Michael Cinco slams Filipino celebrities asking for free outfits but can’t credit properly

Michael Cinco is fed up with Filipino influencers and celebrities asking for free outfits.

Taking to Instagram Stories, the Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer complained about the “discrepancy in advertising between international and Filipino designers.”

“I have nothing against dressing fashion influencers and celebrities for free,” he began, acknowledging the “crucial role” these influencers play in promoting and marketing companies like his.

“My problem is – why [do] “Filipino influencers and celebrities seem more than happy to showcase international brands but are hesitant to promote our own Filipino designers?” asked Cinco.

Although he knows that people tend to gravitate toward “international brands that have built up a certain level of prestige over the years,” Cinco is still puzzled by their lack of enthusiasm when it comes to promoting Filipino designers, from whom they often received their ensembles for free.

He points out the difference between how Filipino influencers and celebrities promote and recognize foreign brands and how they promote and recognize local brands.

“They will proudly display and promote it [international] Write the mark in capital letters and mark the mark 100 times. Write all available hashtags in IG as if the brand will notice,” Cinco said.

“But when Filipino celebrities and influencers wear Filipino designers, they will promote your brand in whispers as if they are embarrassed to wear a Pinoy-made dress,” he continued.

As from experience, Cinco added, “If you tag these famous celebrities and influencers in your posts or stories while they are wearing your dress, these people will not even acknowledge your post or repost your stories and won't even comment to say THANK YOU to say.” on your side.

“Then you’ll realize they don’t even follow you on IG or other social media,” he said with a laugh.

“Why is there a discrepancy in promoting international and Filipino designers?” Cinco asked.

He points to the colonial mindset of viewing international brands better than local ones, which has “resulted in a lack of support for local designers and their brands, despite undeniable talent and unique designs.”

In one of his posts, Cinco shared an anecdote about a stylist of a Filipino celebrity who asked him if the designer could make a custom dress for free.

While he said he was okay with it, the fashion designer asked that his medical bills and health insurance be covered by the celebrity.

“Because I will spend sleepless nights making your dress and suffer from panic attacks,” he said.

The stylist stopped sending him messages, Cinco said.

He ended his series of posts with advice for stylists and celebrities.

“Before approaching designers for free loans or custom-made clothing, drink coffee first to get nervous,” Cinco said.

“Mahiya ka naman,” he added in all caps.

Cinco has dressed many international celebrities including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Miss Universe queens R'Bonney Gabriel and Andrea Meza.

He previously called Miss Universe Canada 2021 and her team “ungrateful.”

– LA, GMA Integrated News