DUBAI: Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco, who will present his new collection at Arab Fashion Week here on Thursday, has returned refreshed from New York where he unveiled his first-ever ready-to-wear line.
“I think it was time for me to do a collection that was more affordable for the fashion market. And what better place to do it than New York,” said the Filipino designer in an interview with Arab News.
But for Arab Fashion Week, Cinco is bringing something entirely different.
“This time, we’re going to be presenting a couture collection in Dubai since we just did ready-to-wear in New York,” said Cinco. “The collection is inspired by the ancient history of Egypt. It’s inspired by the beautiful culture, the pyramids, and the history of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.”
Michael Cinco loves dressing celebrities. (Supplied)
It is no secret that Cinco loves dressing celebrities. The couturier has designed creations for international celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Beyonce Knowles and Rihanna. But it is Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who ranks high on his list of favorite celebrities to dress. The designer made waves when the popular Indian star stepped out at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 in his powder-blue princess-style gown.
“When you dress celebrities, it helps you grow your brand and get more clients. Aishwarya’s dress made such a huge impact that I suddenly was getting a lot of clients from India and Europe. Before that dress, I had no clients from India,” said Cinco.
When asked who’s on his dream list when it comes to celebrity clients, Cinco said: “My muse and my biggest inspiration ever since I was young was Audrey Hepburn. But, of course, she’s not with us anymore. So, at the moment, I would love to dress Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie.”
Cinco had some advice for up-and-coming designers in the region. “I think for young designers of today, they have to realize that fashion is not all about glamour, it takes a lot of hard work. People think that it’s a glamorous world but, in reality, fashion is cruel. You will be rejected, you will be judged and you will be criticized. So you just have to be passionate. And you also have to have business acumen. You have to think about how you’re going to make money. So create a collection or designs that will sell. That’s the biggest thing.”