26 years of detailed creations: Michael Cinco redefines fashion with his iconic, bold designs

From humble beginnings to dressing the world's elite, Michael Cinco, a Dubai-based Filipino fashion  designer, transformed his artistry into a global phenomenon.

Among the most celebrated Filipino designers, Cinco stands out for his meticulously crafted,  original, and grand couture creations.

During his one-on-one interview with Jessica Soho on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," he reflected on his 26-year journey as a designer in Dubai.

From his early days of making a name for himself to now creating sought-after pieces for global icons, his transformation is remarkable. 

"Dubai's love for rich culture and opulence has greatly influenced my design aesthetic," Cinco said. "There is a lot of detail, a lot of bling. A dress should be very shiny, and that's what resonates with  my clients." 

His pieces, known for their intricate details and lavish use of Swarovski crystals, have gone viral, especially when worn by high-profile clients. One such example is the gown he designed for the daughter of the Swarovski owner.

Cinco explained the painstaking effort that goes into each creation. 

"It takes thousands of hours to finish just the embroideries, sometimes taking two to three months to  complete," he said. 

When asked how much his creations cost, Michael said, "Ang minimum price ko sa wedding dress is P2 million." 

["The wedding dress is at least P2 million."]

Amid his celebrated creations and iconic sunglasses, however, Michael hid behind those shades, concealing a shyness few would ever suspect.

"Dito kasi sa Dubai dati ang mga client they were so intimidated. 'Pag nakita ka nilang ang laki-laki ng salamin mo. So hindi sila makatawad. Kasi pagdating mo pa lang, 'Walang tawad-tawad dito, Madam,'" the fashion icon jokingly said.

["Here in Dubai, clients used to be easily intimidated. When they see you with your big sunglasses, they wouldn't even try to haggle. As soon as you arrived, it was like, 'No haggling here, Madam.'"] 

He added that 14 years ago, a severe vertigo attack prompted his doctor to advise avoiding bright lights. Since then, he began wearing glasses, which helped him relax and relieved his vertigo. 

Cinco's exquisite and grand designs made him a household name, but what truly cements his iconic  status in the fashion world? 

Breakthrough in Dubai 

The 53-year-old designer was an assistant designer at a prominent fashion house when he arrived in Dubai. 

Cinco faced his first major test when tasked with designing for one of the royal families. 

"I was so nervous to meet face to face. Luckily, they liked it and it was a very successful design. So they kept on coming back after that," Cinco recalled. 

In 1993, Michael flew to Saudi Arabia. He finally had his break when he moved to Dubai in 1997. 

Cinco's early success in Dubai, marked by his intricate and grand designs, swiftly elevated him to a leading designer sought after by high-profile clients. 

"When I was a kid, I was very ambitious and dreamed big. I imagined my designs as if they were in  the French Riviera," he said. 

Cinco evolved from a dreamer to an international icon. 

Among Michael's A-lister clients are Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. 

"I was so surprised because when I met her, I didn't know that she knew me," he said. 

"Because of the stylists. They're showing my work to J.Lo, and when I met her, she said, 'I'm a big  fan also of your work.' I was honored." 

Cinco's support for Filipino designers

Cinco recently sparked controversy in Manila after criticizing celebrities and influencers who flaunt high-end foreign brands while requesting free gowns from Filipino designers. 

"May nakita akong isang famous influencer at famous celebrity na panay ang ano nila ng mga nabili nilang damit. So sabi ko, 'Bakit itong mga celebrities at saka famous influencers panay pasikat nila na they're wearing Hermes bag and they're wearing Valentino or Dior. Pero bakit sa mga Philippine designers parang ayaw nila magbayad?" Cinco said. 

["I saw a famous influencer and celebrity constantly showcasing the clothes they bought. I noticed celebrities and influencers proudly showcasing their Hermes bags and Valentino dresses, yet they often expect local designers to work for free."] 

He clarified that his frustration wasn't with free gowns per se.

The designer emphasized that while free design work is acceptable if requested by Filipino designers themselves, it's crucial to value the craftsmanship and time invested by local talent. 

"It's okay if it's the Filipino designer offering free dresses, but you must value their craftsmanship and time," Cinco said. 

Humble beginnings 

Michael hails from Catbalogan, Samar. He is the fifth of eight siblings. 

"Nu'ng mga bata kami, wala kaming electric fan. Ang meron lang kami, ilaw. Lagi lang po kaming naglalakad 'pag pumapasok sa eskuwela. Wala kaming sariling bahay. 'Pag hindi nakabayad ng upa,  lipat-lipat uli," Michael's sister, Myla, said. 

["When we were kids, we didn't have an electric fan; we only had a lamp. We always walked to  school and didn't have our own house. If we couldn't pay rent, we'd have to move again."] 

Myla was also Michael's first client. 

"Noong mga bata po kami, 'pag naglalaro ng mga Miss Universe-Miss Universe, siya po 'yung nagdadamit sa akin. Mga kumot lang po 'yun. Tuwing walang pasok, nandun sila, 'yung mga kaibigan  niya, naggagawa po sila ng mga paper dolls," she said. 

["When we were little, we'd play pretend that we were in Miss Universe. He'd dress me up with blankets. Whenever there was no school, he and his friends would make paper dolls."] 

Michael's best friend, Jonathan, said he's always been focused on his goals. 

"Every time na may mga sinasalihan kaming contest, siya ang gumagawa ng mga costume namin. At  an early age, very focused na siya sa goal niya," he said. 

["Whenever we joined contests, he made our costumes. Even as a child, he was very goal-oriented."] 

Despite his mother Restituta's support for his dreams, Michael faced challenges with his late father, Benito. 

"Of course, when you're in the LGBTQ+ community, you always have problems with your parents when you're growing up," he said. 

Cinco, due to his efforts, has transformed his family's life in Samar. He upgraded his family's former cramped home to a grand mansion. 

While Michael continues to expand his business in Dubai, he remains connected to his roots. When he returned to Catbalogan, Samar, the fashion icon participated as Hermano in their annual  festival. 

"Naglakad ako bilang Hermano at ipinakita ang ilan sa aking mga obra maestra," he said. 

["I walked as Hermano and showcased some of my masterpieces."]

The Dubai-based designer also reminisced about his first TV exposure in a 2010 interview with Jessica Soho, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.

"Oh my God! My first TV interview. And I'm so proud and I'm very grateful na ikaw 'yun," Cinco said. His exposure on media highlighted his designs on America's Next Top Model more than a decade ago.

"It all started when I received an email from one of the producers," he added, marking the moment  as a turning point in his career.  —JCB, GMA Integrated News