In its continued exploration of storytelling through design, Filipino fashion house RAJO, led by Rajo Laurel, unveils its Spring Summer 2026 collection, “Child’s Play,” an evocative and deeply considered meditation on color, memory, and the quiet yet powerful language of imagination.
At its heart, “Child’s Play” is anchored in a simple but resonant idea: Childhood is a palette of wonder. It is a time when color is experienced not as theory or trend, but as feeling—instinctive, immediate, and full of possibility. Drawing inspiration from the visionary work of Nina Tolstrup, particularly her celebrated Bethnal Green Mews House, the collection reflects an environment where color is both playful and precise. Boldness exists alongside restraint, and every hue carries intention.
Laurel translates this philosophy into fashion through a thoughtful interplay of tones and textures. Familiar, everyday shades such as soft neutrals, warm earth tones, and quiet pastels serve as grounding elements, creating a sense of calm and accessibility. These are punctuated by unexpected infusions of vibrant color—flashes of electric blue, bursts of citrus, and saturated primaries. In this collection, color does not demand attention. It reveals itself gradually, in moments: a lining glimpsed in motion, a panel that catches light, a detail that unfolds upon closer look.
Beyond its visual language, “Child’s Play” is also a study in emotional resonance. Laurel reflects on the enduring impact of early experiences and how the colors we encounter in childhood imprint themselves onto our consciousness, resurfacing years later as fragments of nostalgia, comfort, or joy. These recollections inform the collection’s design narrative, resulting in pieces that feel at once intimate and universal.
“There is a certain honesty in how children engage with the world,” Laurel says. “They respond to color without hesitation or judgment. That purity of response, of simply liking something because it brings joy, is something I wanted to revisit in this collection.”
This ethos extends into the construction of the garments themselves. Silhouettes are deliberate yet fluid, allowing space for movement and self-expression. Structure is balanced with ease, echoing the spontaneity of play while maintaining the refinement that defines the brand. Fabrics are chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities, but for how they interact with color, how they absorb, reflect, and transform it under different conditions.
More than a seasonal offering, “Child’s Play” becomes an introspective exercise, an invitation to return to a state of openness. It asks us to pause amidst the pace of daily life, to notice the interplay of light and color, and to reconnect with a sense of curiosity often left behind in adulthood. In doing so, it reframes fashion not merely as adornment, but as a medium for reflection and rediscovery.
RAJO further expands its presence with the opening of its newest boutique at the second level of SM Aura Premier on April 6, 2026. The space echoes the collection’s philosophy, an environment where design is both intentional and immersive, allowing visitors to engage with the pieces in a setting that mirrors their conceptual roots.
The SS2026 collection will be available at The RAJO Store starting April 11, 2026 and on rajolaurel.com on April 14. Visit The RAJO Store at Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and SM Aura Premier. Follow @therajostore on Instagram for the latest updates and collection drops.
