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Dolly De Leon continues to showcase Filipino talent, not just in acting, but also in fashion
There is no question about Dolly de Leon's acting prowess. The number of times she has been nominated and honoured by the most prestigious award-giving bodies should already attest to that. And as she attends red carpet events, more and more people are captivated not just by her talent on screen, but by her fashion choices too! All thanks to the Filipino designers De Leon had chosen to dress her for these international events.
In case you missed it: Out of the shadows: Dolly de Leon
Most recently, the Triangle of Sadness actress and Tatler February 2023 cover star arrived at the 2023 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in a sculptural champagne silver gown by the renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel, styled by New York-based Filipino stylist LJ Perez.
Laurel talks to Tatler about the creative process behind this beautiful creation.
Above Dolly de Leon wearing House of Laurel's 'Alon' dress (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
Dolly de Leon wearing House of Laurel's 'Alon' dress (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
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"The idea is about Dolly's love for the ocean," Laurel said. "The dress is called 'alon' or waves, inspired by our oceans in the Philippines. My aim was to showcase that to the world."
The prominent fashion designer and Asia's Most Influential honouree said that he used De Leon's love for the ocean as a 'starting point' for his design.
See also: Masters of Style Put Asian Fashion on the World Stage
Above Alon dress back details (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
Above Alon dress front view (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
Alon dress back details (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
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Perhaps the most striking feature of the gown is the body-morphing shape that has given De Leon an intriguing yet sultry silhouette. "[The dress] also lends itself to a very beautiful sculptural tenacity," Laurel explains, "the sculptural quality of the fabric defined how we create [it]."
Devoted to pursuing more local themes, Laurel ensured that the materials used in its creation were sourced in the Philippines. "The dress is made of abaca [leaf fibres] that I have woven with nylon and silk, so it has this beautiful shimmer and shines," says Laurel.
See also: Statement Earrings: 5 Local Filipino Brands With Show-Stopping Accessories
Above Rajo and Dolly during a fitting session (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
Rajo and Dolly during a fitting session (Photo from Rajo Laurel)
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"At the end of the whole experience, it is such an honour and a joy to work with such an inspiring human being." Laurel describes working with De Leon.
"She will always be an inspiration, not just to me but to all Filipinos who have been literally breaking the glass ceiling. And it's truly an honour for her to wear our creation."
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When Jio is not creating content for Tatler Philippines' social media channels or covering style-related stories, he's probably binge-watching David Attenborough-narrated documentaries or nursing his vintage shopping fixation. He plans on using fashion criticism as a force for good. Follow him @hijowho or send him an email at jio@tatlerphilippines.com.
