RAJO LAUREL: Welcome to PRETENTIOUS!


Submitted by Miguel on Sun, 07/10/2011 - 14:52

Spring 2011, Rajo (Rah-ho) and I met in the city of Dior & Chanel. Being college buddies, we exchanged juicy bla-blahs  about each other and our batch mates. During our conversation, I invited him to join our TEAM PRETENTIOUS as our Fashion Editor, and without any hesitations, he said: OUI! 

 

 

Me and Rajo

 

 

The Fashion King meets with The Fashion Czar

 

Who is RAJO LAUREL?

Rajo's passion for fashion started when he was only 11 years old. It led him to study the art. He honed his craft at the famed Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. 

Back in 1994, AIR FRANCE awarded him as the Young Designer of The Year , 1997 ASIA COLLECTION "Mukahari Grand Prix" in Japan and  1998, THE LOOP'S  (Editor's Choice Award). The list goes on and on.

 

He staged major fashion galas, most notable were his daring "Optical Illusions" show back in 2001.  During the same year, he was invited to participate at the Saks Fifth Avenue : Bridal Exhibitions . In 2004 and 2005, Rajo was chosen to represent the Philippines at the KL Fashion Week in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007 was a very memorable year for Rajo. Aside from critically-acclaimed gala shows, ERNTS & YOUNG awarded him as the Entrepreneur of the Year.

 

Sharing his marvelous talents to the "future Rajos", he was one of the judges for PROJECT RUNWAY - Philippines. Recently he received yet another deserving award from PEOPLE MAGAZINE as one of the People of the Year.

 

One of the in-demand fashion designers in Asia, Rajo takes his time to cater to exclusive and luminous clients from the political, fashion, economic, movie worlds.

 

 

 

 

Not only a fashion wiz but also a business intellect. He manages  the RAJO LAUREL ENTERPRISE (RLE).  A garment company that specializes in quality made-to-order haute couture clothing.

 He also heads the HOUSE OF LAUREL (HOL).  HOL is a garment company that specializes in designer RTW clothing.

 

And yes, he still have time to travel around the globe to get his inspirations.

 

On the lighter side,  back in the early 90's my schoolmates and I would  ask Rajo to design and make our party outfits.  Furthermore,  Rajo and I collaborated on his 1st ever fashion show back in 1989 in our school campus ( queue in music: Back to Life! lol). People patiently queued for almost an hour for a 15-minute show, yes 15 minute show! 

But after the show, Rajo was not only the talk in the campus, but of the whole cosmo Manille! He got rave reviews from every corner of the bustling city! 

 

Up to this date, and no BS, Rajo is one of the designers that I can trust to make my suits. Famous as he is now,  his sense of humility and simplicity prevails!

 

RAJO LAUREL….. WELCOME TO PRETENTIOUS! Santé 

 

 

 

 

(Video courtesy of PROUDFOOT COMPANY)