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This is an excerpt from MEGA April 2026’s Fashion POV
From Manila to the World, Martina Lebron’s art and expression is a love letter—to heritage, to body confidence, to bold self-expression, and to the simple but radical act of staying true to who you are.
Raised in Manila, Martina later studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman before moving to London, lived between her families in Spain and Paris, and as a half-Spanish herself, she has never felt like a foreigner anywhere she goes. Despite changing cities and shifting languages, she maintains a strong sense of self— unmistakably Filipino in heart and spirit. One might say that living abroad didn’t dilute her identi- ty; it distilled it. It made her more aware of colors, textures, and narratives she grew up with—landscapes, weaving patterns, from the opulent celebrations to the quiet moments of everyday details that define Filipino life.
“Culture shouldn’t just live in memory—it should live in everyday life,” she says.
And for Martina, everyday life can be worn.
Scarves, a Canvas of Freedom
In a fashion world dominated by silhouettes and structure, Martina chose something fluid. When asked why scarves became her primary medium of expression, she explains, “It’s versatile, complements everyone, and allows you to have freedom on how to dress it up or play it down.”
Scarves do not demand a certain body type, nor does it impose a structure. Instead, it moves with its bea- rer. It adjusts. It transforms.
In the Philippine heat—humid, tropical, unapologetic—structure rarely makes sense. Martina reimagines her silk scarves as a halter top, bandeau, skirt overlay, or even a bag charm. It becomes a breathable armor, a second skin that celebrates rather than conceals.
In a season that often makes women hyper-aware of their bodies, her pieces whisper something different—You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to shine.
Heritage, Elevated in Silk
Martina’s decision to use silk was intentional—and quietly revolutionary.
Silk, with its luminosity and strength, aligns her brand with international luxury houses like Her- mès, Gucci, and Prada. But her goal isn’t imitation. It’s elevation.
“Making Filipino identity a little bit luxurious,” she says.
By placing Filipino narratives on silk—a fabric synonymous with prestige—she positions Filipi- no identity within the global luxury conversation.
“It feels special without trying too hard,” she says of the material. “There’s something about silk that feels both delicate and strong at the same time.”
Much like a Filipina.
Photographed by LORENZO CORRO. Art Direction TROY NONATO. Fashion Assistant KRISSIE TERUEL. Production THESSMAR LECTURA. Hair and Makeup. KURT ANDREI ROSALES. Hair and Makeup Assistant KURT ESCAROS. Photography Assistant HEINRICH TORRES. Special thanks to QUI PAN ASIAN BRASSERIE
