Gratitude and remembrance

Michael Leyva Couture 2026 was all about a symbolic homage to love and legacy that’s deeply rooted in the influence of the designer’s late brother, Brian Leyva.

Memoria ng Hardin (Memory of the Garden) celebrates through his captivating designs masterpieces infused with symbolic motifs and excellent techniques. Every stitch, fold and delicate detail is a labor of love, with a narrative of gratitude and remembrance as seen in symbolic roses, intertwined with vine-like grapes and delicate fringes.

Michael’s designs channel a sense of maximalism, showcasing the beauty of excess and opulence. Intricate woven motifs ensure Brian’s legacy remains integral to this designer’s art. It is a collective of beautifully made masterpieces that goes beyond topical impressions. Individually, each seamless creation has a story to tell and truth to be told.

New Now Next asked the celebrated designer 10 things you need to know about the Michael Leyva Couture show:

NNN: How many models were in the show?

ML: Forty.

NNN: How many pieces in total was in the show?

ML: Forty.

NNN: Most number of yards you used on a dress?

ML: I used 150 yards of tulle for the red finale gown.

NNN: Your favorite piece?

ML: The red finale gown.

NNN: Aside from white, which color did you use more?

ML: Black and gray.

NNN: How long did it take you to make the entire collection?

ML: One month.

NNN: How many people did you have to complete the collection (sewers, tailors, pattern makers etc.)?

ML: I have a team of 47 employees for the custom-made couture section of my production.

NNN: What was the most difficult piece to make?

ML: The gray circular cutout halter dress.

NNN: What are the techniques you used the most in making the collection and why?

ML: I really like this collection to be different from all the collections I did last time. We used different fabric manipulation techniques such as laser-cutting, ruching and pleating.

NNN: What was the most humbling or important lesson you picked up during this entire process?

ML: Hard work and teamwork with all my team -- for us to be able to come up with something beautiful, these factors are very important.

“Memoria ng Hardin” echoes a sense of nostalgia wherein love represents life in all its beauty, splendor and vulnerability, remembering, reminiscing and cherishing memories that thrive and remain in our hearts forever. “I am always grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent the best I can, and forever grateful to kuya Brian for all the inspiration,” Leyva ends.