Michael Cinco Does Eco-couture for Tyra Banks and Dresses up Royals’ Pets

Michael Cinco, another Dubai-based Philippine Fashion designer, was featured twice on the popular America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) last year—as guest designer in Cycle 16 early in the year, and as finale designer in the last quarter’s Cycle 17 ANTM All-Stars. After about a decade in the Gulf, Samar-born Michael, a fine arts scholar of the University of the Philippines, is moving into the international limelight. He shares how he got on the ANTM show.

“One of the producers of ANTM Cycle 16 is a Filipino. His name is Michael Carandang, and he contacted me via Facebook. I submitted my designs and he showed them to Tyra Banks. My clothes were made out of recycled materials. [My episode was] shot in a landfill by Nigel Barker.” “Tyra Banks asked me to create haute couture pieces from recycled materials for ANTM. After that shoot, I found out that I could use things that we usually throw out as beautiful ornaments on couture dresses that look like expensive gemstones.” He has worked with recycled materials such as rubber bands, broken mirrors, and garbage bags. “I recycle them into fabulous haute couture pieces. I want people to be aware that they can create beautiful pieces from garbage,” he expressed.

Michael’s second ANTM episode was shot in Greece. It also featured the Filipino clothing brand Bench and international model, Georgina Wilson. “I was so happy when I learned that other Filipinos were in Greece for the shoot. The ANTM staff was in awe of Georgina Wilson’s beauty… It made me so proud to be a Filipino.” “To be chosen as the final runway designer like Roberto Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood is one of the biggest achievements in my career,” he added.

“I stayed for almost a month in Greece. We did the shoot last June. Aside from the final runway, I did the clothes for the motion editorials and the shoot with the remaining finalists directed by Tyra Banks.  They asked me to create the designs for the six remaining finalists. The clothes were done in two days… I was so inspired from the place that I made the designs for my collection in my Red Cross Show in Shangri-La Hotel Makati last October, my solo show, and Slim’s show in Philippine Fashion Week, also last October.”

Michael has been in the Middle East since 1997. “Dubai is a melting pot in the Middle East. You usually experience racial discrimination anywhere in this world. Most of my clients are women from the Gulf area. At first I had clients who had doubts about me because of my nationality. But the moment I am able to convince them with the beautiful creations I make for them, they become confident. “Women in Dubai love haute couture. I think the best flagship stores by the top designers in the world can be found here. They travel a lot and most of them are educated abroad so they are updated with the latest trends in fashion,” he commented.

 “My dream is to dress up Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett in a red carpet event,” he said when asked who his dream clients may be. Cinco is now the creative director of Michael Cinco Haute Couture in Dubai that specializes in wedding gowns and evening dresses. “It’s a dream come true,” he says. When asked about the Philippine fashion scene, he replies: “It’s going global.”

Cinco also designs other clothes apart from wedding or evening gowns. “I have clients from the royal family who love exotic animals as their pets. One princess asked me to dress up her leopard pet in animal print, another one asked me to make a cat suit for her python, and yet another client inquired if I could do crystallized clothes for a chimpanzee,” he reveals. “I don’t know if I’ll still be “normal” after that,” he jokes.

"Dream great dreams. Believe in yourself and in God. Believe that impalpable dreams do come true.” - Michael Cinco

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Meet the Aspiring Top Designers of Philippine Fashion

As the challenges in MEGA’s Young Designers Competition 2012 begin, let’s take a look on each of the Philippine Fashion designers that will battle for their mark in the industry.

Nikita Agatha boasts of being able to do anything from scratch. She picked up her flair for fashion from her grandmother and mom who loved dressing her up when she was little. She considers Sari Yap, editor in chief of MEGA Magazine, as the judge to please, urging Nikita to carefully think of her designs. She cites Alexander McQueen as her idol for his out of this world construction of outfits that women can wear.

Dino Bancoro recently started as a fashion designer sharing that the pieces he presented during the audition were his first ever creations. Through YDC, he hopes to learn more on pattern making and sewing since he has yet to formally study fashion design. He admits that he still needs polishing but is proud to say that he has the vision and creativity that would amaze people.

Hazel Cargado is a registered nurse. However, after graduating and passing the board, Hazel felt lost. Eventually, she decided to go back to what she really wanted. After finding a fashion design school in Manila, she quickly grabbed the opportunity to learn. Through YDC, she hopes to find her personal directions in design. 

