Cover Michael Leyva in his atelier at The Peninsula Manila
Michael Leyva in his atelier at The Peninsula Manila
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After a decade in the industry, Leyva achieved another milestone. And it’s in one of the most prestigious addresses in the country: Goldenberg Mansion
Michael Leyva never shies away from a challenge. Despite having zero technical knowledge in the industry and even lesser resources, he picked up his brother Brian’s sketchpad after his untimely passing. He continued his dream of pursuing fashion design.
Michael has since amassed a fabulous body of work and built up a clientele that many can only aspire to have. On his tenth anniversary, he mounted a fashion show of an unprecedented scale at the National Museum in Manila. Suffice it to say; there is no other way but up for this hardworking fashion designer.
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Above The designer revolutionises the fashion world with his modern-day ternos
The designer revolutionises the fashion world with his modern-day ternos
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This August, Michael marked another milestone of a fashion show which exhibited the heritage of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Titled Isang Pilipinas, it was held at Malacañang’s Goldenberg Mansion. The fashion show will highlight Filipinos’ creativity and our country’s cultural fabrics–from Ilocos’ abel to Visayas’ piña to Mindanao’s T’nalak.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos chose the historic Goldenberg Mansion as a rehabilitation project. Spearheading the Goldenberg Fashion Series, she invites esteemed fashion designers to present their collections at the mansion’s hallowed halls.
“When I discovered I would be doing a show for the First Lady, I was thrilled. I wanted [my collection] to be Filipiniana, of course, because her main goal for this [series] is to showcase Filipino talent,” Michael says. He adds that Araneta-Marcos wanted the new generation to be more aware of our culture and the story behind the famous butterfly sleeves. “It’s a perfect time to show what Filipino ingenuity is all about.”
Above Inside Michael Leyva’s atelier
Inside Michael Leyva’s atelier
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This great opportunity, however, comes with challenges. For Michael, it’s the technicality of designing weaves and patterns while maintaining his brand ethos and aesthetic—oh, and time. One can easily spot a Michael Leyva dress from afar for his signature embellishments and revealing cutouts. However, creating a complete Filipiniana ensemble featuring local weaves is a first for the designer.
“It’s my first time working with weaves and patterns. I wanted it to still look like a Michael Leyva design. So how will I make a particular pattern embrace that look?” he says. His answer is quite a simple solution of trial and error. “I drape it, and if it’s not okay, I change it. I do not stop until I feel like... this is it.”
Above Michael Leyva in his office
Michael Leyva in his office
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But this rigorous work requires much time, which is a challenge for Michael because he was given only a month of preparation. He faces it head-on, nonetheless. “We’re trying to make 46 hours out of one day, so double the effort. The challenge is just the time. If I could have more than a month to do the collection, I would try my best.”
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Above The designer is primarily known for his bridal designs
The designer is primarily known for his bridal designs
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After the Goldenberg couture presentation, Levya will have achieved all there is to achieve in the local industry. It seems only fitting then that the designer has his eyes set on a broader horizon: the international fashion scene. “I did shows in LA, Dubai and Moscow, and an exhibition in Paris. Two years ago, Dubai Fashion Week asked me to have a show every season. I was too busy here in the Philippines, so I could not commit to doing the shows,” he says, reiterating that his most significant hurdle is time.
“If only God gives me more time,” he says, laughing, “about 48 hours a day.”
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Credits
Photography: Patrick Diokno
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When Jio is not creating content for Tatler Philippines' social media channels or covering style-related stories, he's probably binge-watching David Attenborough-narrated documentaries or nursing his vintage shopping fixation. He plans on using fashion criticism as a force for good. Follow him @hijowho or send him an email at jio@tatlerphilippines.com.
