The Dubai-based Filipino couturier unveiled his latest collection inspired by the works of Monet
When it comes to depicting springtime on canvas, French artist Claude Monet is among the many masters that come to mind. His images of May gardens, moody sunsets, and women in floral fields are the very definition of the season—full of beauty, colors, and life. That is why many fashion designers continue to take his works as inspirations for their designs. The latest to do that is Michael Cinco with his recent showcase during New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Last Sep. 9, the Dubai-based Filipino couturier presented at the Angel Orensanz Foundation his pret-a-porter spring-summer 2023 collection—an homage to the artistry of Monet. Dubbed the “Impalpable Dream of Monet,” the 37-piece collection was inspired by the colors and hues of the artist’s Impressionist paintings that are mostly focused on textures, play on light, and delicate brushstrokes.
“It's all about ultra-feminine women who are strong and independent but still elegant and ethereal,” Michael told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.
Bringing the collection to life was a challenge for the Samar-born fashion designer. According to Michael, he got the invite to show at NYFW in the first week of August from the producer of Art Hearts Fashion and one of his friends, Los Angeles-based designer Alexis Monsanto, while he was on a holiday in Switzerland. With only three to four weeks to prepare, Michael and his team pull out all the stops in completing the collection in time.
“Luckily, I have already created samples for my pret-a-porter collection so I just need to add some Michael Cinco signature beaded evening gowns and ballgowns for the show,” the designer said. “I worked better under pressure and I was very lucky to finish and showcased 37 pieces for the show in three weeks with the help of my super talented and skilled team and artisans.”
Using soft fabrics like chiffon, lace, organza, and tulle, Michael was able to echo some of Monet’s distinct paintings in his designs. Garbs in green and blue watercolor prints presented his wearable version of the artist’s “The Water Lily Ponds.” His pieces in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows were like moving versions of the “Poppies” and “The Artist's Garden at Giverny.” Drama is always a key factor in his works, and he served it through a series of black ball gowns with his signature embellishments.
“My goal with this collection is to make the Michael Cinco couture brand become more affordable and ready to purchase online for the international mass market,” Michael mused. “This is my first time to showcase my own Michael Cinco ready-to-wear brand in New York. I already launched my pret-a-porter collection before in 2016 at Paris Fashion Week but that was under the Couturissimo Company.”
Another highlight of his trip to the Big Apple was his appearance at The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards, where he was honored with its newly launched international category, TOFA Global Award. For 12 years now, TOFA recognizes Filipino-American achievers who made an impact in the US and other places abroad.
“It was a great honor for me to be the first-ever recipient of the TOFA Global Award,” Michael says. “It is important to show to the people around the world that we have the best professionals, most creative and talented individuals who are at par with other nationalities. May the award that I received be a beacon of hope to overseas Filipinos anywhere in the world who are very passionate about their work. We have to support and uplift Filipinos who struggled and sacrificed many things, leaving their families behind to give them a better life. These Filipinos need to be recognized and be given an accolade also.”
Check out Michael Cinco’s “Impalpable Dream of Monet” spring-summer 2023 collection below:
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