Michael Cinco, internationally known Filipino designer, is criticizing local celebrities and influencers who spend big money on foreign luxury brands but are audacious enough to ask for free clothes from kababayan designers like himself.
Read: Michael Cinco, Furne Amato top winners at EMI Gala Fashion Awards
Cinco, who has dressed such huge stars as Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé, voiced his disappointment in a series of Instagram Stories on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
His post read (published as is): "So Filipino celebrities and famous influencers are often seen wearing European designer clothes?
"It seems like they spend a fortune on these items just to keep up with the latest fashion trends...
"But have you ever stopped to think about why they choose to spend their money on these expensive European brands, rather than supporting our very own Filipino designers?"
Continuing, he said: "It's quite ironic how these celebrities proudly wear these designer clothes, but when it comes to Filipino designers, they suddenly want everything custom-made for them for FREE...
"It's a sad reality that many talented and hardworking FILIPINO DESIGNERS
have to face.
"They pour their hearts and souls into their creations, but are often undervalued and underpaid..."
Read: Iconic Michael Cinco gowns worn by beauty queens, Hollywood celebrities are up for sale
Michael urged Filipinos to recognize and support local creatives, including fashion designers, who can create exceptional pieces.
Cinco wrote: "As a society, we need to start recognizing and supporting our own local talents, including fashion designers...
"They have the potential to create beautiful and unique creations that can rival any European brand...
"So let's give credit where it's due and SUPPORT our Filipino designers. It's time to break the cycle and uplift our own fashion industry..."
In a firm closing statement, Cinco delivered an ultimatum to "influencers and starlets" seeking a "collaboration" with him, which almost always means they're seeking free dresses.
Said he: "Everytime some influencers and starlets ask me if I wanna do their wedding dress or red carpet dresses for collaboration or for FREE...
"I always tell them— WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE... BEAUTIFUL THINGS in this world are not FREE... In other words... MAGBAYAD KA!!!"
Michael Cinco has dressed many A-list international celebrities. Aside from Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé, he has also done clothes for Nicki Minaj and Britney Spears.
In the Philippines, some stars who have worn his creations are Marian Rivera, Anne Curtis, Kathryn Bernardo, and Bea Alonzo.
He has also designed for beauty queens, such as Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, and Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 Ahtisa Manalo.
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