Michael Leyva is one of the most sought-after names in Philippine fashion. Unlike most designers who’ve dedicated a large portion of their formative years to study, train, and prepare for a career as a creative, Michael’s entry into the world of style was rather unexpected. It was by all means tragic, but later bore fruits that would inspire the entire Philippine fashion industry.
It was Leyva’s brother, Bryan, who initially sought out a career in fashion. He was a rising star who, apart from winning the hearts of the city’s well-heeled, also displayed creative prowess in prestigious competitions like the Young Designers Guild Competition in 2004. Bryan’s trajectory to success was evident, and his demise sudden. The question of who would take over pending projects and commissioned works prompted Michael to dive into the then-unknown realm of fashion design.
