One of a Kind
From a young age, when we develop an acute love for fashion, it is mostly inculcated by our mothers, who sewed and matched our outfits day to day, and inadvertently introduced us to collections of fashion magazines and people’s love for individual style. Much like this devotion for fashion, these homespun brands not only encapsulate unique artisanship but also share a deep connection with their consumers. These pieces not only tell their own stories but also seamlessly fit into the consumers’ own narratives, like a missing puzzle piece. Designer in approach but still completely one-of-a-kind treasures, these creations withstand the test of time and, because of their accessibility, forge a reality for everyone who once only dreamed of wearing what they saw in fashion magazines. That is what fashion does: its ability to elicit connection and communicate a culture, a feeling, or a thought without the use of words, and purely through form.
Weaving Connections
Self-taught and creative through and through, Adante Leyesa not only offers distinctively innovative handcrafted bejeweled accessories and bags, but also advocates for social entrepreneurship and partnerships with local artisans. He creates bold and outstanding pieces, revolutionizing the traditional beading, embroidery and tapestry to form his art and story.
Intricate, unique, and stand-out are only some of the words we can use to describe his work. The designer’s creation is divided between one-ofa-kind personally inspired pieces and work that is custom-created through his frequent collaboration with clients. His pieces are formed using a variety of materials and elements: local weaves, wood, semi-precious stones, tiny beads, and metal chains; multistep processes forming thoughts and feelings; discovery and craft; and story and art. Women with flair for haute couture and those who dare to make bold statements will adore his exquisite designs and superb craftsmanship.
He promotes and revolutionizes the use of local materials such as weaves, bamboo shells, and beads, while utilizing local skills and re-living the dying traditional techniques of beading, embroidery, weaving, and tapestry. To date, his creations are available in selected high-end boutiques in Manila, Amanpulo resort in Palawan, Tokyo, Geneva, and in various online fashion platforms. Statement-making, luxurious, artisanal and Filipino-made, Adante Leyesa pieces truly encapsulate the modern Filipino designer dream of going global.