MANILA, Philippines - How long does it take to build a fashion empire?

For the very talented and industrious designer, Rajo Laurel, 15 years is what it took to create his fabulous fashion family firm, ranging from haute couture to retail, and now even to corporate uniforms.

In celebration of this milestone, Rajo put together a retrospective of his years of fantasy, drama and passion. With his sister, Venisse Laurel-Hermano, general manager of the House of Laurel, Rajo created a monumental production with a cast of hundreds of sewers, tailors, beaders and detailers, all working together to create Rajo Red?truly an extravaganza of a show.

Emotions inspired the anniversary show. From his archives, Rajo developed his ideas and transformed them into spectacular gowns. Rajo Red was more than just fashion, though. The show also benefited the Philippine National Red Cross Makati Branch.

Indeed, what started as a single affair for charity ended up as an entire series. The initial fundraiser was Visions For Red, a Canon-sponsored photo exhibit with the Camera Club of the Philippines, held at the Trion Towers Showroom of Robinsons Land. This was followed by a Celebrity Poker Tournament at the Metro Card Club. Rajo Red was the culminating fundraiser of the series.

The fundamental framework of the Rajo Red Show was conceived months ago with the House of Laurel staff, especially Matet Esguerra, Yoya Gueco and Viola Mostero, working hard behind the scenes. Matet and Venisse diligently coordinated with generous sponsors, like Platinum presenter Globe Platinum, Gold sponsor Sony Ericsson and Silver sponsor Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Corporate sponsors like Mercedes Benz, HSBC and Inquirer were also very supportive from the start. Indeed, the newest model of Mercedes was elegantly displayed at the lobby of the Shang, adding so much class to the evening.

Other sponsors included Coke Light and Viva Mineral Water, Maidenform, Singapore Airlines, Grey Goose Vodka, Preview Magazine, Fortune Life Insurance and San Miguel Corporation. QTV will be featuring the Rajo Red Show soon.

The show also had a lot of donors like Air 21, Ardell Eyelashes, Arnel Papa, Ayala Land Business Scapes, Binalot, Bergmann Hair International Inc., Brother Burger, Canadian, ConAir, Cupcakes by Sonja, D! Luxe Jewelleries, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Hardy?s Wine, Image One Multimedia Corp., Kenny Rogers, Laura de Guzman, Fresh Look by Perez Optical, Solea for shoes, Sony Bravia and Sony Vaio, Toy Watch, Uratex Foam, Landco Pacific Corporation, Laurel et Ross and Red Ribbon Cakes.

The Shang Ballroom was arranged to maximum capacity, with every seat taken as generous clients and Rajo Red Ladies bought tables in support of their favorite designer. No one seemed to mind to tight set-up, because once the show started it was standing room only, anyway.

Seamless show

The fashion show opened with a stunning, voluminous red gown displayed dramatically on a square stage. Direk Robbie Carmona and his expert Saga Team created a seamless and fashion-perfect show.

Each model was a product of a collaboration of amazing artists. Starting from the top, the hairstyles were designed by Nelson Cruz of Toni & Guy, working with the sensational wigs of Lutz and Ali Kunack of the European Hair Factory. Rajo?s little sister, Gela Laurel-Stehmeier, did the beautiful make-up.

Accessories and jewelry designers like Candy Dizon, Rodina Velasco, Laura de Guzman and Arnel Papa brought that extra dramatic touch. And for the models? shoes, Rajo got Emi Jorge of Solea.

The catwalk featured one head-turning outfit after another. Captivating his audience from the opening credits, Rajo deserved the heartfelt standing ovation at the end as he bowed with his staff, engulfed in an ocean of red confetti.

Red not only highlighted

Rajo?s charity, the Makati Red Cross, but the show also defined his favorite state of mind?being ?in love.? His partner, Nix Alanon, has truly made him a better person. He was overwhelmed as he basked in a state of gratitude, his essence as a designer totally appreciated and respected.

With his family behind him every step of the way, especially his mother, Bebot Teves-Laurel, and his sisters, Venisse and Gela, Rajo?s visions are just about to make their mark in the global fashion arena.

Barely weeks after the show, the awesome designer was back at the Shang with a holiday collection exclusively for Globe Platinum clients. From a video that showed Rajo?s fondest memories of Christmases past and a choir performing carols, there was a definite feeling of yuletide joy in the air.

Globe Platinum generously pampered their VIP guests with an exclusive Rajo Laurel fashion show, unlimited open bar, delicious buffet and a really useful giveaway?a cool flash drive! Gift certificates from Rustan?s were also awarded to several guests. This was pampering at its finest!

New boutique hotel

For another kind of pampering, check out the newest boutique hotel, Hotel Celeste (tel. 887-8080 and www.hotelceleste.ph) at 2 San Lorenzo Drive in Makati City.

Located at the site of the old Mars Disco, this quaint, well-appointed hotel has Euro-modern interiors and an authentic French restaurant, Bistro Cicou, at the lobby.

French Chef Cyrille Soenen recently opened this bistro, his first venture after years in the hotel industry. Together with his wife, Anna, Cyrille?s bistro is already getting French food aficionados abuzz.

I was fortunate enough to be one of the first samplers of Chef Cyrille?s and the hotel?s hospitality when I celebrated a post-birthday, pre-marathon party there, hosted by Hotel Celeste?s owners, Bert and Cely Sarabia. Cyrille prepared a fantastic menu, so I can hardly wait to go again.

For the party entertainment, I found The Drag-Ons, a delightfully entertaining group of, yes, drag queens. Their costumes and choreo brought the house down.

Special thanks to Bench, Swatch and World of Feng Shui, who brought wonderfully giveaways for my guests. Thanks too to Haagen Daz for the birthday cake. All the guests chilled, and even the hyper-kinetic Rajo found time to let his hair down.

E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph.