DUBAI: Iconic Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco has dressed up countless celebrities – from Beyonce to the Duchess of York, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey, to name a few.
There’s one star though that he has longed to see wearing his creation but has not: Madonna.
“It has always been my great wish to dress up Madonna,” Cinco, who first set foot on Dubai in 1997 to work in one of the city’s biggest fashion house, said.
“She is an icon and I’m a big fan,” added Cinco, who hails from Catbalogan, Samar.
Cinco, who now has his own successful label and holds a sprawling office in the city’s trendy Dubai Design District, said he has tried to reach out to the Queen of Pop for her to try his designs, but has yet to receive a response.
“I have sent clothes to her twice,” he said, “but she has not worn any of them.” “Hopefully in the future.”
Among other icons who have tried Cinco’s creations were Rihanna,1994 Miss World Aishwarya Rai, Christina Aguilera, Ashanti, Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell.
Cinco also designed the $1-million wedding gown of Swarovski heiress, Victoria Swarovski and hailed as one of the most expensive wedding gowns in history.
Cinco, an up-and-coming couturier when he arrived in Dubai some 24 years ago, recalled how he had to go through a period of adjustment. “It was very difficult at first because it was my first time to be away from home and be in a city far, far away,” he said.
The multi-awarded Cinco established his own label, Michael Cinco Dubai, in 2003.
What keeps him going? “As a designer, I am happy when the clients who wear my creations are satisfied. The greatest fulfillment of a designer is having to come up with a signature look that people recognize.
“Like when people compliment someone wearing a dress and say, ‘I love your dress. It’s very Michael Cinco,’” he said.
The Daily Bread 