The designer’s latest featured collection for the Philippine pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka celebrated Filipino culture and craftsmanship, and paid tribute to the country’s master artisans who painstakingly wove materials to enable him to realize his vision.
From the Pearl of the Orient comes Michael Leyva’s “Perlas ng Silanganan,” the Filipino fashion industry’s gift to the world — with the sheen and luster of pearl shining through an all-white ensemble crafted from Filipino textiles like piña, callado and inabel. The collection recently debuted on the world stage no less, as it was one of the Philippine pavilion’s featured attractions at the ongoing World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
“As a young designer, I wanted to adapt to modernization and at the same time give tribute to the classic. So we designed the barong and terno with a modern lens, blending tradition with contemporary design,” Leyva explains.
And for the highly sought after Filipino fashion designer, the choice of white captures the elegance and simplicity of pearl, the prized marine treasure from the Philippine seas that inspired this collection. The handmade textiles that were used in this collection also complemented the Philippine pavilion’s theme “Woven,” which also features the handwoven installation of Filipino architect Carlo Calma.
Having been tapped by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos to create “Perlas ng Silanganan” was “both a proud and humbling experience, and an honor of a lifetime” for Leyva, who, as the preferred designer of the First Lady, has produced countless designs that have brought pride to the country.
Leyva’s personal favorite from this collection is the oversized cropped barong paired with a hand-beaded inabel skirt, which, he describes, is “a tribute to the mix of history and innovation.”
For him, the First Lady’s advocacy of promoting Filipino craftsmanship inspires him to design pieces that will showcase the skillfully woven works from our local weaving communities. And beyond making a mark in the local fashion industry, Leyva has also made it his personal mission to bring Filipino fashion and art to the global stage.
“This moment wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Office of the President and the First Lady. Their support and presence in this event reminded us that fashion and art is a powerful platform in expressing national pride and heritage,” he concludes.
