Despite adversity, Michael Leyva reveals his 2021 Bridal Collection that puts the celebration of love at the forefront.
Related: All The Celestial Details From Michael Leyva’s Birthday Collection
Living in the so-called new norm for almost two years now, using the term new already seems unnecessary. Because changes have been made, adjustments have been implemented, and adapting has been effectuated. We had no other choice but to ride along the constant shifting sands. And much like how life just keeps going and moving, love also never stops.
While some weddings may have been postponed, many still pushed through. In fact, we’ve already seen quite a handful of successful ones in the midst of the pandemic. Because as cliché and cheesy as it may sound, love still do prevail. No matter the trials, hardships, and sacrifices, the joy of celebrating love is so profound it can never be overshadowed.
So when Michael Leyva was contemplating what should be his overall theme as he returns to creating a bridal collection, he wanted to focus on joie de vivre. “My inspiration for this collection was from my realization that everyday is a gift, so enjoy every minute of it,” the designer shares. “In times like this, it taught us that we should be thankful for the everyday, for being well, and being able to survive. So in that sense, life truly is worth celebrating.”
A SPECK OF ELEGANCE IN DYSTOPIA
As our lives move forward and love continues to overflow between lovers, our surroundings will still remain. While it may now look smeared by the effects of societal disarray, there will always remain a speck of beauty that will overpower it. So when Michael was designing his gowns, he made sure that it encapsulated the irresistible magic of bridal gowns to the extent that regardless of the chaotic setting behind everything, brides will still shine through.
And what better way for him to prove his creative ideation by literally shooting his bridal collection set in a modern dystopian world. According to him, “I always wanted to showcase something different, fresh, and unique that I am able to keep on challenging myself to make something that sets me apart from others.”
With the site already locked with his vision, he now made it a point that all his gowns can reflect that much needed spark to rekindle that little ounce of hope we have and light it ablaze. “This one is made with so much inspiration on what we are experiencing now,” he adds. “I want my collection to give hope and a positive perspective that events will be back soon, and they’ll be wearing their dream gown, getting married, and celebrating their life’s special moment.”
So each look that arrived on set, one will be beguiled how it majestically lets the rays of the sun bounce back, letting the heavily embellished pristine voluminous gown does its job. Femininity is also a focal point of the collection with Michael highlighting the use of ruffles, ostrich feathers, and floral appliqués. And of course, beadwork and embellishments in linear patterns couldn’t be gone as it’s already a Michael Leyva signature.
“Aside from the details, for me a bridal collection becomes different from others when comfort is a priority. And I always make sure that the gown I make fits perfectly to one’s personality,” he explains. “I am a type of a designer who designs wedding gowns that best represents the one who will wear it.” After all, a Michael Leyva bride is elegant and radiant. But more than that, she is someone who values the true essence of joie de vivre, always looking for the silver lining.
This Designer Profile on Michael Leyva’s 2021 Bridal Collection is also found in MEGA’s November issue now available in Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
