If you've been to the clothing section of the major malls, the Boyet Fajardo label will surely be a familiar name. Fajardo has established a name for himself as the iconic and enduring King of Fashionable Ready-To-Wear in the Philippines.
In fact, it was last March when he celebrated his 44th year in the industry. He unveiled his 2022 collection as the finale act of Fashion Forte which featured various designers at the Ruby Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel.
A total of 44 years in fashion means Fajardo was only 17 when he entered the local scene. He's 61 now but remains indefatigable and busy expanding his RTW empire. He does not depend on celebrity endorsements, but he revealed that he has dressed familiar names like Cesar Montano, Jestoni Alarcon and Winnie Monsod. Broadcasters like Ali Sotto, Mel Tiangco, Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar and Aljo Bendijo are also his regulars.
From the positive energy Fajardo emits, no one will know the strength it took him to overcome some of life's bitter challenges, but he survived them all with aplomb. We kidded his biographer George Vail Kabristante that perhaps, the designer should turn his story into a book or a movie as it will surely inspire a lot of people.
First, Fajardo was born with an eye disability. At a later stage, he went blind from glaucoma and could not work properly. He was forced to just touch the fabric of the clothes he was making. It was a desperate situation that he thought of ending his life. But then, he met renowned doctor Minguita Padilla who introduced him to the latest technology in laser surgery. He underwent the procedure, and Fajardo's eyesight was miraculously restored. These days, he's a staunch donor to Ephpheta Foundation for the Blind as a way of giving thanks to God.
Then in 2009, he figured in a sort of scandal that gave him a public trial by publicity. A lot of people who saw the video online hated him. But Fajardo said that was more of a "sensationalized, misunderstood" incident and the charges against him were eventually dismissed by the court.
Fast-forward to the 2020 pandemic, which affected most businesses. All of his stores were closed, and he was forced to lay off some of his people. He got into a dire financial situation, but most of those who were willing to lend him money were loan sharks. He was able to dispose of a few of his vintage watches and luxury cars. It pained him that they were sold at below the market value.
"There was a time in 2021 when I wanted to close shop already. But at the same time, I was thinking of my 100 employees who depended on me to give food to the table of their families. Their salaries never ever got delayed with me. I prayed to God to give me a steadfast spirit. After all, I was able to survive my many other storms in the past," he narrated.
Then, after one week, a miracle happened. Somebody offered to buy one of his properties at a substantial value. It was enough to keep everyone in his life afloat and revive his dying business.
"Talagang naghirap ako. But I realized that in the worst of times, our talent and imagination proves nothing. We just need to have faith and leave everything to God," he pointed out.
These days, sales are picking up again and Fajardo is now well-funded to continue his pitch for his target market, which are plus-size persons and older professionals in their late 30s to 40s. He takes pride in his wedding dresses, which is priced at as low as P5,000. For the new campaign, he has chosen actor Alvin Fortuna, commercial model Katherine Moya and Mrs. Universe Philippines 2012 Joy Castillo-Pasidis as his models.