Designer Rajo Laurel applies his fashion sense to paper literally with his new collection for National Book Store.

The collection includes water bottles, notebooks, bags, pencil cases, umbrellas and more at affordable prices (we’re planning to hoard the pretty notebooks—they’re just P219 and P319 each!).

We caught up with Rajo at the launch of his collection at the NBC Tent last Wednesday.

Do you have favorites from the collection?

I love everything! How can I choose? Honestly, it’s a very personal collection that I designed. I love traveling so there are luggage tags and passport holders. I love exercising so I have a tote bag. It’s rainy season so I have an umbrella. It’s an organic collection based upon what I like. I have an amazing pencil case there that has lots of different compartments.

Why did you say yes to National Book Store?

It’s the closest thing we have to a heritage brand. We all grew up with it.

How did the collaboration start?

A year ago, they went to me and asked if I wanted to collaborate with them. I said, “My god, who in their right mind would say no to making an iPhone case? An iPhone case with their name on it?”

Did you have complete freedom in designing?

Yes. Absolutely.

What were the inspirations behind the designs?

While I was doing this, I was preparing for my gala. So the influences were similar. There’s a lot of the squiggle prints, a relaxing motion when your mind is really just doodling. There’s a lot of gold and silver and elements that are metallic. We tied things together.

Will there be a second collection?

We’ll see!

The limited edition Rajo-fied Collection is now available at select National Book Stores and Powerbooks branches. You can also shop online at www.nationalbookstore.com