FASHION designer Michael Leyva marked his 10th year journey in the fashion industry with a grand runway presentation dubbed “Hiraya: Isang Dekada ng Aming Pagmamahal at Pangarap” that took place at Manila’s iconic landmark at Rizal Park, the National Museum of Natural History, right at the Tree of Life courtyard– the perfect venue for Leyva’s 50-piece collection that are truly works of art, labors of love.
“Hiraya” is a Filipino term that means “the fruit of one’s hope, dreams and aspirations.”
Becoming a designer wasn’t part of Michael’s plan. He was working as a flight steward, then destiny led him to dress up the country’s most beautiful personalities when he took the challenge to follow in the footsteps of his late brother Brian Leyva.
“At first I was hesitant to do it because I had no idea of what fashion is all about,” Michael said. “I didn’t know how to draw, talk to clients, or choose fabrics. The only thing I had at that time was the courage that I could do it with the guidance of my brother. He was the one who inspired me to do anything up to this today. I know that behind everything that’s happening to me right now, there’s one angel up above guiding me all throughout.”
A truly emotional show, “Hiraya” began with Michael looking back at the past 10 years of his life as a designer: the challenges he had to face throughout the process and his achievements which he owed to his loving family, supportive friends and clients and, of course, his late brother.
Balladeer Eric Santos opened the show with his signature song “This is the Moment” followed by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach looking like a goddess in gilded garb, a lead to the set of creations that followed – an array of white couture pieces with elaborate boning details and sculptural suits.
Next to parade were Michael’s jewel-toned creations with fringe details, delicate floral embellishments and brushstroke design elements.
One of the best moments of the show was TV host Vice Ganda’s emerging from the top elevator of the Tree of Life wearing a breathtaking white wedding dress with a chapel-length train and a romantic veil. The style fantasy continued with a series of pastel ball gowns, glimmering ensembles and dramatic outfits.
For the finale, actress Anne Curtis wore Brian Leyva’s Filipiniana creation made of five-centavo coins, the piece he presented at the Young Designers Competition in 2006.
Capping the show was songstress Regine Veleasquez-Alcasid with her powerful rendition of “I Believe.”
The show, directed by ace director Robbie Carmona, was graced by VIPs, among them First Lady Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, Manila Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna and Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, wife of Sen. Koko Pimentel.
