For Rajo, high heels should come at a low price
MANILA, Philippines - “Height is might,” Rajo Laurel declares on the eve of his collaboration with SM footwear label Parisian.
“Women feel powerful in sky-high heels,” the designer tells YStyle. An ethos he has come to embrace, with a range of heels and architectural wedges making up the lion’s share of the collection. Clocking in at five inches, his S-shaped wedge with stretch ankle straps is a testament to his affection for the power shoe.
Laurel grew up surrounded by his stylish grandmother’s footwear collection. Betty Castillo-Laurel often stepped out in Ferragamo heels. And, even at 92, wears them to this day.
“Growing up, I saw her wear amazing Rene Caovillas and those YSL square-toe Amish shoes that I found so chic.”
His grandmother’s aesthetic leaves an imprint on Laurel’s shoe line, which consists of 14 styles.
With 200 pairs per color variant for each style, the capsule collection is one of the largest-scale ventures Parisian has tackled — with over a year spent on design and manufacturing. Laurel went on several trips to China to oversee production and ensure quality control. “Rajo and I agree that this is one of the most challenging projects we have embarked on,” says Parisian’s Eugene Saw.
Highlights of the collab include Eames, a stocky minimal heel; Strutt, strappy terraced heels; Max, tractor-sole mules; and Britney, tri-color strappy flats.
The Rajo! for Parisian collection debuts today in seven department stores: SM Makati, SM Cubao, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Cebu.
