Rajo Laurel & SM’s Parisian and Milanos bring Japan to Manila


World-class designer Rajo Laurel collaborates with SM homegrown footwear brands Parisian and Milanos to bring 2 exclusive collections that derives inspiration from the Japanese culture. Launched at the SMX Convention Center on 25 September 2012, the highly anticipated comeback of Rajo! for Parisian features adventurously stylish wedges, boots, flats, and heels for women while the premier Rajo! for Milanos collection introduces dapper casual and dress shoes for men.

In the world of fashion, the name Rajo Laurel is synonymous with elegant and chic couture collections that have rocked the local and international style scenes. Possessing seemingly never-ending supplies of creativity and drive, he has produced some of the most breathtaking designs from classic to trend-inspired garments. This year, Rajo turns to his recent travel to Japan to produce his exclusive shoe collections for local retail leader SM.

“As a designer, the Japanese culture has always been a point of reference for me,” Rajo Laurel explained. “I am in love with the graphic qualities of their traditional garb, the intricate art of the obi, the deep romanticism associated with the kimono and of course the zen balance of the modern Japanese aesthetic.”

Aside from the stylish pieces, the launch event also reflected the best and most beautiful aspects of the Japanese culture. It became a visual feast for fashion lovers and art enthusiasts alike, the guests themselves having been invited to dress in their best oriental inspired ensembles.



A creative collaboration worth celebrating

This is the second time Laurel has collaborated with SM Parisian, having launched the brand’s first ever designer capsule collection for women last year.

“Having collaborated with him previously, our reason for asking Rajo to design for us again goes beyond the fact that he is a renowned designer both locally and internationally,” explains Eugene U. Saw, Vice-president of SM Department Store.

“Underneath Rajo’s fun-loving personality is a hardworking, passionate, disciplined, and out-of-the-box thinker. These are the same values that have made the SM group a success today….”

The partnership this year reflects the world-renowned designer’s versatility when it comes to designing footwear for men and women. Following his design philosophy of empowerment, each piece has been meticulously created in order to bring a certain sense of confidence and assurance to the wearer.

“I feel very blessed to have been given the freedom to explore all of my ideas and bring literally a fantasy to life,” Laurel said. “The heart of the collaboration was really in the manufacturing, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the expertise of the Parisian/Milanos group.”

The designs feature bold colors and patterns, as well as sleek lines and curves made of satin, suede, and leather. For the fun loving girl looking for the perfect pair for a night out with her friends, Rajo! for Parisian’s line of heels and wedges would be the perfect way to go. For the laid back and casual fashionista, the collection also has metallic flats and suede shoes.

For the confident guy on the go, Rajo! for Milanos’ collection showcases casual and dress shoes made of leather and suede with metallic accents and embroidery.

“Women tend to favor trends when it comes to footwear, whereas men tend to go for a classic look with an emphasis on quality.” Laurel explained. “These were some of the things I took into consideration in designing the lines for both Parisian and Milanos. From a global perspective, more and more options are being available. I feel like I managed to toe the line between tempering the classic shapes with just the right amount of edge.”

The collections were featured on the runway in a memorable show featuring male models dressed as neo-samurais and female models dressed as modern geishas. The shoes were displayed as works of art amidst a bright and colorful backdrop reminiscent of the Harajuku District in Japan.

“We’ve decided to make our Parisian and Milanos collections in 20 stores nationwide as opposed to only 7 stores last year,” says Saw. “We wanted to make it more accessible to our customers. Last year’s collaboration saw our Parisian brand scale to new heights, and this year, we’re taking it up a notch with both Parisian and Milanos.”

About SM Shoes and Bags

Rajo! for Parisian and Milanos are available in the following SM Department Stores nationwide: SM Mall of Asia SM North Edsa, SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM Cubao, SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, SM Fairview, SM Las Piñas, SM Bacoor, SM Dasmariñas, SM Lucena, SM Lipa, SM Baguio, SM Pampanga, SM Clark, SM Marilao, SM Cebu, SM Lanang, and SM Mandurriao. Avail of Rajo! for Parisian shoes at Php 999 – 2499 and Rajo! for Milanos shoes at Php 1299 – 2000. For more information, visit the official Facebook pages of SM Parisian (https://www.facebook.com/ParisianShoesAndBags) and SM Milanos (http://www.facebook.com/MilanosShoes) or follow @SMParisian and @SMMilanosShoes on Twitter.

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