton and Paperdolls were very clear with what they wanted.”

Carmona, who heads Saga, was tasked to transport the guests to London back in an era when most of the guests weren’t even born! Meanwhile, behind the lens to capture the making of this grand production is Jujiin Samonte, also known for his blog “The Boy Who Cried Chos” and as a DJ.

He tells the story through his photos of what it was like bringing a vision into reality. He shares, “It’s always a thrill to be on the other side of a fashion show — freezing moments of adrenaline, celebration and beauty. Spending time backstage at the Wharton and Paperdolls show was an easy task for a photographer — the mix of dapper models and the energy that a great show exudes.”

The end result is a grand set that resembles the brick-laden streets of London. The models sashayed in ‘60s-inspired clothing. And to top this all off is the exclusive music video of Rajo Laurel and Kate Torralba, rendering their own version of The Beatles’ From Me to You and She Loves You, directed by RA Rivera and mixed by Diego Mapa.

Rajo Laurel recounts, “It was a very fantastic experience that I just have to share with all of you. Since it was my very first time to do an all-male fashion show, everything was really different — from the casting of the models, all the way to how the show was conceptualized. Everything was so special! The finale of the show involved Kate and I in a music video that captured the essence and spirit of both of our lines. Kate being a professional singer had no problems working on the piece. I, for one, am a professional ham having zero inhibitions (so I) gamely jumped into an arena that I had never been in before.”

Wharton’s Dexter Ong shares: “We’re so happy with the outcome of the collaboration. We’re excited about the clothes; that which may have caused a lot of stress and hard work… ultimately paid off.”