With a powerful and unprecedented collection for this year’s Red Charity Gala, Rajo Laurel celebrates his 25th year anniversary by paying grand homage to all things Filipino. Entitled Archipelago, the collection draws inspiration from our rich local history and culture, focusing on its roots while translating it to contemporary Philippine style.
Rajo reinvents the Barong Tagalog by infusing it with a delicate feminine energy and forward proportions
By combining Filipino culture with modern design, Rajo created the pieces sans restrictions—a stark contrast to his usual methodical ways. This freedom allowed him to design and dream, thereby focusing on what inspires him.
Rajo finds inspiration from the waves of Siargao with its glassy turquoise color and undulating movements
While the collection shows a very different side to Rajo, one key element remains the same: innovation. Working closely with various weaving communities allowed Rajo to create his own unique fabrics for the pieces. He further champions the technical prowess he’s come to be known for with an intricate fusion of embellishments and silhouette experimentation.
Rajo zooms in on the topographical map of the Cagayan Valley by using varying embellishments to highlight each element
Inspired by the late renowned Cordilleran weaver Narda Capuyan, Rajo creates an intricate two-piece look with his technical learnings from the weaver herself
With the passionate energy emanating from each of the pieces, one can be sure to expect nothing but the best when the collection makes its debut on the 10th anniversary of the Red Charity Gala.
Photography by Dookie Ducay of New Monarq Creativx
Art Direction by Jann Pascua
Styling by Jeb Fronda
Makeup by Anton Patdu of New Monarq Creativx
Hair by Jan Edrosalan of New Monarq Creativx
Model Kat of New Monarq
