Rajo Laurel Hopes to Redesign Philippine Airlines' Uniform

Rajo Laurel has a decorated portfolio to his name. Over the past 33 years, the designer has created some of the most memorable ensembles for the country’s biggest names. Despite his many accomplishments, however, he still has a personal dream he hopes to fulfill.

During a guest appearance on Bilyonaryo, Rajo was asked what else he hopes to achieve in his career. His answer was straightforward: “I really want to redesign our national carrier’s uniform.”

It is a project he has long wanted to take on, so much so that he is willing to do it free of charge. “I’m not gonna charge, I’m gonna design it,” he declared.

Currently, Philippine Airlines (PAL) cabin crew members wear coordinated suits in deep royal blue. The men’s uniform consists of a tailored blazer and trousers paired with a white dress shirt and a striped tie featuring red, blue, and gold accents. Meanwhile, the women’s version comprises a fitted, single-button blazer and a midi-length pencil skirt, punctuated with a vibrant floral scarf bearing a gumamela print.

Asked how he would approach the redesign, Rajo said he would bring back the Barong Tagalog.

“Cause it’s easy, it’s functional, it can be worn by a man and a woman,” explained the 2026 Preview Best Filipino Fashion Designer (BFFD) honoree during the interview. “And I think the Barong Tagalog is a symbol of who we are as well.”

In an Instagram post, Rajo also revealed that his dream was inspired by his mother, who once worked as a ground stewardess for the airline.

“Seeing her in that environment gave me an early appreciation for the people behind the airline experience and inspired my own aspiration to contribute to the industry through design,” he wrote in the caption.