Last, but not the Least

Words are not enough to describe how fabulously breathtaking Michael Cinco’s Holiday 2010 collection is, which received the Producer’s Award for “Best Show of the Season,” from Philippine Fashion Week. Inspired by the opera Madama Butterfly, his latest collection transported the audience to another realm where Old-World Japanese glamour is infused with the creative mind of the Dubai-based designer.

From the moment Jo-Ann Bitagcol stepped out, we were mesmerized. The first set of all whites and nudes focused on the exquisite craftsmanship. Cinco has successfully created the powerful yet graceful mix of soft fabrics and structured bodycon silhouettes.

A bit more color was injected with a climactic convertible outfit by Ria Bolivar. Like a man watching a geisha as she does her moves of seduction on stage, my eyes were hooked on Bolivar. She took off the first layer of her cocktail dress and converted it into a kimono, giving it a totally different but equally jaw-dropping number.

A multitude of exquisitely beaded gowns came out after. Each, totally different from the former. Each, having its own distinct style and color combination. But all of them mirrored the designer’s basic principles and trademark work—amazing beadwork on the bodice.

Though quite known for making glamour gowns like that of Angel Locsin’s for the International Emmy Awards, Cinco has proven that he is also well adept in making cocktail dresses. With beaded bodices as his base, in either gradient tones or contrasting ones, these short dresses come with asymmetrical hemlines, full-skirt styles, even with floral appliqués that give them a more playful and youthful vibe.

It was a show that we secretly wished didn’t have to end. But we knew it was about to when the bridal collection followed. 

Jasmine Maierhofer looked every inch the dreamy bride in an off-white, beaded tube gown that had a voluminous skirt with cascading, beaded appliqués. No jewelry was on her, except on her coiffed hair that had tons of sparkling brooches, giving an aura of fantasy.

Such a grand finale, indeed, for Philippine Fashion Week.  

Thank you for sharing your talent and for making this memorable collection, Michael Cinco!