With projects like his collection for National Book Store and the uniforms for several luxury hotels, Rajo Laurel has made himself a household name when it comes to fashion. His work is rooted in femininity, but he doesn’t hesitate to incorporate a bold twist.

 

Laurel talks about the grandest projects he’s worked on and how he keeps himself looking clean and dapper. It’s easy to get a glimpse inside the House of Laurel, but much harder to get a backstage pass to his bathroom dresser.

 

High-wattage

 

The three projects I enjoyed doing the most were… The ICON Metrowear fashion show, my collaboration with Bench for both denim and scents (Rajo Uno, Rajo Dos) and my footwear collections for Parisian and Milanos (SM).

 

The kind of projects I’d want to work on in the future are… collaborations with more artists and creative souls. I want to work more in theater. I also seek out social projects that strive to help the community.

 

I believe that clothes should… have a strong representation of one’s personality. It should be like armor that provides confidence to the wearer.

 

Lately, my mantra is… fitness is fashion.

 

My most humbling moment was… when I received the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines award and Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young.

 

The best professional lesson I’ve ever learned is… nothing beats hard work, discipline and professionalism.

 

When it comes to grooming… my routine is very simple and straightforward. I’m the kind of guy who can survive with a toothbrush and toothpaste. I must have my Kiehl’s astringent cleanser and moisturizer-sunscreen.

 

The scents that I have in my dresser are… Jo Malone’s Wild Fig & Cassis, Le Labo’s Santal 33, Acqua di Parma’s Arancia di Capri, and Bench’s Rajo Uno/Rajo Dos.

 

I’m very particular about cleaning my teeth, I use products like… Colgate! I am classic in a way, and nothing says classic like Colgate. I am also a believer in flossing after each meal and using Listerine mouthwash.

 

A perfect shower always includes these three things… First of all, I need a strong current of hot water for it to be enjoyable. And then I need my olive-scented body wash from The Body

Shop. As for shampoo, I just use whatever’s available—not too picky there.

 

Top tip: Legend has it that athletes in ancient Greece would rub olive oil onto their bodies to regulate their body temperature. So it’s no surprise that Rajo Laurel enjoys his hot showers with an olive-scented shower gel. You can get your hands on this sensual scent at The Body Shop (P395). This soap-free bath and shower gel contains organic, cold-pressed olive oil. It has wonderful lather and just the right amount of  scent. The Body Shop Olive gift packs come in several sets, from P410 for an olive shower gel and bath lily to P2,475 for a more complete range.

 

House of Laurel is at 6013 Villena cor. Mañalac Streets, Poblacion, Makati City; tel. 8999946; visit www.rajolaurel.com; follow Rajo on Twitter and Instagram @rajolaurel