Photographed by Artu Nepomuceno
Rajo Laurel
“Alon” (“Wave”)“Nothing is actually mass produced and each item we create is one of a kind. That, I believe, is what makes it special.”
“Nothing is actually mass produced and each item we create is one of a kind. That, I believe, is what makes it special.”
Using a special abaca-and-silk handwoven material from the northern province of Abra, Rajo Laurel interprets the Philippines’ ocean waves.
“I began by celebrating our beautiful weaves,” said Rajo, who, over the years, has become known for his sculptural gowns. One of them was worn by Filipino-American model Chloe Magno on the cover of Vogue Philippines’ maiden issue, made from nylon and abaca fabric.
This time, Rajo mimic’s the tides on our shores by hand draping and hand sewing a special abaca-and-silk handwoven material from the northern province of Abra. “I am always inspired by our beautiful oceans and beaches, and I am constantly enamored by our waves,” he narrates. “And from here, I began the design process.”
This process involves a crucial and cheeky technique: draping without shoes on. “I actually drape better bare-footed,” the designer confesses. “This for me creates a feeling of deep-rootedness in my process. In a way, I feel grounded while I create.”
Weaving took weeks to finish, while the dress took a day to complete. The lengthiness of the production timeline is a testament to the bespoke nature of Filipino craftsmanship, which Rajo points out is unique. “Nothing is actually mass produced and each item we create is one of a kind. That, I believe, is what makes it special. That slight variation, that personal touch, that human interaction.”
On its second anniversary, Vogue Philippines invites homegrown and global creatives to Vogue Threads, an experience that weaves Philippine culture, creativity, and community into the world. Its inaugural edition celebrates Filipino artistry and heritage, through an exhibit featuring the works of designers from the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Photographer: Artu Nepomuceno. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Fashion Editor: David Milan. Production Designer: Riza Rosal. Producer: Anz Hizon, Bianca Zaragoza. Photography Assistants: Odan Juan, Lou Fajardo. Styling Assistants: KJ Villanueva, Miguel Rafael Timbol. Production Design Assistant: Christian Manlunas. PR Associate: Sophia Correa. Backdrop: Espacio Creativo Escolta.
