Rajo

I never really paid enough attention to the fashion circuit in Manila, mainly because I was too young to care. I left for England when I was 14, and the most fashionable highlight of my life at the time was shopping in Penshoppe and knowing what a baker-boy hat was. Ergo, couture de Manila just went over my head. Recently however, thanks to Bryanboy and the travelling press, and the magic that is the internet, I have re-discovered Filipino fashion. I suppose it really isn't anything different as far as couture is concerned, except for most of it is more Spanish-based than the Continent (just like the Philippines itself). Just take a look at Imelda Marcos. 

Thanks to Twitter, I've started following one of the nation's most well-renowned couturiers. If I were to give a verdict on his artistry, he's more or less the Philippines' answer to Alber Elbaz of Lanvin. His couture is uber decadent as much as it is feminine and classic, while his pret-a-porter remains young and vibrant with a touch of Harajuku edge. The first time I heard of Rajo Laurel was when then-aspiring singer Sarah Geronimo donned his dress at the finale of some singing contest. It was pink beaded chiffon, and flowy with a shawl to match. I thought it was pretty, but obviously at the time I really couldn't care less (I was a 13 year old boy...and slightly more boyish than I am now). Now (with my more cultivated aesthetic cap on) as I browsed around his designs on his online portfolio, I couldn't help but think that his couture dresses could easily be seen on the red carpets of Hollywood. He has old-Hollywood glam-meets-Spanish-Inquisition down to a T and it is flawless. 

His online boutique even boasts of his new collection 'Sci-Fi Africa' with zebra stripes and jewel tones in graphic prints and asymmetrical tailoring that is both young and avante-garde. I also see a bit of visual-kei touches here and there that adds a dash of street-style to what seems to be his personal style. Think Ann Demeulmeester with a bit of Cavalli and Proenza Schouler. A fusion of East and West, in the most luxurious and vibrant way possible. Yet another reason why I wish I was a skinny clotheshorse so I could make my purchase already. 

I'm poaching a couple of photos from his site just to show case his talent (I hope he doesn't mind a plug on my blog!). Do enjoy them, and visit his website to have a gander at his latest collections. 

...Actually I can't poach them because he copyrighted them. LOL. Just the same, visit www.rajolaurel.com for the collections and enjoy. Check out his blog as well if you wish. It seems he's currently having a Continental tour with some friends, constantly tweeting fab snaps from around Europe. Ah to live the life oui? When I have paid my dues, I will also blow my cash. But for the meantime, let's just save up and count the days till Paris shall we?

Proud to be Pinoy!

xoxo

[Image: www.rajolaurel.com/blog.php]

P.S. Got a DM tweet from Rajo today saying 'Thank You.' That's pretty awesome!