Through his work, Michael Leyva is not just influencing the local fashion scene. He’s also steadily gaining recognition internationally. His collections have graced global runways in cities like Dubai and Los Angeles, where his modern take on Filipino fashion has captivated international audiences.
By FRANCHESCA L. TUAZON
When Michael Leyva talks about fashion, his eyes immediately light up. For him, every gown is more than just fabric and thread — it’s a story, an emotion, a legacy.
Now on his 13th year in the industry, Leyva has become a constant and dependable fixture in Philippine couture, known for his timeless and elegant designs and bold innovations. This year, the designer reached new heights, redefining what it means to be hailed as an exceptional Filipino talent on both local and international stages.
Visionary designer
For years, Leyva has been synonymous with bespoke couture — gowns that speak of opulence and individuality. In 2024, however, he ventured into uncharted territory by launching his first-ever ready-to-wear (RTW) collection in collaboration with Plains & Prints.
The 18-piece capsule collection was a delightful fusion of Leyva’s signature style, reinterpreted into practical, wearable pieces for the RTW line. Think satin halter tops in jewel tones, sleek crepe jumpsuits and lace dresses tailored for both day and night.
The collection became an instant hit, balancing accessibility with luxury. Each design bore Leyva’s meticulous attention to detail, from the precise tailoring to the subtle embellishments that elevated the pieces.
Leyva’s heart, however, lies in bridal couture, and this year, he outdid himself with his 2025 bridal collection, which was unveiled at the Peninsula Manila. The show was a masterclass in romantic design, featuring ethereal gowns adorned with floral appliqués, soft pleats and shimmering embellishments.
“I want my brides to feel like the best versions of themselves,” he shares. “It’s not just about creating something beautiful, it’s about crafting something meaningful.”
Aside from his bridal collection, Leyva also unveiled his vibrant “My Colorful Life” couture collection, celebrating optimism with pastel tones and intricate embellishments.
In 2021, Leyva debuted his “Diamond Collection” at Arab Fashion Week, marking his return to the international stage after the pandemic. He expanded his global presence with a showcase at Paris Fashion Week in September 2023 and as one of four pioneering Filipino designers at the FILIPINXT fashion event in New York in 2024.
He has also dressed prominent figures including Heart Evangelista, Anne Curtis, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Pia Wurtzbach.
His ambition is clear. “I want to make our country proud, to represent our culture, our talent and our artistry,” he says, as he looks forward to more international shows.
“It’s always been good to represent our country on the international stage,” Leyva reflects. “Filipinos are known for their creativity, and when I step out at these shows, it’s like carrying the flag of the Philippines with pride.”
Despite the excitement, he admits that there’s always that pressure to succeed, especially since he feels the weight of representing not just his brand, but also his country. “When there’s pressure, there’s a challenge. And I want to rise to it, to make my country proud,” he shares.
The Leyva look
As an advocate of Filipino heritage, Leyva often infuses his designs with elements that celebrate local traditions. His Filipiniana-inspired works, like the pieces showcased at the Goldenberg Mansion’s “Isang Pilipinas” show, are a testament to his love for the Philippines.
Using indigenous fabrics like abel and piña, Leyva reimagines traditional silhouettes for contemporary audiences. “Filipiniana is not just a style — it’s our story,” he reflects. “I want to show the world how rich our culture is, and how it can evolve without losing its roots”.
Leyva’s designs are instantly recognizable, thanks to their intricate details, luxurious fabrics and flattering silhouettes. His aesthetic leans toward the romantic, often showcasing flowing lines, floral motifs and feminine cuts that highlight the beauty of the wearer.
“I don’t follow trends,” Leyva insists. “I focus on what’s timeless — pieces that hopefully will still look beautiful 20 or 50 years from now.” This dedication to classic elegance has become his hallmark, making his creations treasured heirlooms for many clients.
While he is known for his dramatic evening wear, Leyva’s versatility is equally noteworthy. His designs range from bold, jewel-toned gowns that command attention to soft, white and pastel bridal ensembles that exude subtlety. He also experiments with unconventional details, like sheer overlays, hand-sewn beadwork and sculptural embellishments, ensuring that each piece feels fresh yet familiar.
The man behind the brand
Leyva’s journey into fashion is a story of courage and reinvention. Originally a flight attendant, Leyva’s life took a sharp turn after the sudden passing of his brother Brian, who was a budding designer himself. Inspired to continue Brian’s legacy, Leyva plunged into the world of fashion with no formal training.
“I started with nothing — just passion and a dream,” he shares.
At his 10th-anniversary show at the National Museum, Leyva paid tribute to his brother by wearing a jacket painted with Brian’s likeness. It was a poignant moment, marking not only his personal journey, but also the legacy he continues to honor. The jacket, which he wore as he walked down the runway at the end of the show, symbolized his transformation and deep connection to his brother’s memory that still drives his work today. He also wears it with pride for this shoot.
Aside from being mentored by industry veterans like Jojie Lloren, he also honed his craft at Central Saint Martins in London. “London taught me to take risks and embrace my individuality as a designer,” he says.
Despite his success, Leyva remains deeply grounded, crediting his team and his family for his achievements. “This isn’t just my journey, it’s ours,” he says.
Leyva’s dedication to his clients is also legendary. From fittings to final touches, he personally oversees every step of the process. “Each dress must reflect the Michael Leyva standard,” he emphasizes. His hands-on approach extends to weddings, where he often attends multiple ceremonies in a day to ensure his clients feel special.
“Every bride deserves to feel like she’s the only one,” he says. “No one should feel like they’re just another project.”
Stitching dreams
As Leyva looks to the future, his aspirations are as ambitious as his designs. Plans to expand internationally are already underway, with dreams of opening more ateliers. He also hopes to create more RTW collections, bringing his brand to a global audience.
“I want the world to see what Filipino creativity can do,” he says. “Our stories, our artistry — they deserve a place on the global stage.”
For Leyva, fashion is more than just clothing — it’s a celebration of life, culture and individuality. Whether he’s creating a gown for a bride, designing a Filipiniana-inspired ensemble or launching an RTW collection, Leyva pours his heart into every piece.
“I’ve been so blessed,” he says. “And I want to use that blessing to inspire others — to show that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.”
Photography by RAP YU
Art direction by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA
Sittings editor ALEX Y. VERGARA
