Designer Michael Leyva admits having a hard time with Sona 2025’s simpler theme

Michael Leyva (heart) with Hart Evangelista (left) and Abra Rep. Ching Bernos (proper). Picture: Instagram/@Michaelleyva_

This yr State of the Nation tackle (Sona) was a break of the extravagant crimson carpet – actually and figuratively – when authorities officers and particular visitors opted for subdued ensembles. For Filipino designer Michael LeyvaThe “quieter” theme challenged him to focus on the small print, reasonably than on the aesthetic worth.

Leyva is understood for its stylish sense of favor and is without doubt one of the go-to designers for celebrities and legislators within the Sona. Certainly one of his outstanding purchasers is Coronary heart Evangelista, the 2 modest ensembles for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of the fourth Sona by Marcos Jr. placed on.

Other than Evangelista, this yr his prospects have been First Girl Liza Araneta-Marcos, ACT-CIS consultant Jocelyn Tulfo, Mar Tulfo and deputy social secretary Dina Tantoco, to call only a few.

The departure of conventional glamorous gown was a “massive change” of what the designer is used to, as a result of it was “quieter and fewer flashy” than regular. “In a way, it made it extra significant,” he stated Inquirer LeisureNotifying that being respectful for the theme is without doubt one of the factors that he took data of.

“It challenged me to pay attention extra on the small print and the story behind each design, not simply what it appears like on the digicam. I needed to be extra artistic whereas I needed to maintain all the pieces easy and respectful,” he continued.

With this in thoughts, Leyva admitted that it was “troublesome” to seek out the steadiness between honoring the needs of his shopper and protecting his designs solemnly.

“It was actually troublesome, as a result of I needed to comply with the foundations, however nonetheless needed to make each gown really feel particular and totally different from one another. However I loved the method,” he stated. “I made certain that I listened to what each buyer needed after which discovered a solution to combine that with my concepts and the theme. It’s enjoyable and satisfying if you’re proper.”

This yr witnessed the removing of the normal crimson carpet within the North and South Vleugellobbies of the Batasang Pambansa. On the identical time, legislators and visitors opted for a less complicated strategy of their Filipinianas. Whereas some went for sophisticated particulars on Gedempte Tones, others selected deeper shades because the added Oomph.

This step again from the normal Sona mode was taken for an comprehensible motive. It was the best way representatives of the Home of Representatives to point out solidarity with the victims of Typhoons Crising, Dante and Emong who hit the nation.

When requested for the potential of eradicating the crimson carpet endlessly, Leyva stated he’s not in favor of this, as a result of it must be a platform for designers to point out their work.

“The crimson carpet provides designers, artists and even native weavers a chance to point out their work. It is not nearly being seen – it’s about exhibiting what we will do and encourage others. It’s a celebration of Filipian expertise,” he stated.

“Sona provides designers the chance to be seen. It is not nearly style – it is about tradition, delight and expertise. It helps native artists and weavers to be acknowledged. For years it’s a means for us to point out what Filipino creativity appears like on a giant stage,” he continued.

As a result of Sona is one in every of Leyva’s busiest occasions of the yr, he takes the strain as a driving drive to remain forward in his work.

There may be completely busy as a result of folks anticipate quite a bit. However I attempt to keep targeted and keep in mind why I do that. I’m impressed by tales, by our tradition and by the ladies for which I design. That retains me going, “he stated. /EDV