A colorful inspiration

DESIGNER WATCH: Michael Cinco

What is the world without color? In fashion, color is an inspiration and the rainbow shows just that. Take for example the case of Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco.

In an online interview, fast-rising designer Cinco shared about his inspiration, dressing up Naomi Campbell, Dita Von Teese among other famous women.

Gazing at rainbows

Growing up in Catbalogan, Samar, Cinco said that he spent most of his time gazing at the rainbow because he was fascinated with its beauty.

“I grew up anticipating the mid-afternoon drizzle that always brought a spectrum of light in the sky. The multi-colored arc, to this day, so vivid in memory, had always inspired me. Colors, set against a vast expanse of misty, luxuriant greens of rural life, illuminated my formative years,” Cinco said.

As to how he got into fashion, Cinco shared: “Fashion designing is naturally the culmination of that child-like wonderment. I was a state scholar in one of the most reputed schools in Manila. I studied fashion design and I was trained by the best fashion designers who were truly supportive of my artistic endeavors. They nurtured me and honed me to spread my wings and soar. I eventually went to London to study special courses in Central St. Martin’s.”

Leap to the Middle East

While many fashion designers chose to stay in the Philippines, Cinco made the huge decision to move to Dubai. Why the Middle East?

“I took the plunge because this region is reckoned to be the haven of haute couture. The stint in the oil-rich country opened my eyes to the almost sinful decadence of the Middle East. The ostentatious display of wealth is even more pronounced in the way the women dress up. I basked in the richness of the region, the heady scent of Arabic perfume, mixed in saffron and cardamon; the luxuriant, featherlike feel of French lace exclusively handcrafted in Calais for royal clients, the almost surreal glare of Harry Winston’s diamonds and precious stones, commissioned to clincher perhaps, a wedding dress with an heirloom tiara outbidded from Sothebys — all these provide a picture-perfect setting for my fashion designing pursuits,” Cinco said.

Asked to describe the Middle Eastern woman, Cinco said: “There is a gulf (no pun intended) of a difference between a modern Middle Eastern woman and her Filipina counterpart in terms of dressing up, although they share a common inclination to looking beautiful and attractive. The Arabic culture requires that she be covered and veiled in public and so she finds it justifiably so that she dresses up with a vengeance in their private parties and home visits. She generally has the means to splurge on a commissioned dress, so she demands the perfect cut in the right expensive fabric, with the appropriate crystals and embellishments, with the most expensive jewelry and heavy maquillage to complete the ensemble. Meanwhile, the Filipina woman is more relaxed in dressing and perhaps justifiably so.”

His creations have been featured in various local magazines in the Philippines and for the past seasons participated in Philippine Fashion Week. Cinco is flattered with all the attention. “I have been lucky enough to have media followers in the fashion industry, mostly unsolicited. I feel elated and truly fulfilled seeing my creations published alongside international fashion stalwarts. And then again, it’s always a pleasure to pay homage to Manila and showcase Michael Cinco in Philippine Fashion Week. It made me so proud and honored to see Filipino audience giving me standing ovation. I’m simply humbled by the experience, always looking forward to the next one.”

His designs also gained recognition when supermodel Naomi Campbell wore some of his clothes for a Dubai shoot for Vogue as well as Dita Von Teese for L’Officiel. He looks up to designers Valentino and John Galliano for their creations.

As for dream clients? “I love to see Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie wearing my creations on the red carpet and it has always been my dream to see my muse supermodel Shalom Harlow in a monumental couture by Michael Cinco.”

Never stop dreaming

Asked on his thought about Filipino designers on the international scene, Cinco related: “The world is my stage and I know, with hard work and dedication to my craft, the international fashion scenario is not complete without Michael Cinco.”

His exposure in the red carpet is an honor for Cinco but he said it’s only a bonus. “I derived more pleasure seeing the joy in the eyes of a regular princess — client who paid a fortune, wearing a wedding dress by Michael Cinco while her ladies-in-waiting were garbed in Elie Saabs and Valentinos.”

When asked for advise to budding designers, Cinco has this to say: “The world of fashion is fabulous and glamorous yet very cruel. One day you’re ‘in.’ The next day you’re ‘out.’ You have to go with the flow to survive, never give up if you fail today and always believe to dream an impalpable dream.”

He came, saw and conquered Dubai. Michael Cinco may be a top designer now but he will always look up to the rainbow for its colorful inspiration.