Fashion designer Rajo Laurel marks this next chapter in his life with two memorable milestones. His holiday 2025 collection was born from an intensive and intentional collaboration with two of his sisters, resulting in chic and timeless pieces designed for everyday wear. He also reopened his boutique at Power Plant Mall, a refined and streamlined setting, thoughtfully complemented by the attentive and welcoming staff.

Together, these milestones highlight his dedication to design, inclusivity, and making every fashion experience personal and engaging.

It all started with a request from his two sisters, Venisse Laurel-Hermano and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier, to create a capsule collection featuring pieces made for traveling. “I loved it so much that I turned this idea into the entire collection,” Rajo tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle in an exclusive interview.

The three siblings brainstormed not only on the silhouettes but also on fabric choices, prioritizing those that do not require extra care, such as ironing and dry cleaning. “All of these were taken into consideration. We also agreed on neutral colors of navy, black, white, and beige,” Rajo reminisces on how it all began.

The result of this collaboration was recently showcased in a fashion show held at The Fifth in Rockwell, Makati City, on Oct. 14, 2025. Standout pieces included an A-line black knit dress, crisp cotton shirts accented with organza piping, wide-leg cropped trousers with sleek side panels, and a special silk scarf featuring Rajo’s sketches—a must-buy collectible fashion accessory.

It was also refreshing to watch a collection with most of the pieces that can also be worn by both men and women, making it truly versatile and inclusive. “The collection is not gender base. Men and women can flip through the collection. We’re also inclusive. I mean, you know, I'm a big man, so I wanted to create clothes that will fit me and my sisters who have real bodies,” Rajo notes. Venisse chimes in, “This collection reflects real needs, the realities of women and men today, not just what looks good on a runway.”

The designer credits these features to his two sisters’ perspective. “It opened my eyes, my mind, and my ideas to a wider sense of sensibilities, you know—fabric choices that actually move with the body, whether walking or even dancing.”

Alongside the launch of its latest collection, the Power Plant Mall store has been given a fresh new look. “I have always loved the idea of a wonderful retail experience,” Rajo begins, speaking about the reimagined space, which includes video installations showcasing films from past collections.

Through his warm staff and exceptional service, he ensures that a welcoming approach is reflected in the store’s design. 

Enhancements include clean architectural lines, polished concrete walls and floors, and a neutral palette of grays and whites complemented by natural elements such as greenery and organic textures that soften the minimalist aesthetic. Improved lighting also plays an integral role, subtly highlighting key pieces in the store. “We want to make our clients feel comfortable, at home, and excited to come into this space and experience our craftsmanship up close.”

The inspiration behind the store’s new aesthetic is quite personal. “We wanted to reflect a minimal space but one that’s highly textural,” Rajo shares. “We also wanted to focus on texture with very limited materials—just stone, wood, mirrors, and fabric. Using these four simple materials, we wanted to create a space that would really highlight the clothes while keeping it comfortable and inviting.”

Rajo adds that their visit to Japan played an integral role in the design direction. “We are constantly and always inspired by Japan because of our relationship with the country. Our ties are very deep, dating back to the 1920s—even my parents got married in Tokyo.” This connection runs across generations. Rajo also grew up in Tokyo, where he attended high school, an experience that helped shape his eye for craftsmanship, restraint, and attention to detail. These are qualities that continue to define his fashion and design practice today.

It is these intentional upgrades, reflected through the new collection and refreshed boutique, that embody Rajo Laurel’s philosophy that fashion should be stylish yet grounded, contemporary yet deeply personal.