Silver Lining

Twenty-five years in Philippine fashion is enough to make a name iconic. It is a feat fashion designers aspire for as it marks the makings of a legend.

I’ve known Rajo Laurel since childhood. We studied in the same school and grew up wearing our “green” pants as uniform. Since elementary, Rajo, who would become a renowned designer, has been under the spotlight as he took part in all major school plays — yes he is a born star.

I know not a lot of designers who are thespians, but this one can sing, act and dance naturally — after all, he comes from a family that is renowned to be outstanding in the performing arts (Celia Diaz-Laurel, Cocoy Laurel and Franco Laurel to name a few).

Rajo displayed early signs of becoming a master when he started designing the uniforms of our teachers in high school.

In college, I started working for a youth-oriented tele-magazine show called Kada. My first ever produced segment was about fashion and it featured Rajo as designer with Supermodel of the World-Philippines winners Lala Flores (who’s now one of the country’s top makeup artists) and Cara Subijano, with international fashion show director Joey Espino (of the famous CalCarries modeling agency). In the show, we featured Rajo’s first major collection, which landed him second prize at the first Mega Young Designers competition. Back then, it wasn’t easy to get into fashion because the standards and culture were different. It wasn’t for all but if you make it, then you’ve got it and Rajo was one of them.

Through my modest years of experience in the magazine and newspaper world in the Philippines, Rajo’s work has consistently been in the news. From captivating covers to breathtaking editorials, and even his beautiful illustrations, the creations of this prolific artist have always been about the now in fashion. As a stylist, I remember borrowing racks of gowns from his atelier on Palma St. in Makati — long before pullout forms existed (I only signed on logbooks).

From abandoned houses to fields of greens and to remote islands of Palawan, there would always be a piece or two from the designer. Even before the current popular age of celebrity dressing, we would style subjects for fashion magazine covers/stories wearing Rajo Laurel. The visionary artist has become a brand and has humbly endorsed almost everything from fashion to lifestyle. He has remained the epitome of perfect business of fashion as Rajo, through the decades, has mastered his art of commerce.

Exactly 10 years ago, the Red Cross Gala began with Rajo and now the event has gone full circle. This year, Rajo made a milestone in his career as he presented Red Charity Gala x Rajo Laurel XXV at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila.

Dubbed “Archipelago,” the collection is a design narrative on Philippine style showcasing an exhibition of amazing textiles, the beauty of colors and exploration of form.

Through the decades, Rajo’s brilliance in creativity has contributed to the fashioning of the local style landscape. As a pillar of Philippine fashion, Rajo has created his own legacy. Many are called, but only a few are chosen. And only the legends remain.

Multiple Choice presents a visual retrospective of works from the illustrious designer in the last 25 years. Congratulations to you, Rajo, and wishing you more power.   *