In celebration of its 28th year, the country’s authority in style Metro Magazine presents this year’s Metrowear featuring young Filipino designers Patty Ang, Mark Bumgarner, and Michael Leyva in the highly anticipated show dubbed “Fashion and Artistry” happening on October 25 (Wednesday) at the City of Dreams Manila.
For the first time ever, Metrowear will be livestreamed as it highlights the exquisite works of the country’s hottest designers to showcase the future of Philippine fashion in the global scene.
In the last few years, Patty, Mark, and Michael are slowly making their mark in the industry, not just with their designs but also through their inspiring beginnings that have led them to their current triumphs.
Patty describes herself as ‘a woman who designs for women,’ and her clothes are not merely showcase pieces, but rather real clothing that are both functional and comfortable, making a woman feel powerful and confident at the same time.
She said, “when it comes to designing clothes for women, you can make anything that pops out of your head and still call it fashion. That’s the easy part. The true challenge lies in how you can make a piece that will have a direct impact on how a woman feels.”
She designed Andi Eigenmann’s stunning white pantsuit at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival giving the actress a spot in Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed List.
Patty initially took up Behavioral Science in college, although she already knew that she wanted to be a designer since her teenage years. She studied fashion immediately after graduation and strived hard to establish her atelier from scratch.
Her pieces are sleek, stylish and straightforward, boasting of crisp lines, modern silhouettes, and impeccable tailoring. Focusing on neutral pallets, each ensemble pops out with freshness. “I always try to make my designs as simple as possible, but not lacking in sophistication. I choose to maintain a minimalist and classic look to complement the effortless style of an eternally graceful woman,” she shared.
Meanwhile, former race car driver Mark has found his rightful place in fashion. Driven women find that Mark’s designs are a masterful blend of softness and structure that celebrates femininity.
At 13 years old, he made headlines as the youngest driver to compete in the Ford Lynx Cup Novice Class Tour, and was set on taking on the international circuit in Formula race car driving. His travels exposed him a great deal in fashion on the international stage.
Mark has since taken a detour, and now, he is the go-to designer of many of today’s local fashion icons such as Heart Evangelista and Maggie Wilson-Consunji, the very type of women he is inspired by — bold, determined and unabashed about their beauty and sensuality. “A Bumgarner woman is someone who knows what she wants and does not follow trends. She is her own style icon,” he said.
He counts no less than the heiress of luxury crystal brand Swarovski as one of his clients. On her Instagram, singer and “Germany’s Got Talent” judge Victoria Swarovski was seen wearing a gown from Bumgarner’s Fall-Winter 2017 collection, and another from his Resort 2018 collection.
His designs were seen at the recent Star Magic Ball, worn by “Belle of the Ball” Julia Barretto, Janella Salvador, Maymay Entrata, Sarah Lahbati, Heart Evangelista, Megan Young, Tootsy Angara, and Jodi Sta. Maria.
For Metro’s latest show, Mark features an all-new collection, taking on the extraordinary challenge of sticking to an all-white palette. It will feature voluminous, structured pieces that embody timeless glamour.
He emphasized, “it’s all about clean lines and classic feminine silhouettes,” adding that the focus will be on the craftsmanship, which is the basis of all great design.
Another Metrowear featured designer is former flight attendant Michael who found his calling after his brother, designer Brian Leyva, passed away in 2010.
Known for his meticulous eye for detail, romantic silhouettes, and exquisite use of tulle, lace, and embroidery, Michael knows how to make women look and faeel divine.
“Designing a wedding gown is extremely challenging, because this is no ordinary occasion. It shouldn’t just look timeless and elegant, it has to make the bride feel beautiful, too. And this is where my strength, I believe, as a designer lies,” he beamed.
While he is greatly respected in the local fashion industry, Michael also looks up to other designers such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and fellow Filipino designer Michael Cinco. Like them, he wishes to transport women to another world with gowns that capture their imagination.
Beyond the wedding circuit, Michael has dressed some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Kris Aquino and Anne Curtis. But there is one woman he hopes to dress up one day: Michelle Obama. “She’s the epitome of class and elegance,” he said.
The three fashion artists Patty, Mark, and Michael will unveil their exclusive collection at Metrowear 2017.