Give way, Monique Lhuillier – Rajo Laurel and Rosenthal Tee lead Filipino fashion design into the 2020s
Inspired by the early breakthroughs of Monique Lhuillier, Josie Natori and Pitoy Moreno, a new generation of Filipino designers, led by Rosenthal Tee and Tyra Banks’ favourite Rajo Laurel, are putting a stamp on the global fashion stage
Filipino designers are putting their stamp on the global fashion industry in no uncertain terms. When talking about the splash they are making, many high-profile names spring to mind. However, it surely all starts with US-based Filipino designer Monique Lhuillier, whose eponymous brand is a gigantic name in today’s fashion world.
Lhuillier’s inspirational journey towards fashion began in the 90s when she and her husband Tom Bugbee launched the brand, best known for its top-notch luxury, femininity, allure and glamour.
In doing so, she unleashed a wave of fashion mania across her homeland, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps. Lhuillier’s prowess has turned the fashion world in the Philippines into a growing industry, with new designers such as Rajo Laurel and Rosenthal Tee offering more bold and elegant choices.
They, too, have gone on to become much revered names as Filipino women show their insatiable desire for lots of exquisitely designed dresses in their wardrobe.
I think of myself as a creator of modern-day armour. This is what gives me a lot of pleasure and purpose in designing. It’s all about making sure that people feel and look better in your designs
When it comes to understanding how deeply fashion rules the hearts and minds of Filipinos, Laurel is the ideal role model. The designer, who has dressed entertainer and supermodel Tyra Banks, was born into a highly respected political family and was expected to enter the political arena. But he had other plans mapped out and his love of theatre inspired him to pursue a career in fashion.
“The motivating factor that pushed me towards becoming a fashion designer was the power of transformation and [the ability that clothes have] to empower people. It is magical that by creating beautiful clothes, you actually create a persona and strengthen a person’s character,” he says.
“I think of myself as a creator of modern-day armour. This is what gives me a lot of pleasure and purpose in designing. It’s all about making sure that people feel and look better in your designs.”
One particular quality Filipino designers are hugely admired for is their resilience despite the many hurdles they face. “Our industry doesn’t have any real support system,” Laurel says.