October is proving to be a great month for Filipino fashion designer Michael Leyva. Apart from celebrating his 32nd birthday, he is ending the month with a special runway show happening at Arab Fashion Week 2021.
After crafting PPEs for medical frontliners, dressing female political figures for the 2021 State of the Nation Address, and presenting his latest bridal offerings, Michael is shifting gears and channeling glamor and drama with his spring-summer 2022 couture collection. Dubbed as “Diamond,” the vibrant display of haute couture creations for men and women is an ode to the saying “diamond is forever,” with pieces that have timeless charm and sensibilities.
“Preparation is quite short, but through teamwork and cooperation of my team, we were able to finish everything on time,” he tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I think everyone is excited. That's why given a short time to prepare we were able to finish the 30-piece collection.”
It wouldn’t be called “Diamond” if the collection didn’t possess “sparkling, glittering, and something magical” elements. To give everyone a preview of what the collection is about, Michael dressed the newly crowned queens of Miss Universe Philippines, all of the ladies he described as “beautiful, smart, and professional,” making the experience for him both an “honor and privilege.”
A sight of colors, positivity, and style, Michael’s collection promises to bring something new and exciting to the Arab fashion festivity, aiming to give joy to everyone amid the gloomy times of the pandemic.
“Every single minute is a perfect time to celebrate life and to cherish every moment. My goal is to let every person realize that life is worth celebrating—dress up and enjoy the moment,” Michael says. “This is my best collection to date. After how many months of just staying at home and missing fashion shows, this collection is a great comeback and I'm really excited to present it to all.”
“Diamonds” will be shown on Oct. 28, 2021, at 7 p.m. in Dubai Design District, Building 7, Dubai, UAE.
Photo credits:
Photo by @dookieducay
Creative Direction @eldzsmejia
Production Design @gideonhermosa
Makeup @madgelejano and team
Jewelry @maniladiamondstudio