Sari-Sari Stories (2025)
A self-published photo-led project that celebrates the everyday lives and resilience of Filipino communities in London and the Philippines through the lens of sari-sari stores (small, family-run shops) rooted in connection, culture, and care.
Created and art directed by Chelsea Laylo, the project features photography by Kimberley Laylo (Philippines, 2024) and Rona Lagos (London, UK, 2024), with camera assistance by Anatta and Summer Partridge, and production support from Ruby Hagan.
Blurred Middle Hidden Lower (2023)
A collaborative zine project investigating class divides and urban change, inspired by Breaking Class Upward Climbers and the Swiss Nature of Design History by Paola De Martin. Centered around interviews with independently owned businesses in Peckham, the project explores the effects of gentrification, rising property prices, and shifting demographics.
Interviews & Research: Conducted in Peckham, South London
Design & Editorial: Collaborative effort by the full team.
Themasme “Them-as-Me” (2017)
This project explores the layered and shifting nature of identity. Using handmade prosthetic masks based on my own face, I reflect on how personal identity is shaped by upbringing, culture, and external forces. The prosthetic masks serve as physical metaphors; symbolising the roles we perform, the versions of ourselves we present, and the tension between authenticity and adaptation.
Credits
Creative Direction & Prosthetic Design: Chelsea Laylo
Photography: Tiana Lea
Models: Aarran Bharadia & Misako Holly-Hayashi
Sari Sari Sketches (2025)
Illustrated Sari-Sari Stores is a series of hand-drawn works of everyday Filipino corner shops across the Philippines. Using marker pens, pencil, and Bristol paper, each illustration reflects a personal connection to these vibrant community spaces — celebrating their role in daily life and cultural memory.
Sari Sari Sketches #1
Sari Sari Sketches #2
Sari Sari Sketches #3
Lola’s Garden #1
Lola’s Garden #2
Lola’s Garden #3
Lola’s Garden #4
Lola’s Garden #5
Lola’s Garden #6
Lola’s Garden #7
Lola’s Garden (2022-2023)
Hand-drawn using marker pens, pencil, and Bristol paper, this series is a tribute to my grandmother’s garden in Pampanga, Philippines. “Lola” means grandmother in Tagalog — these sketches capture the love, memory, and quiet magic of her space, preserving the feeling of home across distance and time.
Hand-drawn using marker pens, pencil, and Bristol paper, this series is a tribute to my grandmother’s garden in Pampanga, Philippines. “Lola” means grandmother in Tagalog — these sketches capture the love, memory, and quiet magic of her space, preserving the feeling of home across distance and time.