MANILA, Philippines – Rajo Laurel is taking more leaps in his career as he embarks on a “personal quest” of dressing up Filipino-Mexican “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez.
The esteemed designer has flown to Los Angeles, California, and brought with him some of his creations that he hopes Jessica could wear on the show.
“Kung madamitan ko siya, eh di siyempre tuwang-tuwa ako. But it’s a personal quest,” he said in a taped interview on “Showbiz Central,” April 29.
Rajo is a self-confessed fan of 16-year-old Jessica, and believes she’s “an amazing singer.”
He earlier declared his dream of dressing her up via Twitter. His call did not go unnoticed as Jessica herself and Soyon An, “American Idol” design consultant and stylist, have responded to his tweets.
“I like the collection. Direct message me. I also like your men's collection! X,” Soyon tweeted.
Meanwhile, Jessica, in a previous interview with “Balitang America,” likewise expressed interest over Rajo’s collections.
“I haven’t really gotten the time to really, really check out his stuff. But what I’ve seen is really good so he would just have to talk to our stylist. We’ll see what happens,” said the San Diego, California native.
Rajo is apparently more inspired to take bigger strides, given that a handful of Filipino designers have already earned their respective niches abroad.
“To my designer friends who are ahead of me in dressing up celebrities, thank you for paving the way. Umpisa na ‘to eh. Nandiyan na tayo, buksan na natin ‘yung pinto… Tibangin na natin ‘yung pintong ‘yan. Pakilala na natin sa buong mundo ang talento ng Filipino fashion designers. Ika nga ‘di ba, sabi ko, it’s not only more fun in the Philippines, now, it is more fashionable,” he enthused.
Two weeks ago, Rajo made the headlines after supermodel-TV host Tyra Banks donned his dress, a piece from his 2008 “Insect” collection, in an episode of US reality show, “America’s Next Top Model.”
An honored Rajo professed his gratitude to his cousin, Michael Carandang, who happens to be a producer on “ANTM,” for encouraging him to send his creations to Tyra.
He also tweeted on April 23, “Believe that w each day we get closer in attaining our dreams! Move forward, if you fall pick urslf up and push even harder!”
source: mb.com.ph