Mara Chua has a motto that anything and everything can be inspiring. He believes that to be successful, talent is not enough. He sharpened his technical skills in pattern making and learned sewing through a seamstress who made his clothes. He cites Rei Kawakubo and Bjork as inspirations that allowed him to expand his horizons and stretch his aesthetic.

Kirby Cruz wants to represent his feelings through his designs. His goal is to have an identity that makes his pieces unique. As a fresh fashion graduate, he feels the need for the right exposure and he believes YDC is the best venue for him. He loves the design of Hussein Chalayan and Alexander McQueen since Kirby is fascinated where these designers find their concepts and ideas.

Ched Dalogaog is a fashion instructor at one of the top fashion schools in Manila. He tells a story with his creations, incorporating pop culture and considering the modern women who will wear them. He believes his edge is his understanding of color, textures and fabrics that other designers take for granted. By joining YDC, he hopes to establish a brand that he can introduce to MEGA, hoping to also be acknowledged in the industry.

Corleen Duero specializes in constructing basics but still adding a touch of style. Hailing all the way from Surigao, Corleen is proud to represent the south and hopes to be a designer who can bridge fashion and design from Manila to Mindanao. He admires Issey Miyake, always remembering the quote of the designer, “These clothes are no wrappings, you can understand them the way you want, you can wear them the way you want.” 

Oz Go’s designs dwell on futuristic and experimental looks. At a young age, he discovered his affinity for fashion when he became obsessed with drawing her mother’s wedding gown. He took a course in fashion design and eventually mounted a show during Philippine Fashion Week. Being the younger brother of singer Rachelle Ann Go, he is proud to mention that they still share the same room and creates outfits for her to wear.

Robin Gundran is the youngest member of this year’s competition. At 18 years old, he showed his creations and wowed the judges during the go-see. He received negative remarks from a lot of people who did not believe in his passion. However, he turned this into his motivation. He knows that with perseverance, he can show his detractors that he can get past them, and achieve fame and success.

Ann Lorio is an industrial engineer from Cavite who wanted to shift to fashion design. Despite her parents’ initial doubts on her dream, she travelled to Manila and worked to buy a sewing machine. After seeing her passion, her parents eventually showed support to her. With her background in engineering, Ann attacks a design starting with the structure. As a YDC contestant, she wants to learn and make her mark as a designer.

Cristian Mallabo believes that God has a purpose why he’s alive and in the competition. His mother attempted to abort him but he survived. For as long as he can remember, he’s had a passion for clothes. He was motivated when friends and family started to ask him to create party clothes for them. He wants to be known as a designer who can brave through any challenge and hopes to win in order to give back to his aunt and sisters.

Porfi Medina thinks of fashion more as a form of activism and advocacy. When he was in elementary, Porfi’s grandmother opened a dress shop. At that tender age, he would observe the fabrics and sewing, starting his dream to become a fashion designer. He views his craft as a form of expression, translating social issues and its relevance into ensembles. He wishes to convey a message on pressing issues in society with every design he makes.

Renan Pacson simply wants to make his family proud. He initially took up Hotel and Restaurant Management but eventually found his calling in fashion. He studied Clothing Technology and was lucky to have the support of his parents. Luckily, he was accepted not based on his audition pieces, but based on how he packaged himself. His biggest challenge is to find his signature aesthetic and intends to find this in YDC.

Ismael Palma tried his luck during the auditions for the first season of Gen M: YDC but did not make the cut. At that time, he still did not know how to sew so he took his failure as an opportunity to improve. He decided to learn more about sewing and developing his designs. He was accepted this year and shares that whatever the judges say, he will keep in mind and apply. 

Erica Panlilio hopes to dress up Katy Perry because of her fun playful personality. She started looking up and imbibing the stylish attitude of her grandmother when she was young. During the go-see, she had a major setback because the judges thought that she had a styling problem. Still, she was chosen to be one of the finalists and she believes that through YDC, she can grow and become a top designer.

Ram Silva designs for a cause. He intends to help the dying weaving community in Panay and Iloilo. During the go-see, judges were surprised with his mix of native materials to create a modern look. He keeps in mind the advice of Sari Yap, EIC of MEGA magazine, that what other designers learn outside in six months to a year, they can experience and learn in YDC in two months.

