Michael Cinco has firmly situated himself as a global fashion force. Since launching his eponymous label two decades ago, stylish personalities from all over the world have dreamed of wearing an M5 creation. Some of his most notable clientele include our very own Vice Ganda and Niana Guerrero, as well as Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé.
Though, as with many Filipino designers, Michael has also faced the challenge of negotiating with clients and getting proper compensation for their work. In a series of Instagram Stories, the renowned designer called out these personalities for not paying Filipino creators their due.
Michael Cinco Calls Out Celebrities and Influencers Asking for Free Work from Filipino Fashion Designers
"So Filipino celebrities and famous influencers are often seen wearing European designer clothes?" Michael posed on his account. He detailed how most of these individuals shell out their cash to purchase foreign-made items in an effort to keep up with trends. Though, he points out how they, oftentimes, would not do the same for local designers.
"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," he continued. Michael pondered on this "sad reality" where many designers are "undervalued and underpaid."
Having said this, the couturier implored Filipinos to patronize and support local talent. In his words, they have the potential to "rival any European brand." "It's time to break the cycle and uplift our own fashion industry," he continued.
Michael attested that even someone of his tenure is still presented requests for free work. To these, he simply jested, "I always tell them... WHAT A WONDERFUL LIFE."
To close his statement, Michael reminds his followers that "Beautiful things in this world are not free. In other words, MAGBAYAD KA!!!"
X-deals and collaborations are often done when a client offers exposure or media milage in exchange for a product or service. For fashion designers, this entails providing a garment, sometimes custom-made for the client, that will be worn at a public event that will garner them recognition. This, however, has been contested by many creatives as the requested output or service is not compensated enough through exposure.
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