Rising heritage

In an exclusive Q&A session, renowned Filipino fashion designer Michael Leyva takes us behind the scenes of his historic collaboration with contemporary artist Ronald Ventura in Venice, Italy. Fresh off the highly successful presentation of their ten-look capsule collection at the historic Cantieri Cucchini docks, Leyva opens up about the intricate process of translating raw fine art into high-fashion couture. From navigating creative boundaries to representing the Philippines on the prestigious global stage of La Biennale di Venezia, he shares the inspiration, triumphs, and profound cultural pride that defined this monumental milestone for Philippine artistry.

NewNowNext: How did this collaboration come about? How did it all start?

Michael Leyva: It started with knowing Ronald Ventura as one of the Philippines’ most celebrated visual artists and one of my dear friends. We had conversations about the possibility of bringing art and couture together, and eventually, that turned into this collaboration. We wanted to explore how we could translate his artistry into fashion and create something that people could experience beyond the canvas and sculpture. It was an exciting opportunity to bring two creative disciplines together, especially with someone whose work is so distinct and recognized internationally.

What was the collection all about? What was its inspiration?

The collection was inspired by Ronald Ventura’s LUNA exhibition, as well as his exploration of water and the sea, which connects with the larger artistic narrative presented in Venice. We drew from the colors, textures, forms, and emotions in his artworks and translated them into couture. Each piece became a way of interpreting his paintings through fabric, structure, embellishment, and craftsmanship. It was really about bringing his art to life through fashion.

How long did it take to make the collection? This seems to be a different take from your trademark Michael Leyva designs. Why?

The collection took about five months to develop and create. It is definitely a different direction from what people usually associate with Michael Leyva, but I think that is what made the collaboration exciting. I wanted to step outside my usual approach while still keeping the essence of my design identity the femininity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

How many piece collection did you do? Did you use any local material, detail or highlight? Why

It is a ten-piece collection all inspired by the LUNA Exhibition by Ronald Ventura in the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. One piece that we highlighted is the Filipiniana look made with pearls. It is a full couture piece all handbeaded to create one bespoke couture look for this collection and to highlight Filipino identity and culture.

Bringing together two highly celebrated masters from different disciplines often involves a negotiation of creative control. How did you and Ronald Ventura balance your distinct creative voices so that neither fashion overshadowed the art, nor the art compromised the couture?

Our collaboration flowed really well and we worked very naturally together. We were very open with each other’s ideas and opinions and I think that made the collection great. I trusted his ideas and he trusted mine, and I guess that level of trust on one another made the collection successful.

How did the collection move past traditional, historical tropes of Filipino fashion (like the classic Terno or Barong) to present a hyper-modern version of Philippine identity to the Biennale audience?

Our presence in Venice carries a message of Pinoy pride: that Filipino talent belongs on the world’s most important creative stages. By bringing our individual expertise and artistic perspectives to an international audience, I think this contributes to a broader narrative of Filipino excellence, highlighting the country’s capacity to produce work that is both deeply rooted in cultural identity and relevant to the global creative community. The collaboration also underscores the importance of cultural representation in the international arts landscape.

As Filipino designers, artists and other creatives continue to gain recognition beyond the country’s borders, initiatives such as this open opportunities for greater cross-cultural exchange, international partnerships, and renewed appreciation for the Philippines’ artistic heritage. The message is that us Filipinos can make it to an international stage and we are at par with other countries in terms of fashion and art.

Beyond the artistic triumph, how can collaborations of this scale be leveraged by the Philippines as a form of cultural diplomacy to open concrete doors for international partnerships and creative investments?

We didn’t want to do our the typical Filipiniana attire for this collection but we decided to showcase a difference approach to Philippine identity by highlighting the techniques and details that we used. For example, we showed the hand beadworks by our Filipino artisans, hand painting by Ronald onto the garments, sculptural couture treatments, drapings and our color treatments to the garments. We wanted to do didn’t want to play it safe so we wanted to create something experimental and new.

To end, if there is one take home nugget of wisdom you’ve learned from this collaboration what is it? And why.

That we Filipinos are exceptionally great. We can reach greater heights and there’s a lot that we can do. And that partnerships and collaborations celebrate the shared Filipino spirit of imagination, culture, and dedication to one’s craft.

This historic presentation in Venice is far more than a convergence of fabric and fine art — it is a resounding declaration of the heights Filipino creativity can reach. By seamlessly weaving the rich tapestry of our cultural identity into the global fabric of La Biennale di Venezia, Michael Leyva and Ronald Ventura have not only elevated Philippine couture but have also left an indelible mark on the international arts landscape. This triumph stands as a powerful testament to the boundless genius of the Filipino spirit, proving that our heritage is a brilliant, modern force ready to captivate and inspire the world.