By Rosemary Toledo- Menta
COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Opera has long been a celebration of artistry and emotion, with music and vocal performances often taking center stage.
An opera singer’s personal style, both on and off the stage, has the potential to enhance character development and break traditional boundaries.
Aware of this, Al Dresden Ramos (@dapper_tenor) brought his stellar nuances and style to his passion for fashion in elegant and poetic synergy.
It did not take long after that. From being a music teacher, the 34-year-old Filipino theatre actor and opera tenor is suddenly making a spectacle as a 'Style and fashion enthusiast' in Denmark.
Dresden's musical career began in the Philippines as a performer and music teacher. His zeal to refine his craft brought him to Spain where he took up masteral at Conservatori del Liceu and Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya in Barcelona.
During his performance in “The Magic Flute” in Barcelona, his stunning vocals unleashed wonders that a member of the audience scouted Dresden and offered him a job in Denmark where he pursued his opera career.
His artistic gift earned him the first Filipino who performed an opera song and secured a spot straight to the finals of the reality TV music competition, ‘All Together Now Denmark Kanal 5’, in 2019.
Known not only for his powerful vocal performances but also for his unique and bold sense of style, Dresden is an excellent example of how opera singers can blend fashion as a means of self-expression, both in the public eye and within the context of a live performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIdSc7FVW2o ( Dresden Ramos as Don Basilio, Trio "Le Nozze di Figaro" in Prague Summer Nights Festival 2018 at Estates Theatre Prague ).
An Opera Singer with a Distinct Fashion Sense
Dresden is a celebrated figure in the opera world, renowned for his exceptional vocal ability and striking stage presence. Now, he gained more contemporary, fashion-forward looks that reflect his personality and artistic vision.
His fashion choices combine modern sophistication often opting for sleek, tailored suits and accessories that add an element of drama. Whether he’s attending high-profile events or stepping onto the stage, Dresden's personal style complements his dynamic performances, creating a memorable image that resonates with both opera aficionados and fashion enthusiasts.
In some events, he was requested to perform during or after the fashion show.
“It’s actually overwhelming because both of these things are those that I like doing. To be able to do both is just like a dream. And if you come to think of it, music is art and fashion is art. So it’s like a fusion of these beautiful things together," Dresden said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C19K9BGCsyO/ ( Video courtesy of ristorantelorenzodemedici )
Fashion as a Statement: Breaking the Mold
2024 was the peak of Dresden’s collaboration with several men’s couture.
Though his followers on social media are not that many compared to other ‘fashion enthusiasts’, his choice of style is now making waves in ‘street fashion’.
“I try my best to produce quality photos and videos that will showcase the brands that I am working with. So I believe it is not just the numbers, Of course, it's nice to have it but you need to focus first on your content, and building a relationship with the brand. The numbers will follow,” he said.
Dresden, for example, is one of many artists who use fashion as a means of breaking away from opera's conventional aesthetics. His approach to fashion challenges long-held norms about what opera singers “should” wear. Through his carefully curated wardrobe, he brings a refreshing modernity to the stage, which appeals to fashion-conscious audiences.
Fashion and opera have always been intertwined, but the personal takes of performers like Ramos have added a new layer, sophistication and relevance to this relationship.
In opera, as in fashion, self-expression is key. And in the case of Dresden, his mix of powerful vocals and unique style demonstrates that the two worlds are not mutually exclusive, but instead enrich one another.
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