Mary Ty is inspired by YDC alumna Furne One, hoping to be as successful as him. Mary has never joined a fashion competition because of her fear of rejection. She tried her luck by joining Philippine Fashion Week but did not succeed. Edwin Ao, another YDC alumna, urged her to join the upcoming YDC. Her quirky comments amused the judges and are sure to liven the intense challenges for the YDC hopefuls.

Geoffrey Zordilla has always wanted to study fashion design. Initially, he had to struggle with his parents’ disbelief. Still, he pursued his dreams and is currently a fashion design student. He is enthusiastic to experience YDC’s challenges and to learn how to mingle with fellow designers. Nature inspires him, feeling relaxed and comfortable in its serene environment.

Support and vote for your favorite Philippine Fashion designers through the online poll and the auction of their creations at www.Megastyle.ph. Keep watching the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012 every Saturday, 7 pm on ETC, with replays every Sunday at 10 am.

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Philippine Fashion Mogul Josie Natori Brings her Global Brand to Philippines

Philippine Fashion Mogul Josie Natori has been known in the United States as force in fashion and design since she founded The Natori Company in 1977. Now, the Manila-born fashion mogul is setting her sights on being a force globally, starting with the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries.

“We’re big in the United States now, how about being bigger in the Philippines and in Asia?” Natori said in an interview with the Asian Journal. The bold statement came a week after Natori opened their first boutiques in the Philippines at Rustan’s Makati and the Rustan’s Tower in the Shangri-la Plaza. The Natori brand is well-known for its signature “East meets West” approach to design, resulting in products that highlight “Asian aesthetics and sensibilities and the Western contemporary lifestyle,” according to Asian Journal. Her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, for instance, features many elements from the Philippines—from bags made of hand-woven abaca from Bulacan to belt buckles made out of Capiz shells.

 

Before founding the Natori Company, Josie Cruz Natori worked in wealth management firm Merrill Lynch, where she would eventually rise to become the firm’s first female Vice President in Investment Banking. After marrying Ken Natori, Josie Natori made the move from banking to entrepreneurship in 1977, after choosing from several possible business ventures. “I realized it had to be something I could relate to, something to do with the Philippines,” Natori said in a 2007 interview with the New York Sun.

 

Her fashion career began with blouses from the Philippines that were sold as nightwear in Bloomingdale’s. The rest, as they say, is history. The brand continues to expand globally, even as the US continues to feel the effects of the recession, noted Asian Journal. Recession or not, Natori said it’s all about producing things that women want. Natori’s entry to the Philippines was simply a matter of “right timing,” noting the growth in the Asian market. It may have taken 35 years for Natori to open boutiques in the Philippines, but the global fashion brand is making up for lost time. Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo invited her to be part of the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions, a group whose mandate is to promote the Philippines in the global market.

 

“These are the things that I love doing. I’m very proud that they’re all made in the Philippines. I believe in the creativity and talent of Filipinos. I am so inspired by many amazing artists in the Philippines. I would love to be able to help in whatever way I can to get them more recognition.” - Josie Natori

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A Tribute Gala for Jose "Pitoy" Moreno

Throughout a career spanning 60 years, Jose "Pitoy" Moreno has continued to make the Filipino proud in terms of Philippine Fashion. He has been compared to the famed international fashion designer Oleg Cassini and hailed as the "Fashion Czar of Asia," yet for all the recognition and accolades he has received, his contribution and influence on Philippine fashion remains beyond measure.

Pitoy Moreno was one of the earliest advocates of the Maria Clara gown, and the terno, while transforming Filipiniana gowns into timeless pieces of fashion. He has been known for his extravagant beadwork, elaborate embroidery and personal fabrics. First ladies, royalties, politicians and socialites here and abroad have sought and have worn his designs, from formal ternos to impressive ball gowns.

A National Artist, Moreno has brought the country's national costumes to worldwide recognition, staging over 43 shows in every major fashion capital such as Paris, Moscow, Rome, Madrid, New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Athens, Barcelona, Sweden, Viennna, Moscow, and Washington D.C., to name a few. International luminaries such as Nancy Reagan, Pat Nixon, Bettty Ford, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Queen Margarretta of Bulgaria, Queen Sophia of Greece, Princess Margaret of Britain, Pricess Suga of Japan, among others have all proudly worn his creations. His local muses on the other hand include, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, Bb. Pilipinas' Stella Marquez-Araneta, Tingting Cojuangco, as well as many other celebrities.

