Raymond Gutierrez. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina
MANILA, Philippines—For Raymond Gutierrez, styling and accessories can either make or break a beauty queen. Now the style director of the Miss Universe Bahrain organization, the former actor, host and reality star is helping prepare the lone Persian Gulf state delegate in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, Lujane Yacoub.
“Styling is very crucial for the success of a beauty queen. It’s about carrying yourself, you know what I mean? Fashion is a form of self-expression, so you should be able to carry the clothes, and you should be confident,” he told INQUIRER.net at the “black carpet” of an eyewear brand at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on Oct. 16. He organized the launch of the Korean eyewear brand’s first store in the country.
“I think the number one key there is really confidence, and it shows on stage if you really love what you’re wearing, you can carry it properly. So I’m excited actually [for Lujane],” continued Gutierrez, from the famed showbiz clan, and twin brother of action star Richard.
“Accessories plays a crucial role for a beauty queen. It should not be ‘too much,’ just enough that it compliments her outfit,” continued Gutierrez, who shared that he is set to catch up with Yacoub, who has been in the country for more than two weeks already for her pageant preparations.
He said Yacoub’s training involves gaining confidence onstage and learning how to walk properly, whether she is wearing a gown or a swimsuit. “She should not be shy,” added Gutierrez, who was tapped by Filipino marketing practitioner and magazine publisher Josh Yugen, national director of the Miss Universe Bahrain organization.
But Gutierrez was also quick to declare his support for his “kababayan,” the Philippines’ very own Miss Universe bet, Michelle Marquez Dee. “I wish her the best of luck. I know it’s coming up. And Miss Universe, everyone will definitely watch it. So she has my full support. And good luck to you, Michelle,” he said.
Gutierrez is also bringing back his Halloween event, since he last mounted it in 2019, before the world ground to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Opulence Ball 2023” dropped a teaser video recently, showcasing A-list celebrities in outfits that hint at the theme for this year—gods and goddesses.
“I want my Halloween party to still be very beautiful. My Halloween is not scary, so I still want everyone to look their best, feel their best, and really, you know, it’s a form of creativity. I want all my guests to challenge themselves and really, you know, see how they can take the theme and dress uniquely. So I’m excited to see everyone’s costumes,” he explained.
The teaser video featured Filipino pageant royalties Pia Wurtzbach, Christy McGarry, Kylie Verzosa and Kirk Bondad; Kapamilya stars Anne Curtis, Piolo Pascual and Chie Filomeno; Gutierrez’s sister Ruffa and sister-in-law Sarah Lahbati, James Reid and Solenne Heussaff, among other celebrities. The organizer also shared that Yacoub will also be at the ball. “I’m excited to actually see her costume,” he said.
Gutierrez will hold his Opulence Ball on Halloween, which also happens to be his mother Annabelle’s birthday. He said what sets his event apart “is our passion for creating fantastical experiences that transcend expectations.” The teaser video is available on @the_opulence_ball Instagram account. /ra