A birthday, a fashion show, and a celebration of connections, Rajo Laurel mounts his first-ever online show, introducing a new chapter to the local fashion scene.
In everything he does, it goes without saying that Rajo Laurel loves a good celebration. One collection after another, he never fails to go all out—giving us a spectacle of breathtaking pieces complemented by a beguiling runway show. From his fun yet chic childhood throwback collection during MEGA Fashion Week S/S 2018 to his sensational 25th-anniversary show at the Red Charity Gala, it seems like Rajo’s creativity and ingenuity are far from slowing down.
In fact, just recently, Rajo together with Saga Events’ CEO Robby Carmona made the first move in the Philippine fashion industry to do an online runway show during the enhanced community quarantine. While everyone was expecting that the events industry would be at a halt, Robby had a eureka moment.
“One day I woke up with a message, and when I saw it, I had a eureka moment. So, I immediately messaged Rajo if he’s ready to do his first virtual fashion show for his birthday,” Carmona recalls. “And he replied, ‘Yes! Let’s do it.‘”
In just two weeks, a blink of an eye in traditional events pre-production, Rajo was all set to showcase a stunning collection yet again. With around 1800 viewers tuned in to the live runway show, hundreds of likes and heart reactions, as well as birthday greetings on the comment section, it was an overflow of good spirits being as it was a reunion of sorts for the fashion industry, too.
“Just like any artist, muses provide inspiration. They give life to your creations. Without them, what I do are just pieces of fabric that are stitched together by needle and thread,” he says of his relationships with the women that breathe life to his visions. “Part and parcel of clothing them are almost like creating armor, almost like creating windows of special memories, and because of this, I’m deeply grateful.”
And finally, to present Rajo’s latest collection titled, Hacienda, was none other than one of his loveliest muses, TV host and runway coach in Asia’s Next Top Model Joey Mead King. As the show started, it was as if we are instantly transported to an allusion of a tropical oasis. And with the upbeat music playing in the background, complemented by the beautiful chirping of the birds and natural sunlight, we are reminded of our blissful moments in serenity.
Re-imagining the minimalist silhouettes made to fit the relaxed and idyllic flow of provincial life, Rajo’s Hacienda collection magnificently provided the perfect selection for any occasion—from leisurely mornings to sophisticated evenings.
Fresh, flowy, and relaxed pieces were incorporated throughout the collection. Tiered dresses, dramatic ruffled sleeves, and jumpsuits flashed on the virtual runway. And for his men’s collection, utilitarian dressing in boxy silhouettes dominated the catwalk. All of which was brought to life in subtle prints, linens, and chambrays that impeccably blended in natural tones of beige, tan, and stone.
Overall, this collection of Rajo takes us away from all the hustle and bustle of living in the metropolis–and in isolation, no less. It helps us to perceive the authentic beauty of taking things slow, trusting the process, and appreciating what we have. Whether it’s the freedom of an expansive environment, chirping birds, and even the crowing roosters, we must remember to channel our inner peace to attain our higher self, especially during these trying times.
Scroll down to see Rajo Laurel’s entire Hacienda collection.
Shop your favorite pieces of the collection by going to the House of Laurel’s Instagram @houseoflaurel and a portion of the sales will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross – Makati.