 His accomplishments both in the local and international fashion industry made him one of the most prized and respected Filipino designers of all time. In honor of all his contributions, Metro Society, in partnership with ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network and the Bb. Pilipinas charities held the "Jose "Pitoy" Moreno: A Tribute Gala" at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel last November 21, 2011. Showcasing a large collection of the fashion legend's creations, the gala indeed was the biggest fashion event to cap off the closing year. Politicians, socialites, celebrities, his loyal muses and clients, as well as his fellow designers filled the Isla Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel, all eager to see the genius and his work once again. Their heart's desire was satisfied as more than 100 pieces of Philippine costumes, extraordinary couture gowns, and beautifully crafted ternos filled the runway.

Opening the evening was Moreno's collection of Muslim costumes in gold material with glass beads, brass bells and ornate metal headdresses worn by Charlene Gonzales in the 1994 Miss Universe that won in the national costume category. The night also featured Moreno's barong creations followed by a colorful collection of his modernized terno. The pieces displayed his famous reinvention of the garb with short vertical butterfly sleeves and cinched waists. Most had accents of either a floral beadwork or embroidery.

The show then livened up with his flamenco-inspired dresses complete with mantones de Manila, his black-and-white Maria Clara collection, and his famous 19th century-inspired Maria Clara gowns crafted from indigenous materials jusi, piAa and lepanto. Moreno's bridal collection became the most mesmerizing part of the night. It proved why it has always been a Filipina's dream to wear a Moreno gown on her wedding day. The pieces were grand with beautiful beadwork, endless trails and enchanting veils. The collection also featured Muslim wedding costumes, which showed the designer's complete devotion to Filipino culture and fashion.

The runway was star-studded as supermodels Izza Gonzales-Agana, Patty Betita, Suyen Chi, Marina Benipayo, Menchu Soriano, Annette Coronel-Cruz and Phoemela Baranda donned Moreno's famous works. Moreno always loved to dress beauty queens and several of them participated in the gala show including 2011 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Shamcey Supsup and 2010 Ms. Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj, as well as past Bb. Pilipinas winners Dianne Necio, Bianca Manalo, Patricia Fernandez, Nina Ricci Alagao, and Marie Ann Umali. Host KC Concepcion expressed pride as she wore her first Pitoy terno while actors Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual both wore the designer's barongs. Siblings Megan and Lauren Young, Denise Laurel, Cecilia Schulze, Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario and Karylle also graced the runway.

Singers Gary Valenciano, Rico Blanco and Rem Zamora serenaded Moreno's muses while the music from the Manila Symphony Orchestra perfectly complemented Moreno's aesthetic. When Pitoy Moreno came out on stage, everyone cheered and gave the famed designer the ovation he truly deserved. Proceeds from the event was for the benefit of the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc. LGFI coordinates the Lopez Group's corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on education, health and wellness, humanitarian assistance, livelihood, environment, and the promotion of Philippine arts and culture.

All these years, I've been putting up shows all over the world. It's not about me--it's about the best of Philippine fashion, the best Filipino models, and the best Philippine material. Everywhere I go; I try to promote our culture."-- Pitoy Moreno

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Georgina Wilson to be Featured on America's Next Top Model

British-Filipina model and host Georgina Wilson joins the roster of Filipinos who were featured in the hit US reality search “America’s Next Top Model" (ANTM). Wilson posted on her Twitter account Wednesday that she will appear in the 17th cycle of the popular modeling show hosted and produced by top model Tyra Banks.

She said she “joined as a guest model/stylist," representing the Philippine Fashion clothing line, Bench, which served as the clothing sponsor for the semi-finals of the current “all-star" competition that gathered the favorite finalists from the past ANTM seasons. “I told the girls what to do for their semi-finals challenge," Wilson said. “We shot it in Greece and I can’t wait for it to come out."

The episode will air on Nov. 9 in the US and it will be shown in the Philippines on Nov. 14, Bench announced on its Facebook page. Before Wilson’s stint, the popular model search had invited US-based Philippine Fashion Designer Oliver Tolentino, whose gowns—made of abaca and piña—were featured in the “all-star" season.

Dubai-based Philippine Fashion Designer Michael Cinco, whose line of recycled 'couture' had been already featured in Cycle 16 last year, will headline the Finals episode of the show. Wilson tweeted that Cinco created the clothes for the Finals and that they were together during the Greece taping.

