Every time summer comes around, one can’t help but reach out for the comfiest, but still chic, item in their closet.

For designer Sari Lazaro, “It’s a linen dress. It’s so easy, but it’s still very chic and functional,” she explains. “I’m very simple in my every day, and I like that I don’t have to think about it.” This easy and chic aesthetic is what she brings, along with her tropical summer collection, to her pop-up store over at the Powerplant Mall.

When you walk into Lazaro’s shop, ensconced amid the current bevy of designer pop-ups on the mall’s second floor, you feel transported to a relaxing villa at your favorite seaside resort. Which makes it the perfect foil for the pretty dresses and tops that will complement, or perhaps even elevate your summer wardrobe. In this summer edition, the designer took inspiration from things close to home.

“The heart and soul of this collection is the Filipino people. They keep that vibrant and joyful demeanor, despite what they go through,” says Lazaro. “I hope my collection reflects the idea of embracing life’s beauty and finding light even in the darkest moments.” A quick look through the pieces shows how she translates that infectious and playful energy into her designs.

The beauty of Lazaro’s designs, which has become her trademark since she started her ready-to-wear line a couple of years ago, is how she creatively uses materials, colors and prints into statement pieces that blend well into a modern woman’s wardrobe. With a sunny summer mindset, she features dresses in warm sunny shades of red, orange, yellow and green, alongside coordinates in muted neutrals.

Her attention to detail is spotted in the little cutouts that give the dresses a sexy edge, in the little pompom accents that give her tops a bit of movement, and in her pretty lace sets. A much-coveted piece is her flower top, which has 21 petals artfully handsewn on the bodice. Lazaro is also mindful that her designs must be versatile, for those with busy days but need a quick switch up for dinner and drinks.

Lazaro has come a long way from her days as a student in the famed design school, Marangoni. On her return to the Philippines, she opened her own atelier to design bespoke gowns. It was when she discovered the beauty of Filipino textiles.