Renowned fashion force Michael Leyva together with world-class designers Bianca Cordero, Rian Fernandez, Hannah Kong, Ehrran Montoya, Banggo Niu, Joe San Antonio, and Ryan Uson dazzled Conrad Manila with their finest collections on the catwalk of "Inspired Beginnings," the property's annual and bespoke bridal fair.
Leyva opened the two-day fashion showcase with his Couture 2025 collection — a celebration of vibrant colors and luxurious fabrics. The collection offered a fresh perspective on modern couture.
Couture 2025 draws inspiration from the delicate beauty of pastels, a sharp contrast against the all-white elegance of Leyva's last bridal collection. He combined this palette with bold and luxurious fabrics resulting to pieces that carry Leyva's signature style of opulence and sophistication.
Adding flair to the show were Leyva's muses — Miss Charm Philippines 2025 Cyrille Payumo, Miss Supranational Philippines 2025 Tarah Valencia, Miss Eco International Philippines 2025 Alexie Brooks and Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo.
The closing show, meanwhile, featured seven designers — Cordero, Fernandez, Kong, Montoya, Niu, San Antonio, and Uson — and their exquisitely designed works that artfully portrayed the enduring beauty of transitioning seasons.
Cordero showed the power of classic silhouettes in gowns and suits while Kong took pride in her ethereal pieces inspired by French Impressionists Claude Monet and Edgar Degas.
‘The Dance of Lilies’ by Hannah Kong and her main muse, Miss International 2023 3rd runner-up Nicole Borromeo Bianca Cordero’s elegant brides Michael Leyva’s bridal muses (from left) Miss Charm Philippines 2025 Cyrille Payumo, Miss Supranational Philippines 2025 Tarah Valencia, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo and Miss Eco International Philippines 2025 Alexie Brooks CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Rian Fernandez marks his return to bridal design. Ryan Uson’s Royal Opulence 2025 Bridal Collection is a testament to regal sophistication. Joe San Antonio unveils her ‘Nouvelle Vie’ bridal collection with Bianca Umali at the center. Ehrran Montoya and muses Shaina Magdayao, R’Bonney Nola, Megan Young and Arci Muñoz Leyva’s Couture 2025 collection is a celebration of pastel shades and offers a fresh perspective on modern couture. Banggo Niu and ‘Grace,’ a new bridal collection that is timeless yet contemporary.
Fernandez's collection, meanwhile, marked his return to bridal design. He used elements of Arabian and Lebanese weddings to create intricate pieces.
Montoya showed craftsmanship through and through in his elaborate collection. His finale pieces consisted of a corseted voluminous gown with a slit, adorned with signature fabric manipulations in beige Pekin Jusi worn by Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Nola; a corseted serpentine gown with slit, adorned with 3D layers of petal fabric manipulations embellished with embroidery and rhinestones on Miss World 2013 Megan Young; and a mullet ballgown with layers upon layers of tulle attached with ostrich feathers and goose tail elegantly modeled by award-winning actress Shaina Magdayao.
Niu brought his signature style with "Grace," his new bridal collection that is modern and romantic, timeless yet contemporary.
Then there's San Antonio with her aptly called "Nouvelle Vie" ("New Life") Bridal Collection 2025. The designer, who presented a romantically frothy line of full skirts, incidentally just gave birth a few months ago.
Finally, Uson presented Royal Opulence 2025 Bridal Collection which he called "a celebration of couture and a testament to regal sophistication."
Conrad Manila's Inspired Beginnings was in collaboration with Getting Married Wedding Coordinators and Events Planner by Kutchie Zaldarriaga.