A dream fulfilled
Michael Leyva never planned to become a designer but fate led him to dress the most beautiful personalities in the Philippines. In 2012, the 32-year-old fashion designer took on the task to follow his late brother Brian Leyva’s footsteps, and throughout the process, he faced great challenges and success.
“At first, I was hesitant to do it because I have no idea of what fashion was all about,” the designer says. “I don’t know how to draw, talk to clients, or choose fabrics. The only thing I had that time was the courage that I can do it with the guidance of my brother. He was the one that inspired me to do anything even until today. I know, behind everything that’s happening to me right now, there’s one angel up above guiding me all throughout.”
Through his runway show “Hiraya: Isang Dekada ng Aming Pagmamahal at Pangarap,” he marks his 10th anniversary in the fashion industry while celebrating the legacy left behind by his brother. “Hiraya” is a Filipino term meaning “the fruit of one's dreams, wishes, and aspirations,” and his show is all about that.
Shown at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila on Oct. 10, the collection features his latest couture creations.
Opening the show is singer Erik Santos with an inspiring performance of “This is the Moment.” Like a shining goddess descending from the sky, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach steps out of the halls of the museum, baptizing the runway dressed in a golden garb. What follows is a parade of angels as Michael’s white creations grace the runway. Dresses with elaborate boning designs and sculptural suits bring a sense of opulence to the show. The fantasy continues with his jewel-toned pieces such as fringed dresses, suits with brushstroke designs, and dramatic gowns.
Marking the halftime of the show is Vice Ganda, who emerged from the elevator of the museum’s Tree of Life. The comedian is simply immaculate wearing a white lace wedding gown complete with a chapel-length train and a romantic veil. After a series of pastel ball gowns, gilded suits, and floral embellished dress comes actress Anne Curtis wearing Brian’s Filipiniana design made of five centavo coins—the piece he presented at the Young Designer’s Competition in 2004. Ending the style fest with an empowering performance is Regine Velasquez-Alcasid singing the song “I Believe.”
“Hard work is the key. It is very important that you love what you’re doing because you’ll never get tired of it,” Michael says. “In the past 10 years, there was never a day in my life na nagsisisi ako na ituloy what my Kuya Brian started… I know that there will not be a Michael Leyva if it wasn’t because of Brian Leyva. I hope I made him proud. Looking back at the past 10 years, before when I’m in doubt if I can do it and I don’t have the courage, if I got the chance to talk to my young self, I’ll tell him that you can.”
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