Metallics in Manila

Rajo Laurel, one of the Philippines' most successful fashion designers, collaborated with Wharton, a local brand of business wear, and produced quite an interesting and affordable menswear line. I was at the designer’s atelier earlier today and had a little chit-chat with him about his collection "W by Rajo", the Manila scene, and our favorite reality shows.

metallics in Manila: Rajo Laurel for Wharton

According to Rajo, the collection was inspired by the 60's. He has a pet name for it that I identify with at certain levels: "psycho nerd".

Rajo in a passionate fashion-talk

speed sketching: the designer at work

Manila's chicest matrons (my dear mother included) continue to be enthralled by Rajo's creations.

his forte: clean lines that flatter the figure, rendered in rich colors

Ever the enterprising designer, Laurel also makes maternity wear and his own menswear line.

The designer's atelier also serves as an adoptive home to young Filipino talent.

Pictured above is an Emi Jorge metal and raffia minaudiere that reminds me of an eerie sea creature that just emerged from the dark waters of the Celebes Sea.

psychedelic fuchsia-lined bells hanging from the stringent lime ceiling

I was particularly fascinated by the W by Rajo pieces in laminated linen, a special treatment of the fabric that has the same punch as metallic leather, but is light enough to wear in the tropics where it is summer year-round.

W by Rajo laminated linen jackets in light gold and silver

I really liked this blouson in an almost distressed, soft light gold. It gently shimmered instead of garishly mirroring the light, and the relaxed, almost grandfatherly cut of the jacket balanced the shine.

Number (N)ine glasses, W by Rajo light gold jacket, American Apparel tank top, Ann Demeulemeester belt, tailor-made trousers, Number (N)ine shoes

whipstitch and mixing metals: Ann Demeulemeester black and white whipstitched belt and vintage cuff from Amsterdam

the same jacket in silver

W by Rajo silver blazer that I would love to wear oversized and with the cuffs folded up

W by Rajo is available at SM department stores all over the Philippines.

Wharton's Facebook page

Rajo's blog