Fashion in the Philippines has been lackluster for many years. Perhaps the economic diaspora of many aspiring Filipino stylists and designers that began in the late seventies opened the artistic and creative minds of many fashion designers, whose work in the Middle East Kingdoms became a career after being sent to apprenticeships and hands on workshops that encompass what the world knows as couture.
Among the many expatriates in the field of fashion, the name Michael Cinco, a Dubai-based Filipino is best known for his fabulous couture gowns. His gowns are worn by: Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Carrie Un-derwood, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ellie Goulding, Nicole Scherzinger, Fergie Ferguson, Dita Von Teese, Brandy, Ashanti, Chris Brown, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell. Jennifer Lopez wore a crystallized Mi-chael Cinco couture when she hosted American Music Awards in 2015. Sofia Vergara wore a stunning Michael Cinco gown at the Golden Globes 2013, and was voted Best Dressed by many TV shows and magazines in the US. British pop star Paloma Faith wore his couture dress at the MET Gala in New York. Michael also designed several costumes for Mila Kunis for the sci-fi block-buster movie , Jupiter Ascending.
The Dubai-based designer received a standing ovation as he sent 30 of his latest couture pieces and, notably, his first prêt-à-¬porter range, down the ramp at L’Orangerie Ephémère in Le Jardin des ¬Tuileries. TheParis show was present-ed July la2016 and was sponsored by the Asian Couture Federation upon the invitation from Chambre Syndicale.
“The whole experience is a dream come true,” says Cinco. “I cried a little before and after the show – the entire process has been such an emotional journey for me. I’m so very thankful for such a humbling opportunity.”
How did this gentleman of world class fashion become the Star attraction the fashion capitals of the world?
In 2002, Michael went to Paris and London to seek out more fashion inspirations and observe on how Parisien ateliers work as a business model. The new landscape brought him renewed vigor for the art and appreciation of fashion. Without a doubt, London’s mix of old tradition and contemporary edginess gave the much needed excuse for Cinco to enroll at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design. In 2004, Cinco returned to Dubai and established his own label MICHAEL CINCO Dubai.
Michael Cinco’s accomplishments in his profession, would probably explain his meteoric rise and the monicker, the New High Priest of Fashion from the Philippines.
In November 2011, he won the BREAKTHROUGH DESIGNER Award from the WGSN Global Fashion Awards held in Gotham Hall, New York, against top contenders. Michael won Best Designer award in Grazia’s Style Awards 2016. Michael was also the recipient of the People’s Choice Award at Dubai Fashion Week 2010. Cinco was annually chosen as one of the top movers in Dubai in the Ahlan Hot 100 for the years: 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016.
In 2014 Michael was conferred the PRESIDENTIAL AWARD for Outstanding Filipinos Overseas by President Benigno Aquino Jr. For his exemplification of his artistic talent in the fashion industry which placed the Philippines in the world map of fashion.
The Asian Couture Federation has bestowed on Cinco the enviable elite membership of the best designers in Asia headed by world famous, Kenzo Tanaka and the ACF President, Dr. Frank Cintamani.
Americans came to know about Michael Cinco, when he was tapped to appear numerous times in the US hit reality show, AMERICA’s NEXT TOP MODEL Cycle 16 and All-Star Cycle 17 finale hosted by Tyra Banks.
ASIA’s NEXT TOP MODEL in 2013 and CHINA’s NEXT TOP MODEL in 2015 which was highly endorsed by Tyra Banks followed suit, inviting Cinco to be a guest fashion designer and judge.
Indefatigable in assuring horizontal and vertical presence in the beauty business, Michael Cinco launched his first, ever perfume in 2012, aptly called: IMPALPABLE!
Up Close, the unassuming Cinco, credits his innate love of fashion as a young man in the beautiful island of Samar in the Philippines. He loved to study the gowns and accessories worn by Hollywood royalties. Much like Valentino, the Italian legend of fashion.
Born on August 27, 1971, Michael Cinco has captured the very limited moneyed ladies of haute couture. His wedding gowns, exquisite, one of a kind, fi t for royalty, has been making the round of moneyed society women of Russia, Asia, the United States and of course The Philippines. Cinco intimated he did the wedding gowns of the daughter of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the daughter of the President of Kazakhstan, and a close relative of the current president of Russia.
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