Rajo Laurel bridges east and west

MANILA, Philippines - This season, Rajo Laurel raises the red lantern as he brings us on an oriental journey through his De-Chine collection.

Having shuttled back and forth from the cosmopolitan avenues of Shanghai to the storied monuments of Beijing, a modern interpretation of Chinese glamour was the designer’s inspiration. “I fell in love with the idea of that Shanghai woman of the 1940s and the experience of being in the eye of a cultural storm, bridging the tides between east and west,” says Laurel.

Laurel draws upon the strength and power of China tempered with the sensibilities of the West. “We were able to source  amazing brocades that have such vibrant colors and textures, as well as laces and piques that bring up the opulence to a fever pitch,” explains Laurel. “Aside from our signature beading, we’ve developed unique laser-cut designs which highlight the oriential theme.”  With silky blouses in fresh prints, sharp brocade pants, ornamented dresses and sheer lace gowns, the House of Laurel customers can expect to be spoiled  with a level of luxury and decadence this holiday season. De-Chine also offers its trademark RajoMan for decidedly dapper men and Rajito for children’s ready-to-wear couture.

In contrast, Rajo! Rockwell at the Power Plant Mall offers Laurel’s De-Chine version at a more retail-oriented price point. Rajo! Rockwell is easy, relaxed and straightforward with a line of key pieces and must-haves. “I felt it was time we reached out to the younger market and catered to the desire to wear something designer-made,” says Rajo. “I want to offer the experience of quality and style that the House of Laurel has been offering for more than 10 years but at  RTW prices.”

Modeling Laurel’s De-Chine line is  Francesca Palabrica, who epitomizes the modern woman combining oriental grace and femininity with physical and intellectual   prowess. Her filial piety made her embrace, at age five, her mom Pilar Palabrica’s passion for wushu, and later tai chi, to develop a stronger body and will power. At age eight, Frances was studying the Philippine Constitution in the library of her dad, lawyer Raul Palabrica. This 18-year-old BS physics freshman — she who towers at 5’10” and has a 22-inch waistline — is one formidable lady who will knock you down,  and not just with her skill in  martial arts. She was a varsity debater at De La Salle Zobel and is in the training pool of the Ateneo Debate Society.  Boys, don’t mess with her  because she intends to join the Ateneo Rifle Pistol Team.

If Francesca does not overpower you with her taolu jianshu skills, she will probably just charm your heart. She is also a ballet dancer (she took up the London Performance Course at the Royal Academy of Dance in London),  a stage performer (she once played the role of Mary Magdalene in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar), she’s trained in classical opera and, yes, she’s also a rapper. One hip dragon lady, she is.

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Rajo Laurel’s Holiday 2014 De-Chine Collection is available at House of Laurel, 6013 Villena corner Mañalac Street, Poblacion, Makati City and Rajo! Rockwell at 2F Power Plant Mall, Makati City. 

Fashion by RAJO LAUREL

Modeled by FRANCESCA PALABRICA

Styling by VALERIE DE LOS SANTOS

Hair and makeup by LEI PONCE

Photos by JOSEPH PASCUAL

at RAFFLES MAKATI

Special thanks to MONIQUE TODA