Tales told in shoes and tapestries

Steve De Leon and Joel Wijangco bring fashion and fine art together at Yuchengco Museum's 'Art2Wear'

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Fashion has always been a medium of art. Much like painting, dance, theater, and the like, it requires inspiration, mastery of technique, and passion. Designers craft pieces that make each wearer feel like a work of art. In some cases, they go all out, creating pieces that deserve a place and a spotlight in a museum.

That's what Yuchengco Museum's latest exhibit is all about—fashion that borders on visual art. Dubbed "Art2Wear," the exhibit features the works of Filipino creatives Steve De Leon and Joel Wijangco, as they highlight the country's vibrant

Surrealist spin on shoes

Joel had long aspired to become a designer, but most of his works were created for self-expression rather than retail. It wasn't until he joined a national footwear design competition led by the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. that he began taking the craft more seriously. Though luck wasn't on his side then, his shoe designs continued to be noticed, not just in the Philippines but also overseas.