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Celebrated fashion designers Rajo Laurel and Martin Bautista join forces to create a one-of-a-kind collection for the holiday season
What happens when two creative forces team up?: A stunning display of artistry. Designer Rajo Laurel celebrates his 30th year in the industry by collaborating with Martin Bautista for his 2023 holiday collection, named Volver. Laurel is a veteran in the industry and yet remains inspired by all that is around him. He learns, absorbs and creates from places he travels to and by working with other talented artists. As a keen storyteller, Laurel speaks and expresses himself through fashion.
For this holiday collection and milestone 30th year, Laurel looks inwards and backwards towards the beginning of it all. “The collection is entitled Volver. To return. We were inspired by our roots where we began. In my mind, we look back in order to move forward. The collection is for our beloved clients. Those who love our work and those who have supported us through the years,” Laurel explains. Volver takes him back to previous designs through the years, while stepping into the future by collaborating with Martin Bautista. “I have always loved Martin’s work. I have a deep respect for Martin. I have been an admirer of his aesthetic and his style and I thought that we would really complement each other,” shares Laurel.
See also: Rajo Laure and his passion for fashion
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The two worked effortlessly to craft meaningful, eye-catching, and relatable pieces. “For me, it was like having a conversation with a good friend–that wonderful back-and-forth banter. It was like we were passing the pieces back and forth, adding and then subtracting. I think the work was divided pretty evenly,” adds Laurel. The creative repartee meant that they constantly workshopped ideas together, learned from one another and pushed themselves forward in order to develop something to be proud of. “A collaboration only works if both parties are able [to] bring both of their visions into the piece, onto the final product,” says Bautista.
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From couture to ready-to-wear, over the years of their careers, both designers have been supported and encouraged by their families and dearest friends, who have been driving forces for their creative energy. For Bautista, his most cherished recollections in the industry are those with his chosen family, from peers to designer batchmates. To them both, the connections you make in life are what matters most, the bond between friends, those who truly care for you, is something unique and irreplaceable.
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By listening and growing from the feedback and learnings through the years, both these designers have honed their skills and finessed their perspectives. They eagerly, carefully, yet boldly put a part of themselves on display through every collection launch. Volver sets itself apart due to its collaborative roots. It is this hunger for education, and excitement to keep learning from one another that keeps these creatives so relevant and sought-after. “We are all very passionate about the craft that we do. It is really different hearing people’s insights from the industry,” Bautista relates. To that, Laurel adds: “I loved working with other creative minds because I learn so much from them, from the experience, from the process. Even if it is unconscious, you learn and grow from all of it. That for me is very special.”
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About
Isabel loves to learn, and see things from different perspectives. Connecting with people and engaging in new experiences to broaden her horizons is what inspires this storyteller, keeping her constantly curious, and excited for what's to come. An absolute love for all things F&B ignited a hunger to devour content from this world and keeps her jumping into tasty adventures around the globe. From the beauty of simple bites, to nuanced fine dining tasting menus, street food, and the art of entertaining, the multi-faceted nature of the dining experience is something she can't get enough of. A good cup of coffee or a glass of wine paired with a dash of witty conversation is a quick way to win her over. This editor loves travelling, food, music, skincare, fitness, and is only friends with people who love dogs. Guilty pleasure?: Binge-watching TV shows and movies she has already seen.
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Concept creation is the name of the game and branding takes centre stage in Isabel's day-to-day schedule. From producing shoots, conceptualising bespoke projects for our partners, relationship management, to cooking up features and events for Tatler Dining, this editor is a tried and tested foodie at heart. She mainly writes content for Tatler Dining, engaging in captivating discussions with restaurateurs, chefs, producers, and food enthusiasts to tell must-know stories. Aside from that Isabel manages Tatler Dining's flagship events like Off Menu, or Cocktail Festival and puts together the Tatler Dining Guide, our annual listing of the best eats around town.
Follow her on Instagram @isabelvmf.
