Free clothes? Michael Cinco calls out celebrities and influencers
The renowned Filipino designer expressed his sentiments on social media
World-renowned Dubai-based Filipino designer is done with celebrities and influencers asking for free clothes.
In a series of new Instagram stories last February 22, 2024, the designer clarified that he doesn’t have a problem dressing fashion influencers and celebrities. He even acknowledged that they play a crucial role in promoting Filipino brands. However, Cinco highlighted that these celebrities are more keen on promoting international brands than local brands.

“When a Filipino influencer or a celebrity is wearing a certain international brand they will proudly flaunt and promote the brand in capital letters and will tag the brand 100 times, write all the available hashtags in IG as if the brand will notice their posts,” he wrote. “But when Filipino celebrities and influencers wear Filipino designers they will promote your brand in whisper as if they are embarrassed wearing a Pinoy-made gown and will just put your name.”

He even said that some of those he dressed won’t even say thank you when tagged in his post. Cinco, who has dressed several Hollywood celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce, said that Filipinos view international brands as superior and there’s a lack of support for local designers.
“The answer may lie in the deeply ingrained mindset of Filipinos that view international brands as superior and aspire to be associated with them. Unfortunately, this mindset has led to a lack of support for local designers and their brands, despite their undeniable talent and unique designs,” he said.

He then called out celebrities, influencers, stylists, and more who treat “ateliers as their own personal closet” during ball, awards, and pageant seasons.

“One time I was asked by a stylist of a very famous Filipino celebrity if I can custom-made a gown for her client for a prestigious ball for FREE…
I said sure I'm willing to do that but you have to pay all my
MEDICAL BILLS and HEALTH INSURANCE…
You have to pay my mental health consultation, my anxiety and high blood pressure medicines.
Because I will have sleepless night creating ur gown and will suffer from PANIC ATTACK from thinking if people will like my dress or I will be BASHED in social media…
SHE STOPPED MESSAGING ME…,” he said.

Ultimately, Cinco told these people to feel ashamed when asking for free clothes.
“My advice to celebrities, influencers, stylists and managers,
Before you approach designers for loan or custom-made clothes for
FREE
INOM ka muna ng KAPE para KABAHAN ka nman…
And MAHIYA KA!!!,” he ended.