Lisa Damato, who is so far one of the remaining models in the show, had gotten acquainted with both Wilson and Cinco, and tweeted: "I love the Philippines! I want to go there!"

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Philippine Fashion Designer and Jeweler Featured In Moscow Fashion Show

Philippine Fashion Designer Cora Manimbo and Fashion Jeweler Oscar Atendido wowed audiences with their works during the "Power Fashion Show for a Cause" in Moscow, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a news release on Saturday, the DFA said the fashion show was held at the Eight and a Half Dollar Restaurant-Café-Bar in Moscow last September 23, 2011.

The show was a project of the Asia-Pacific Women's Group (APWG) of Moscow and the Filipino organization Bayanihan ng Bayan ni Juan. The DFA said proceeds of the fashion show were for the benefit of the special children of Tretyakov and the adopted orphanages of the APWG, a group of ladies based in Moscow led by the spouses of the Ambassadors to Russia from 21 Asia-Pacific countries.

Manimbo has designed dresses not only for Philippine Fashion clients but also those of other nationalities, including royal members in Asia. For the fashion show in Moscow, the DFA said Manimbo featured her creative interpretations of traditional Philippine dresses like the baro't saya and terno, using indigenous Philippine fabrics with intricate embroidery and beadwork. Meanwhile, Atendido, who also directed the fashion show, showcased his Philippine handcrafted filigree fashion jewelry collection, wrought in gold and handcrafted in an alley of silver and copper electroplated in 24-karat gold. 

Photo Credits http://www.dfa.gov.ph/

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Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 - Ipanema Resort Wear Collection

This is the last fashion show that I covered last Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012. This year, Ipanema collaborated with five Philippine Fashion Designers to create their own clothing design inspired by the collection. The five designers, Catherine Cavilte, Lyle Ibanez, Anthony Nocom, Dave Ocampo and Raoul Ramirez, crafted the Resort Wear Collection that featured distinctive style and design, one that truly underscores vivacious living.

So fashion-forward men and women, brace yourselves as Ipanema, the stylish Brazilian flip-flop brand, is once again showcased their latest Resort Wear Collection for Spring-Summer 2012. The changing of fashion seasons is enough to keep most stylistas on their toes – literally. These five fashion mavens were chosen not only for their modern and edgy design visions but also for their understanding of Philippine Fashion discerning style and taste. Here they are:

Anthony Nocom

Nocom's look was inspired from the bold beach colors from the Ipanema Surf Tomas Masc II and the classic black and white tribal prints of Ipanema Classica Urbana Masc.

Catherine Cavilte

She said her designs for Ipanema's Resort Wear Collections complement spring/summer elegance that features earthy tones and animal prints mounted on plain silk satins.  She said the Ipanema Appliques Ad II and Ipanema Classica Envolvente can be easily paired with her flowy dresses that ladies can wear casually on the beach or at dinner parties.

Dave Ocampo

His collection celebrates the colors of summer and feminism to emphasize the silhouette of women, using spandex and stretch tool material with floral and circular prints combined with bright and vibrant colors that are very comfortable in terms of cuts and designs.

Lyle Ibanez

Ibanez’s look for Ipanema Resort Wear Collection 2012 was inspired from the Ipanema Ritmos II Ad, a sling back flip-flops that has flowers appliqués and subtle geometric patterns.

Raoul Ramirez

For Ipanema Resort Wear Collection 2012, he created a look that based on the metallic characteristics of the Ipanema New Trance Fem and the floral accents of the elevated aesthetics of the Ipanema Ritmos Ad.

Here are some of the taken photos of their fashion show:

To check out the list of stores carrying the Ipanema Spring-Summer Collection ’12, you may visit their website at www.ipanemaphils.com or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IpanemaPhilippines.

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Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 - Sony Luxewear feat. Pablo Cabahug

Last Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012, Sony Cybershot presented their Luxewear Fashion Show with the design of some of the Philippine Fashion Designers like Anthony Ramirez, Aztec Barba, Julius Tarog, Melvin Lachica, Nolie Viñeza, Roel Rosal, Roland Lirio, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Santi Obcena, Yvonne Quisumbing, Popoy Barb and Pablo Cabahug who showcased his play of angles with jumpers and skirts with free-flowing trains.

Here are some of the photos of impeccable works of Fashion Designer Pablo Cabahug for Philippine Fashion Week S/S 2012 charmed the runways that night. Photo Credits:  Philippine Fashion Week Live. 

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