Rajo Laurel makes fashion for the islands

As far as sayings go, there is a mangling of one that applies here — what happens in Palawan does not stay in Palawan; instead, for designer Rajo Laurel, mementos from a brush with island life trickle, suddenly and then all at once, into work. In this case, they are reflected in his summer ’14 collection, which is named after the world-famous tourist destination.

“I had an opportunity to spend a holiday in Coron. It’s an inspiring, perfect place. That was last year. It took a full year to fully realize what this collection is all about,” he says. Against a tropical backdrop and a remix of island sounds, 36 key pieces from Rajo’s Palawan collection were recently unveiled at the Proscenium showroom at the Power Plant Mall, where his new store has also just opened.

“Apart from the colors, Palawan is reflected in the ease and sense of tranquility in the collection. The shapes are easier. The fabrics used include press taffeta embossed with shell prints, crushed cotton knit with anemone shapes, hand-embroidered birds on cotton, cloud-print organza inspired by lazing in the sand. I even got a tan for the collection,” he explains, adding, “There are a lot of boxy shapes, a lot of easy shift dresses, pastels, beautiful lavender. Everything evokes lightness, though I do have some blacks. I love the way tanned skin looks against black.” How does one wear black for summer? “Just make sure the material is light and is away from the body, not so fitted,” he shares.

The collection of resort wear, which includes pieces for women, men and kids from his Rajito line, is abundant with structured whites, flowing prints in floor-sweeping lengths, and day-to-night pieces in cool pastel shades — but overall, the collection is all about prints and texture. “I love the birds — they’re very colorful but at the same time they look really relaxed. I also like the palm-inspired tropical print,” he shares.

“I just want to make women feel empowered. That is my mindset when designing for anyone — how can I make you more beautiful, how can I make you more comfortable? Comfort is key, especially in the summer. I still wake up in cold sweat and nervous about how everything will be accepted by clients. Each collection is like a story for me, a new experience,” Rajo says.

The new collection is currently available at House of Laurel’s recently opened branch at the Power Plant Mall, in Rockwell Center, Makati.