Designer Michael Cinco provided the moment of high drama for all of LA Fashion Week, not just Style Fashion Week - where he startled and wowed the crowd with his tour de force runway show on their closing night. This is the kind of major talent and spectacular presentation that we need more of in Los Angeles. We're thrilled that Michael sat down with us for this exclusive interview.
LA FASHION WEEK "LAFW" What were you thinking about primarily when you designed
this collection?
Michael Cinco "MC" The collection is all about the enchanting and mysterious culture of
the Middle East. I have been based in Dubai for 15 years now but never
had a show that is dedicated to the beautiful culture of the country. So
i think it's now time for me to pay tribute to the city who gave me
dreams and blessed me a lot of beautiful things in my life. The
collection is called "The Impalpable Dream of Arabia".
LAFW: Some of the pieces look like they could have an Islamic
influence. Could you comment on that?
MC: I was inspired by the Arab culture especially the women in the Middle
East where they always wear black, they wear face masks called burqa and
they paint henna tattoos on their bodies.
LAFW: Most of the pieces are black, yet there is one flamingly
red, hauntingly beautiful gown. Tell us
about that?
MC:
The very moment I arrived in the Middle East i was enchanted by the
beauty of Arab women who always wear black covers that is called
"abaya". I was amazed how chiffon and soft silks caress their bodies.
The only red color from the entire collection symbolizes my love affair
with the city. It is LOVE.
LAFW: What was the significance of the headgear and the body
tattoos?
MC: It's part of Arab tradition for some women who are conservative to
cover their faces with burqa and part of their tradition women who are
getting married are covered with henna paintings on their arms, hands
and face.
LAFW: Tell us a little about your menswear. What is the meaning of the elf-like shoes?
MC: The menswear collection is all about the men's fashion in the Middle
East. I showed some thobes, jodhpurs, long vests and jackets in
neoprene fabrics and cashmere wools and make them look up-to-date, very
modern but yet traditional. Men from the Middle East and Far East wear
this shoes. I use leathers and spike to make it look modern and trendy.
LAFW: How important is drama and theatricality to your
presentation? Did you produce the actual
runway show yourself?
MC: The show was produced by StylePR who represents my brand in the US. It
is always important to tell a story in most of my shows. Sometimes i
have a vision of a dream and a fairy tale so it is essential to have
drama and theatricality from my show so people will understand the story
that i want to share from my collection.
LAFW: What is the fashion scene like in Dubai? What do you most like about your life there?
MC: I think women in Dubai love to spend a lot of money on clothes and
jewelleries. They love haute couture. They love high-end European and
American brands. Dubai offered me a beautiful opportunity and fabulous
lifestyle. One of the best things living in Dubai, the rulers has a very
high vision for the city. They always aim the greatest, the biggest,
the tallest and the grandest. It motivates me to do better and be great
with what im doing.
LAFW: Where do you go for vacation, and what do you do for fun?
MC: I usually travel to Paris, Milan and London to source inspirations for
new fabrics and trends. But when i want to be inspired and relax, i
always visit exotic places like Bali, Thailand, Philippine islands and
my hometown Samar.
LAFW: Where do most of your international clientele come from?
MC:
At the moment I have so many clients from Russia, China, US and Europe.
A bridal couture boutique in Moscow and Uzbekistan will open in June
and will stock most of my wedding couture collection.
LAFW: Where are you clothes available in the US?
MC: I got many inquiries from bridal boutique owners in LA and New York to
stock my wedding collections. But everything is still under
negotiations. I received many offers for partnership from Brazil and
Korea.
LAFW: Why did you choose Los Angeles Fashion Week to debut your
Fall 2013 collection in America?
MC: I'm always fascinated by the great glamourous actresses of all-time
like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe eversince i was a kid.
And one of my greatest dreams is to see my clothes worn by Hollywood
superstars on the red carpet. It happened when Sofia Vergara wore my
couture gown in Golden Globes Awards, Britney Spears in Oscars, Lady
Gaga in a charity ball, Jennifer Lopez in Dancing with the Stars. I
think LAFashion Week is an event where i could convince and attract
powerful stylists to Hollywood stars and starlets,
popstars and supermodels.
LAFW: What’s the next big thing on your short list of achievements
to accomplish?
MC: To make my brand global.
LAFW: Thank you, Michael Cinco. We look forward to your next show in Los Angeles!
All Images Courtesy of Louis C. Oberlander, TriggerChrome and Anthony Diep, Anthony Diep Photography
= John Forrester
