IT took him a while but fashion designer Boyet Fajardo is having a smooth, unimpeded comeback. After a meltdown at a department store and a series of health problems, Fajardo is once again gaining a foothold in the fashion scene.
A few seasons ago, he reinforced his plus-size clothing business and his advocacy of creating stylish options for the neglected CD mass market.
“Ang tagal ko na sa business, and I don’t want to rely on the famous names. Basta ako, I’m doing all of this to please God and not them. I am doing this so God will be so pleased that I’m giving back. It’s payback time,” Fajardo said in a previous interview. “I had made a name doing plus-sized clothing, but now I’m also advocating for persons with disability rights, as I was also born with polio, and working against fashion discrimination on a bigger scale.”
For his newest collection, he went back to his origins: made-to-order dresses. He calls it “Holiday Dazzlers,” suited for a red-carpet affair and a dramatic entrance. The silhouettes were made to embrace the female form and enhance the feminine side of a woman. He used luxurious fabrics, such as silk, gazaar, stretch satin and neoprene. He embellished his creations with crystals and different kinds of borealis.
As his creative process goes, he adapts the same ethic when making whether ready-to-wear (RTW) or made-to-order clothes. “The design should be practical, wearable, timeless in nature. The designs that we make are meant to last if well taken care of, because of our strict quality control and our love for our craft,” Fajardo said. “The men are very traditional and practical though with a twist, like, presently, the look of the male suit is inspired by David Beckham, which is widely accepted by the new male generation.”
However, he stressed, “I only do RTW clothes specifically for the plus-sized and luxe wear for their slim counterparts. We also do men’s clothing but only focus on making suits. We basically follow trends from the dictates of the world’s fashion capitals. Millennials today have different perceptions of what is basically their fashion instinct, somewhat like easy does it, where comfort and individuality are most important.”
He wouldn’t have lasted in the fashion business, Fajardo emphasized, if he didn’t find it lucrative. At present, his clothes are sold at SM, Robinsons, Gaisano and all the major department stores across the country.
“After four decades in business, I can and I always say I don’t compete with anyone, but to inspire the newbies and provide them with the correct positive mental attitude to last in this field,” a humbled Fajardo offered. “This feeling has made me more inspired and I’m grateful that my employees are always with me in all my plans.”
PHOTOGRAPHED: Renjie Tolentino
MODELS: Dr. Miguel Masigan, Kristin Bacunawa and Carmella Amds
LOCATION: Tagaytay HighlandS