A week out from Dubai’s Fashion Forward SS16 and I still can’t help but to continue dreaming couture. The last four days have been nothing but glitz, glamour, and all things in between. The semi-annual event, held at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, showcased design talent from all around the Middle East. Featuring couture catwalk shows, eclectic exhibitions, and international speakers, it was THE place to be and be seen. While one designer after the next wowed us with their newest collections (as one would expect from the part of the world that’s mastered the “OTT but oh so chic” look), two Dubai-based Filipino designers stood out from the rest: Michael Cinco and Amato. Not ringing a bell?
Remember Beyoncé’s killer look in her 2013 music video for Haunted? That was all Cinco!
And Mila Kunis’s avant-garde costume in the movie Jupiter Ascending? Yup, Cinco as well.
We’ve also spotted Sofia Vergara, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera looking sexy as hell in his designs!
Sofia Vergara (Source | Image Collect)
Britney Spears (Source | Byron Purvis/AdMedia)
Christina Aguilera (Instagram | @michael5inco)
See, you loved Michael Cinco and didn’t even know it! Designer label Amato parallels in their celebrity clientele with divas such as Shakira, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, and Heidi Klum turning to the couture house when they’re in need of some major bedazzling.
In fact, our very own Priyanka Chopra and Evelyn Sharma are fans of the label as well!
Having seen Cinco and Amato’s designs on one A-list celebrity after the next, there was naturally quite the expectation from both designers’ SS16 collections. And hot dayum, did they deliver!
I don’t think I blinked even once throughout Cincos’ show. Grand does not even begin to describe his creations. From the stunning silhouettes featured in the Medieval Black collection to the breathtaking renderings of stained glass windows in the Impalpable Dream of Saint-Chapelle collection, his designs were nothing less than works of art.
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Michael Cinco at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Amato mixed classic and modern fabrics to create a collection reminiscent of spring in the orient. Creative director, Furne One, drew inspiration from ancient paintings of flowers and birds, traditionally embroidered costumes, and zen gardens when curating the label’s SS16 debut collection. Absolutely loved the girly-girl vibe of the collection – so dainty & delicate!
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Natasha Kishore)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Natasha Kishore)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Natasha Kishore)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Natasha Kishore)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Natasha Kishore)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Natasha Kishore)
Amato at Fashion Forward SS16 (Credit: Getty Images)
Well, I’ve certainly added a few more items to my ever-growing wish list. What about you guys?