Michael Cinco’s Spanish-vibe ballgown
Michael Cinco’s chiffon in citrus yellow
Michael Cinco’s Spanish senorita in sumptuous satin, silk Mikado, taffeta
Michael Cinco has proved once again why, arguably, he’s the Filipino designer with the biggest global career. His show, The Impalpable Dream of España, was an awesome display of design prowess, fashion logistics and infrastructure available in fashion capitals, and state-of-the-art production technology.
Cinco, who has built a formidable career in Dubai, showed pieces inspired by his love of Spain and the Spanish culture. There were his signature ballgowns of drop-dead flourish, the imperial use of floor-length veil and other accessories evoking the flirty Spanish senoritas, the sun-bright colors, the opulent fabrics.
This flamboyant part of the collection gave way to the opposite aesthetic—the monastic ensembles parading on the runway to Gregorian chants. Black and grey, somber, ascetic vibe, masculine tailoring—in fabrics certainly not handily available. They were liquid satin—“I ordered it from Milan. It was first used by Armani,” Cinco messaged us shortly after his show.
The resplendent long ensembles in fiery orange, red, yellow and magenta were made of satin, silk Mikado, taffeta and chiffon.
Rich visual of Michael Cinco collection
This parade of luxury happened against a backdrop of rich LED imagery. The ultimate showstopper was the bridal finale, a ballgown of elegant, resplendent lace and veil train unfolding like a fantasy dream, to soprano Lara Maigue’s Imagine by John Lennon.
Cinco’s 2023 collection in Manila proved what Filipino design talent could do given immense resources. Cinco has a bustling atelier in the Middle East, with a full complement of sewers, cutters, embroiderers and other couture manpower, with must be unlimited access to fabrics and material. Just as important, Cinco, early on, knew how to define his design aesthetic—the opulent, jaw-dropping silhouette fit for royalty—and developed it into a global brand.
Cinco proved himself to be a Filipino with both ambition and vision.
His 2023 collection was the highlight of the Philippine Legacy Gala 2023 held Nov. 27, 2023 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, where he was given the Legacy Award of Excellence in Global Fashion.
He was joined by other Filipino celebrity achievers: Sharon Cuneta (Legacy Award of Excellence in Music), Coco Martin (Legacy Award of Excellence in Television Entertainment), Ruffa Gutierrez (Legacy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Industry), ex-Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile (Legacy Award with the Highest Distinction), Sen. Bong Go (Legacy Award of Excellence in Public Service), Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz (Legacy Award of Excellence in City Good Governance), Mayor Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan (Legacy Award of Excellence in City Legislation and Governance), Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut (Legacy Award of Excellence in Cultural Heritage Protection), Shirley Halili-Cruz (Legacy Award of Excellence in Dance), Ann Ong (Legacy Award of Excellence in Handcrafted Jewelry), Myrna Tang-Yao (Legacy Award of Excellence in Women Empowerment), Margarita “Tingting” Delos Reyes Cojuangco (Legacy Award of Excellence in Philanthropic Missions), and June Cheryl “Chaye” Cabal-Revilla (Legacy Award of Excellence in Corporate Finance Management).
A beneficiary of the Philippine Legacy Gala 2023 was The Philippine Missionari Della Fondazione di Carita, Inc. and the Gusi Peace Prize Foundation.
