Michael Cinco is taking things to the next level.
The Dubai-based Filipino couturier, known for his stint on hit TV show America’s Next Top Model and dressing up Hollywood celebrities and royals in the Middle East, has launched his first men’s couture line and a new fragrance.
Both revealed at two separate events in the designer’s home country earlier this month, the new collection, called Impalpable Dream of Arabia, and fragrance, also called Impalpable, will hit UAE shop shelves after Ramadan.
The Directory spoke exclusively with Cinco about his new line, his inspiration behind his scent and all the other fabulous places he wants to take his eponymous label.
Q: Congratulations on your first fully-fledged men’s collection. How does it feel?
A: Thank you. I felt agitated at first because people know that I’m a haute couture designer for women and some people have doubts about my capacity in designing menswear. It’s my first time to showcase my menswear collection and I’m so happy that everyone loved the collection and got so many orders right after the show.
Q: You showcased a teaser at the Philippine Fashion Week last year. Why did you choose the Philippines to launch it?
A: Firstly, I’m a loyal supporter of the Philippine Fashion Week. It’s my first attempt in designing menswear so I have to showcase it first to see the response from my country. Secondly, they have a fashion week dedicated only for men, the Ayala Mensweek.
Q: Is it still all about gods and goddesses or have you taken a different theme with your first collection?
A: No. The collection is akin to Wilfred Thesiger’s journey into the Empty Quarter of Arabia. He has affectionately captured the turbulences of the region and therefore the nuances of the bedouins.
Q: There’s also a lot of Indian influences as well.
A: Yes, some parts of the collections were inspired by the maharajas of India. I envision those fashionable royalties visiting the Arab countries garbed in fashionable couture jackets.
Q: So all the years you’ve spent in the UAE has obviously influenced you?
A: The moment I arrived in the Middle East, I was amazed and enchanted by the mysterious culture and tradition of the region.
Q: But the collection is almost entirely in black. Why?
A: I wanted it to look traditional but very modern and up-to-date. I also wanted to inject the gothic look on it.
Q: And you also designed all the accessories?
A: The accessories were inspired by the traditional burqa used by conservative women in UAE. I also applied henna paints on some of the models body like face, arms and legs.
Q: How long did it take you to create the entire collection?
A: One month.
Q: Why menswear?
A: I wanted to try a different line which I believe will open another market for my brand next year.
Q: Which is more fun, designing couture for men or women?
A: Designing couture for men is more fun because it’s a new field for me and I love the challenges in facing how to please and satisfy men in terms of my designs.
Q: And now a fragrance too? How did that happen?
A: It happened when I was invited to a dinner by the owner of Bench, a top apparel brand in the Philippines. We discussed about possible projects and a collaboration and decided to tie up for a designer fragrance deal.
Q: What was the inspiration behind the scent?
A: The inspiration came from my favourite word, impalpable. I was inspired to create a fragrance that will reflect my personality and taste. l wanted something very light, and intangible. I wanted the scent to be citrus and fruity. And I wanted both men and women to share the same perfume.
Q: Tell us a little about the campaign and your muse.
A: I was featured in America’s Next Top Model for two cycles. The moment the perfume deal was finalised, there was only one model in my mind to be the muse of my scent. I always loved Allison Harvard among the contestants from ANTM and I loved working with her. The campaign was shot by international photographer Lope Navo, whom I personally chose for the ad.
Q: What other projects are you working on?
A: I’m currently busy supplying wedding dresses for high-end bridal boutiques in Russia. I also got many orders from US and Australia. So I’m planning to make luxe pret-a-porter this year. So many projects and collaborations this year but everything is still under negotiation.
Q: Any future plans to open your atelier elsewhere?
A: No. But I’m planning to open some branches in Manila, Russia and in the US in the near future.
