WATCH: Designer Rajo Laurel gives tips for SONA red carpet

MANILA, Philippines — Celebrity fashion designer Rajo Laurel, who designed the red carpet looks of this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) attendees, including that of Sen. Sonny Angara’s wife Tootsie, gave some style tips for those walking at Filipiniana-themed red carpet events like the SONA.

For Rajo, comfort should be considered first before aesthetics.

“Fabrics should be comfortable – so you have to look at the fabric first. It must start from that,” he advised those looking for Filipino traditional costumes to wear.

Next, make sure the silhouettes are relevant. As he said: “Are you going to walk around with a panuelo or with sleeves in a terno?”

Finally — simplify. “It should not be a costume. It’s something that should be wearable, authentic and relevant,” he enthused.

The “Project Runway Philippines” judge declined to give details about an upcoming season of the reality TV series, although he promised to keep the public posted. — Video by Kat Leandicho