Fashion designer to the stars among outstanding Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - An unassuming Filipino fashion designer who has dressed up supermodels as well as other famous personalities was recognized yesterday as one of the outstanding Filipinos overseas. 

Wearing a dark suit and sporting long hair, Michael Cinco did not even think of staying long on stage or standing beside Aquino for a photo opportunity after he received his medal.

Cinco has worked with supermodels Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell.

His creations have been worn by celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Fergie, Paris Hilton, Dita Von Teese and Mischa Barton.

His eco-couture collection was featured in America’s Next Top Model, becoming the first Filipino designer to be featured in the Emmy-award winning reality show.

Cinco’s achievements have been recognized by the Asian Couture Federation and in 2013 the title of “Asian Couturier Extraordinaire” was conferred upon him.

He was born in Catbalogan, Samar in 1971. He studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines-Diliman for two years and then went to SLIMS fashion and arts school.

He also studied fashion and pattern making at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London. In 1997, he moved to Dubai where he established his own eponymous couture house in 2003.

His works were featured in Dubai Fashion Week and Swarovski shows. In 2011, he won as Breakthrough Designer in the WGSN Global Fashion Award held in New York where he competed with other international designers.