Cover Venisse Laurel-Hermano, Rajo Laurel, and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier at the newly reopened Rajo Store in Rockwell
Venisse Laurel-Hermano, Rajo Laurel, and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier at the newly reopened Rajo Store in Rockwell
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The Rajo Store reopens with a reimagined space and unveils its Holiday 2025 Collection, created in collaboration with Rajo’s sisters, Venisse and Gela
Marking a dynamic new phase in its evolution, The Rajo Store reopens its doors at Power Plant Mall, revealing a sleek, ethereal new design and a deeply personal collection. At the centre of this milestone is celebrated designer Rajo Laurel, who, for the first time in the brand’s history, has crafted the Holiday 2025 Collection in collaboration with his sisters, Venisse Laurel-Hermano and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier.
This sibling partnership builds on a philosophy of intentional design, aiming to create empowering pieces that encourage consumers to buy smarter. “The process was both challenging and enlightening,” shares Laurel on working with his sisters. He explains the depth of their connection: “They are the women who know my heart the most. They were my original muses, my biggest supporters and my most impassioned critics. Designing this collection with them was illuminating, to say the least.”
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Above Inside the newly reopened RAJO Store in Rockwell
Above The Laurel siblings: John, Venisse, Rajo and Gela
Inside the newly reopened RAJO Store in Rockwell
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Above Venisse Laurel-Hermano, Rajo Laurel and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier, together with The Rajo Store Holiday 2025 collection models
Venisse Laurel-Hermano, Rajo Laurel and Gela Laurel-Stehmeier, together with The Rajo Store Holiday 2025 collection models
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The inspiration for the new line springs from shared memories and a combined appreciation of their common past. Laurel sees this as a profound experience, noting: “What a poignant experience to look back through our moments of joy, pain and everything in between… intimate moments that shaped our style influences… our shared heritage, adventures, passions and common love for the arts. It is from our memories that we unlocked possibilities.”
Laurel has long considered fashion his “love language.” In a letter reflecting on his career, he wrote: “Brought up in a family of artists, I was always taken with the beguiling nature of fantasy and the uplifting power of imagination. It provides me the creative latitude to express and capture emotions through clothes, my native dialect.”
The new collection is a meticulous curation that reflects the complexities of contemporary life. “Ideas were tested, decisions were questioned, but the direction became clearer with every step,” Laurel states. “It’s about finding sartorial solutions for real people with real-life concerns. It’s grounded and thoughtful.”
Above Camiso Cover-up from the new collection
Above Leigh Polo paired with the Donnie Pants from the new collection
Camiso Cover-up from the new collection
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Above Maze Jacket from the new collection
Above Ventana Dress from the new collection
Maze Jacket from the new collection
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The input from his sisters brought differing, yet complementary, perspectives to the design process. Laurel-Hermano, the brand’s chief operating officer, emphasises practicality. “Rajo and I never crossed each other’s area of work. Until now,” she says. “The great thing about Rajo is that he’s adaptable. He listens. I’m a career mother. So, fashion, to me, must be practical. Versatile. And timeless. This collection reflects that.”
The youngest sibling, famed makeup artist Laurel-Stehmeier, provides the push for creative exploration. “As the youngest, I bring the energy and spirit. I’m also a creative at heart. I love pushing the boundaries and challenging what’s possible,” she narrates. “I question everything…details, cuts, colours, fabrics. The beautiful thing about collaborating with family is that we can be vulnerable and honest. We find creative solutions together. We make it happen.”
See also: Rajo Laurel on his ‘Protea’ collection: a love letter to Africa’s colours, culture and soul
Above Rajo Laurel (Photo: Colin Dancel)
Rajo Laurel (Photo: Colin Dancel)
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This balance of idealism and practicality expands the collection’s accessibility, with a broader selection of sizes and colourways. The new boutique itself mirrors this ethos: fresh yet familiar, simple yet thoughtful, architectural yet fluid.
“Through this collaboration with my sisters, I am brought back to the most important place where I find comfort and happiness—I am brought back home," Laurel concludes.
The reopening of The Rajo Store and the launch of the Holiday 2025 Collection celebrate family, creativity and the power of fashion to tell deeply personal stories.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
