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Friday, March 29, 2024

Affordable fashion by Rajo Laurel

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“I believe that fashion should really be enjoyed by everybody,” declares famous Filipino designer Rajo Laurel. 

Rajo Laurel with the face of his collection, Monika Sta Maria.

In his latest collaboration with direct-selling company Avon Philippines, Laurel is able to fulfill his ambition to bring fashion to everyone, regardless of class. “I’ve never believed that style is classist – as if only the rich have the right to be stylish when in truth, we all have the right to be stylish,” he reiterates.

Floral Pop Sling Bag and Wallet
Avon Philippines director of communications Faith Fernandez-Mondejar, Rajo Laurel and Avon Fashions and Home category head Patricia Rodriguez

From creating apparel in limited pieces for his boutique fashion house, House of Laurel, the 44-year-old designer known for his fresh and artful designs tracks the opposite path by offering bags, wallets, accessories, lounge wear and lingerie that more people can get hold of and cost less than P1,000. 

Avon Fashions and Home category head Patricia Rodriguez expresses excitement for the Rajo+Avon collection

Laurel shares his design aesthetic and philosophy to more people through the RAJO+AVON collection that is divided into two sub-collections: Regalia and Floral Pop. 

Classic and sophisticated, the Regalia collection is composed of Bangle Watch, CZ Choker Necklace, Three-pair CZ Earrings Gift Set, Underwire Push-up Dream Bra, Tri-textured Tote Bag and Tri-textured Wallet in rich jewel tones of sapphire, emerald and ruby. 

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Floral Pop Tank and Shorts
Floral Pop Bra and Panty

According to Laurel, the conceptualization of the collection started a year ago, and since the items were scheduled to be released in November, the color palette he chose was geared towards the holidays. “It’s called Regalia so I thought that by integrating jewelry, you’ll never go wrong.”

Laurel Necklace
Laurel Bangle
Laurel Earrings
Laurel 
Jewelry – Ring
Regalia 
Bangle Watch

Meanwhile, nature meets art in Floral Pop collection that consists of Bag Set, Tank and Shorts, Underwire Full Cup Bra, 5-in-1 Panty Pack, Laurel Earrings and Necklace Gift Set, Laurel Bangle and Laurel Ring, all of which feature Laurel’s signature prints and motif – the laurel leaf.

“For the Floral Pop collection, I want something light, sassy and a little bit more refreshing. I also wanted something very personal so I designed the print exclusively for Avon,” explains Laurel. He adds that the print was a result of his doodling, “I asked them (Avon) if they could make it and fortunately they were able to do it.”

‘Bespoke relationship’

In true personalized fashion, Avon Philippines made sure that they’re not only embedding a name on a product, as each piece has a “touch of Rajo Laurel.” For  instance, the Regalia Bangle Watch features Laurel’s penmanship on the markers and his signature on the 12th marker. 

Further, all the items come with a note saying, “Especially designed for you.” In Regalia Tri-textured Bag and Wallet, the special message is imprinted. “The personal touch is there, so when you receive this, there’s already a bespoke relationship that’s happening,” enthuses Laurel. 

Apart from the personal touch each product possesses, Laurel is confident that the collection “would really sell well” because of “the price point and quality.” In fact, he insists that despite the products’ affordability, they are made well to last. 

Regalia Tri-textured Bag 

While some look at accessibility as a diminishing factor to a brand, Laurel is positive that putting his name on pieces that many can experience only makes his label more relevant. 

“You’re not relevant if you’re only designing for 50 people. The relevance of your design is when you’re able to touch millions of lives,” he asserts. 

Avon Fashions and Home head Patricia de Leon-Rodriguez is likewise excited that Laurel makes his fashion accessible to all. “Avon’s collaboration with Rajo is a source of pride and joy because we know that the result of this partnership will enable more Filipinas everywhere to experience fashion as we place this within their reach.”

Learning experience

Prior to this partnership, Laurel has been collaborating with other companies and brands, ranging from bookstores, shoe labels to social enterprises. And for him, the experience has always been educational.

“[Each collaboration] keeps me on my toes. Because of these opportunities, I am able to educate myself more,” he says. 

For this collaboration, Laurel tried his hand at making women’s undergarments for the first time.

“I’ve been wanting to create bras,” he reveals. “ And this [collaboration] allowed me to get out of my comfort zone.”

Regalia Underwire Push-up Dream Bra

Laurel admits that creating bras was challenging (“because it’s something new for me”), but thanks to Avon’s years of experience in making bras, he learned that the science lies simply on the feel and support. “The number one thing I learned from this was what makes Avon Fashions Intimate Apparel really sell well.”

Avon’s limited edition Regalia and Floral Pop collections is now available through Avon representatives. Visit www.avon.com.ph for more details.

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