Moda Concepto

Boyet Fajardo celebrates 44th year as fashion meister

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Sixty years is the sum of one's existence, biblically, and beyond that is a gift from heaven. In Eastern astrology, sixty is also the completion of the 12-year animal calendar when all have passed through the elemental cycles of earth, wood, water, air, and fire.

This year, fashion designer Boyet Fajardo has attained both as he celebrates 2022 as a sexagenarian. His fashion label, Moda Concepto, has endured the ups and downs of the RTW market for over four decades, most especially during the very trying times of the global pandemic.

"My calling, as I see it, is more of an advocacy for PWDs. Earlier in life, I was ostracized because of a congenital hand deformity. That, and my being a member of the LGBT community. I've been a staunch supporter of the Epheta Foundation. Some of the instruments I've donated to them have saved many from blindness. It was my way of giving back. I've experienced temporary blindness before but luckily gained my eyesight back."

Moda Concepto, Boyet's thriving fashion label, has bravely broken ground in markets not usually catered to by most fashion brands and labels.

"But we almost closed shop last year. Businesses have no governmental support. At the height of the pandemic, we had to downsize but when circumstances got better, I got all my staff back. I had to sell some of my vehicles and some watches from my personal collection. A sold property made me save and continue my venture."

Boyet pioneered the 'Plus' category, these were the sizes 10 to 20 for women. Boyet ended up in the RTW business because of her mom, the late Margarita Cunanan, who was an accomplished seamstress. Everything he learned, he learned from her. And so at 16, he worked as an illustrator for Coulee Gorospe. From there on, Boyet, slowly but surely, built his fashion house.

'Fabulous at Forty' is Boyet's new line for the accomplished men and women, those who have found the balance between the exercise of their respective careers and their family and home lives. He has employed middle-aged models for his campaigns. These forty-something lookers has retained their youthful looks, belying their true ages.

For his recent bridal shoot, Boyet has assembled three models to wear his collection. His groom is Alvin Fortuna, an entrepreneur who dabbles in the movies. Alvin's filmography include such films as "The Lookout," "The Sin," the biopic "Hermano Pule," and Gil Portes' "Moonlight Over Baler."

Boyet has two muses as brides. One is Bodyshots 2000 winner Cathy Moya, who previously worked with Alvin Fortuna in a Natasha label campaign. The other is Mrs. Universe Philippines 2012 Joy Castillo. This mom of two has modelled extensively in Germany and Greece before deciding to come back home to the Philippines.

Boyet will be part of the forthcoming Fashion Forte show at the Crowne Plaza Manila on March 24. To be directed by Audie Espino, the fashion show will also feature the designs of Nardie Presa, Jun-jun Cambe, Lalong Gandasila, MC Mikael Castillo, Carl Arcusa, Lorenzo Vega, Marianne Martin, and Maestro Ramon Santiago.

Fashion Forte brings Boyet Fajardo full circle in an industry that has nurtured his aesthetic sensibilities, as he also celebrates his 60th natal anniversary this month.