Laurel began his career in the early 1990s when he was 21. His sister Venisse Laurel-Hermano, executive producer and general manager of the House of Laurel, says, "Unofficially, he started when he was 18. He made my prom dress." Today, Laurel is one of the best known and most successful designers of his generation. Hard working and business savvy, he is not only known for his couture confections but also for his other ventures into ready-to-wear, corporate uniforms, items for home and interiors, even designer wedding cakes.

As an artist, Laurel is always on the lookout for ways to improve his craft. He is constantly reading and traveling, and finds inspiration from the world around him. He brings around his blank notebooks which he fills with sketches and snippets of things that catch his fancy.

For the Rajo Red! collection, he says "I looked backward in order to go forward." The rich archive of journals of the last decade and a half became Laurel’s treasure trove for the show. "After looking through my journals, I realized that certain themes in my design philosophy remain constant." The collection bears his trademark of romance and luxury.

A new sense of freedom infuses his prolific output. "I am no longer editing myself," he says. "I guess I’m not trying to prove myself anymore. I just allowed my imagination to run wild. Everything in my environment inspires me—the orchids sitting on my desk, that chair in the corner—and I just go with it."

The collection shimmers with pastels and sizzles with vibrant colors; it transports viewers from Asia to Africa; it hints at the dark sexiness of S&M; it brings back the glamor of goddesses; it plays with the illusions of op art and the precision of geometry.

Laurel uses a variety of techniques to manipulate the fabric into new forms and shapes. He embellishes and distresses, he uses ruffles and volume fearlessly.

For the show, Laurel is working with a dynamic team and skilled craftsmen. Every single piece from is made with close attention to detail and construction. He knows that in order for clothes to fit properly, the right foundation is all too important. He even incorporated specialized undergarments into his designs in order to get the perfect fit.

He is also excited about his collaborations with key people for the show. Among them are: Emi Jorge of Solea who designed the footwear; hair stylist Nelson Cruz of Toni&Guy; and wig-maker Bergmann Hair Philippines to get the avant-garde look for hair; his youngest sister Gela, is in charge of makeup; and Robbie Carmona of Saga Events is directing the show.

Rajo Red! is being staged for the benefit of the Philippine National Red Cross Makati City Branch-Rizal chapter.