Considered a true force in both Philippine and Asian fashion, Rajo Laurel has extended his influence beyond the realm of style as he champions the LGBTQ+ community and initiatives related to sustainability.

Laurel is iconic in the Philippine fashion industry, having been one of its leading designers for over two decades. He trained at the New York Fashion Institute of Technology and Central Saint Martin’s in London before beginning his career in earnest in the mid-1990s. House of Laurel was founded in 2000, and he has since won awards for fashion design and entrepreneurship both locally and internationally. Today, the Rajo Laurel Group of Companies includes Rajo Laurel Enterprises, the garment manufacturing company Laurel et Ross Enterprises and House of Laurel.

Having previously appeared in Project Runway Philippines through the show’s five seasons, Laurel joined the cast of Drag Race Philippines in 2022 as a regular fixture on its weekly judging panel with fellow Tatler Philippines regular BJ Pascual.

In 2023, he celebrates his 30th year in fashion and remains steadfast in pursuing his dreams. Among his recent works are his retrospective and experimental Chrysalis collection and his collaboration with fellow fashion designer Martin Bautista, where they showcased a ready-to-wear collection fit for the fun and creative. The same year, Laurel collaborated with homeware brand Ito Kish to create a dining accessories collection such as linen and paper placemats.