Finding inspiration from local weavers, Michael Leyva unveils his first full Filipiniana collection at the historic Goldenberg Mansion.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s September 2023 Issue.
Since its restoration, the Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang Palace has become a center of cultureCultureshared traditions, beliefs, values, customs, arts, and social practices that define the identity and way of life of a community, society, or nation.Go to Culture Glossary and fashion. As part of the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ Fashion at Goldenberg series, designer Michael Leyva was tapped to create his own collection to be unveiled at the historic venue.
READ ALSO: Weaving Consciousness: Avel Bacudio Celebrates Filipino Ancestral Crafts
THE PROCESS OF CREATION
Speaking with Lifestyle Asia, Leyva says that he was inspired by the First Lady’s Likha project which showcased talented Filipino weavers. With that said, he traveled all over the country from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao to document and find inspiration from our local craftsmen. He sourced out his materials from provinces such as Cebu, Albay, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao for his first full Filipiniana collection titled Isang Pilipinas.
As for his creative process, the designer focused on the fabrics he would be using and turned them into unique Filipinianas. Leyva also took into account the entire history of the Philippine TernoTernoThe terno is the Philippines' iconic national dress, defined by structured butterfly sleeves and a fitted silhouette evolved from the earlier Maria Clara gown. Within Philippine high society, wearing aGo to Terno Glossary, situating his designs in relation to existing works.
Upon learning about the opportunity to showcase his pieces at the Goldenberg Mansion, Leyva says he was honored and grateful to be able to put up a fashion show. As the date neared, he admits that he really was very nervous at first.
Prior to this show, he was already designing over 100 looks for this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). On top of that, he was also designing wedding dresses for other clients. Even with his extremely hectic schedule, Leyva and his team executed a beautiful show.
BEYOND HIS COMFORT ZONE
Many personalities from Filipino high societyHigh SocietyHigh society refers to the upper echelon of a community distinguished by wealth, lineage, and cultural influence, traditionally bound by shared values and social expectations. In Philippine context, true belongingGo to High Society Glossary graced the fashion show. Some of Leyva’s muses including Dette Escudero, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Tootsy Angara, Em Aglipay-Villar, and Kath Yu Pimentel also walked the runway.
Heart Evangelista opened the show wearing a white FilipinianaFilipinianaFilipiniana refers to formal Philippine dress rooted in heritage silhouettes like the terno and Barong Tagalog, now reinterpreted for contemporary high-society occasions. Wearing Filipiniana to major social or diplomatic eventsGo to Filipiniana Glossary made with natural pearls.
The Goldenberg Mansion’s facade served as the backdrop for the fashion show, as photos and videos of the Philippine flag, the weavers, and Leyva himself were projected onto it. The designer’s muses then walked the circular driveway, wearing his creations proudly, accompanied by live music from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia September 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Photos by Nice Print Photography and Excel Panlaque of Kliq, Inc.
