MICHAEL Cinco, known for his fantastical couture and bridal gowns often inspired by Old Hollywood glamour and fairy tale aspirations, will bring his acclaimed designs to Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) in the country’s first-ever Metaverse Fashion Gala on Sept. 18 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
For Cinco, whose creations are worn by royalty of multiple countries, as well as celebrities like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Nick Jonas, James McAvoy, Jason Derulo, Steve Aoki, Carrie Underwood, Sofia Vergara, Mila Kunis, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ellie Goulding, to name a few, the opportunity to break ground in a new medium was irresistible.
(Credit: Michael Cinco)
“Fashion has always been about redefining barriers, and right now, there’s no bigger barrier than taking what’s physical into the digital,” said Cinco.
“I’m excited to be partnering with PBW, and even more excited for everyone to see what we have planned.”
At the gala, enthusiasts will be treated to a showcase of signature Cinco pieces, while the runway models’ avatars will be shown wearing the same outfits in the metaverse. Connoisseurs will be invited to take home their favorites, which will be made available for purchase through an exclusive pre-sale, which – in addition to the actual gowns – will come with special edition digital collectibles.
PBW delegates will be treated to an exhibit of Cinco gowns which will be displayed throughout the PBW venue, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the world-renowned Filipino designer’s iconic style.
What makes the gala remarkable is not just the fusion of fashion and technology, but the exquisite craftsmanship and innovation that Cinco brings to the virtual runway.
“Imagine witnessing his signature designs materialize before your eyes, draped over the avatars of digital models, each pixel radiating the same elegance that has adorned red carpets and international events. It’s a moment that will blur the line between reality and the virtual, inviting us to reimagine the concept of couture,” said Donald Lim, founding president of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines and PBW lead convenor.
Part of the proceeds from the Michael Cinco Metaverse Fashion Gala will benefit the World Wildlife Fund for the conservation of endangered species, the empowerment of children on the autism spectrum through the Global Spectrum Initiative and Global Reskilling Movement, an international initiative devoted to providing better opportunities for the youth.
Tickets to the Michael Cinco Metaverse Fashion Gala are on sale now, granting holders VIP access to a once-in-a-lifetime experience while indulging in pre-show cocktails and a five-course epicurean dinner. For reservations or more information, visit pbw.ph/mc or email [email protected].
Why the universe loves Cinco
Known for his regal, opulent haute couture gowns, the Dubai-based designer has dressed an extensive list of Hollywood celebrities for awards shows, television, music videos and films, and is ubiquitous in local showbiz. Cinco is not just a Filipino couturier who has happened to make waves abroad – he is incontestably a highly sought-after international creator.
Born in 1971, Cinco grew up in Samar. He loved black-and-white Hollywood films, and was mesmerized by the costumes and great glamour of the stars. As early as then, he knew he wanted to be a fashion designer. It’s apparent that his gift is innate – although he was initially inspired by costumes that danced on a grayscale television, his current creations demonstrate such a masterful command of color.
After studying fashion design, Cinco trained with a prominent fashion designer in the Philippines, and subsequently received an offer to work in Dubai. “It was a big leap for my career because I had never been to any other countries in the world,” he said in an interview with IN Magazine.
But that was only the beginning. Cinco studied at the esteemed Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London, where notable alumni include the likes of Stella McCartney, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.
He went on to start his label Michael Cinco in Dubai in 2003, and has since churned out dazzling collections, developed an A-list clientele and received prestigious awards. He is now an elite member of the Asian Couture Federation, recipient of the Presidential Award for Outstanding Filipinos Overseas by President Benigno Aquino, Jr. and 2020 People of the Year awardee.
“I always envision women attend a ball in a palace. And then, she will enter – everyone will stop, and she’s the only one who’s walking into the ballroom. And everyone will just be mesmerized by the outfit she’s wearing,” Cinco said. “I always love to give drama to the women, and they have to stand out.”
Show-stopping is definitely an apt word to describe the Cinco standard of craftsmanship. Each fresh release from his atelier in Dubai would look right at home in a fashion museum. His delineations are unapologetically princessy. The complexity of his designs seems to emerge from within the pieces themselves, as if the delicate embroidery, intricate hand embellishments and voluminous silhouettes arose organically, as opposed to just having been stacked on for effect.
Case in point: His autumn-winter 2015 collection played with light and featured hand-painted, crystal-embellished designs that mimicked stained glass windows. This magnificent quality of Cinco’s work has drawn in stylists worldwide, evidenced by the range of superstars who have donned his gowns.
Jennifer Lopez wore the same stained glass-inspired gown for her 2016 performance of “Love Make the World Go Round” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”, which was dedicated to the victims of the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting. J.Lo seems to be a fan of Cinco’s work as she’s been spotted wearing him on numerous occasions.
PBW events
PBW, which will be held on Sept. 19-21 at Newport World Resorts, is the country’s leading blockchain conference and web3 event, featuring speakers, entertainers and thought leaders in web3 from around the globe.
Launched in 2022, this year’s PBW will feature more than 150 local and international experts, panels and workshops delving into decentralized finance, enterprise blockchain adoption, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), artificial intelligence, content creation, metaverse development, crypto regulations and other critical topics while spotlighting immersive and hands-on blockchain experiences.
Other events include the Venture Capital Pitch Competition, where Filipino startups will have the opportunity to pitch for funding on stage and potentially secure a spot on CNN Philippines’ “The Final Pitch”; Nexus Fan Fair presented by Tier One Entertainment to unite fans, gamers, streamers, cosplayers and pop culture, featuring celebrity e-sports matches, artists and performances; and concert of the world’s first decentralized K-pop idol group TripleS, also featuring P-pop group G22.
Promising technology
According to PBW convener Chezka Gonzales, the partnership with Cinco is indicative of how blockchain technology is changing every aspect of how the world lives, works and plays. “Philippine Blockchain Week isn’t just about technology – it’s about showcasing how the blockchain can complement creative professionals at the top of their field.”
Blockchain is a promising technology which could help improve the authenticity and traceability of products, as well as the transparency of the whole fashion supply chain. The breach-proof record-keeping technology is necessary for the main elements of the metaverse, which include digital evidence of ownership, money transfer, governance, accessibility and interoperability.
Brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Adidas, Prada, Burberry, Balenciaga, Hermes, Forever 21, Zara, Boohoo, Ralph Lauren, Givenchy Parfums, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior have been engaging in the metaverse fashion events, from launching one-of-a-kind digital shows to exploring virtual worlds, gaming, blockchain and NFTs.
For some, nothing can replace attending a fashion show physically: the grandiose settings, the energy created by the lighting and music and the rush of seeing the clothes in person. However, for others, the emergence and acceptance of the new digital fashion status quo is nothing short of liberating.
The good news is that, going forward, much of what we are going to see in events like the Metaverse Fashion Gala will be a hybrid of both. This should allow for more conversations and contributions in the right direction of a more environmentally friendly Philippine fashion industry.
Ultimately, when developing digital fashion shows, the ability to connect to the audience remains critical and presentations that showcase the human experience will always be the most memorable.
