MANILA, Philippines – Rajo Laurel has been a big name in Philippine fashion for the last two decades. 

From designing haute couture for the runways to collaborating with ready-to-wear retail stores like Plains & Prints and shoe brands Parisian and Milano, Laurel has conquered almost every corner of the local fashion industry.

On Sunday, May 19, Laurel’s achievements in fashion will be recognized in “Samsung Metrowear Icon: Rajo Laurel,” a showcase of Laurel’s designs and evolution as a designer.

Fashion milestones

That is no mean feat as Laurel’s journey from 1993 to 2013 is studded with milestones and achievements.

He kicked off his career by winning his first award in 1993, 2nd place in the Asean Young Designers’ Competition. The slew of awards that followed culminate in his being hailed Asian Top Fashion Designer in 2010.

But perhaps a better indicator of his genius as a designer is that many of the country’s most beautiful and stylish stars choose to wear him on and off the red carpet.

He has dressed the likes of Anne Curtis, Ruffa Gutierrez, Charlene Gonzales, Sarah Geronimo, and more.

A definite highlight of his career was when no less than supermodel and TV personality Tyra Banks wore one of his creations in her reality show and model search, “America’s Next Top Model.”

But aside from looking back on 20 years of success in the fashion industry, Metrowear will look forward towards Laurel’s new designs for bridal wear, cocktail dresses, evening ensembles, menswear and couture pieces.

Rajo Laurel joins the ranks of other fashion icons recognized in past years by Metrowear, including Randy Ortiz, Lulu Tan Gan, Oliver Tolentino and Cary Santiago. – Rappler.com