Magnificent Gowns for The Maverick Bride & The Edgy Fashionista, designed by Michael Cinco

I sometimes think that life without fashion would be a mistake. There is an infinity of art and craftsmanship wrapped up in a fine wardrobe.

Currently, I am absolutely seized by the magnificence of Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco, above.

Throughout history every once in a while a few flashing jewels will sparkle so brilliantly bright, influencing fashion and art with unignorable magnitude. Right now those jewels are sitting squarely in Dubai with the peerless Cinco at its helm. Cinco is bringing back luxury haute couture, the avant-garde, the fashion eccentric…and all in exciting ways that most of us could not conceive. I find his work to be some of the most beautiful art in fashion that I have ever seen.

Cinco’s unmatched creativity, uncompromising attention to detail, boundless understanding of materials and obsession with perfect tailoring have catapulted this quiet creature into internationally-famous circles, dressing both Hollywood stars and Middle East royals alike.

He has secured himself well with the Red Carpet crowd worldwide, having dressed both Rihanna, as seen above for Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, and Beyoncé for her video, Haunted, below.

An indisputable genius and fashion visionary, Cinco looks at the world through a compound eye like that of a fly, perhaps a result of his giant dark eyes which must see so much–eyes that he perpetually conceals behind enormous black shades–eyes which see things differently than the rest of us.

Here are some of Cinco’s most memorable in bridal attire and haute couture. By deconstructing the typical for atypical results, Cinco yields gown after epic gown so gloriously grande that they astonish, defying description.

Above is Cinco’s favorite shot from America’s Next Top Model Cycle 16, Hippie Hannah wearing a recycled Michael Cinco gown.

Cinco pays tribute to Valentine’s Day with this crystal-encrusted concoction that is steeped in Asian undertones.

Elle China features Michael Cinco bridal 2013.

Another Cinco couture favorite, from L.A. Fashion Week.

The Russian Czarinas, above, from Dubai Fashion Forward.

“One of my biggest dreams in fashion is to see my couture dress on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York,” Cinco stated. And his wish was realized when British singer Paloma Faith wore his creation at the most prestigious event in fashion: The Met Gala, in 2013.

Supermodel Ria Bolivar spins on the catwalk in a spectacular Cinco creation.

Supermodel Rodina Luspo, above, as the Black Swan.

‘The Impalpable Dream of India,’ above and below, was Cinco’s first solo show in Philippine Fashion Week 2009. Inspired by the Maharajas of India, the dresses are fashioned almost entirely from gems.

His headpieces are works of art in their own right.

And yet more from the ‘Impalpable India’ collection, above.

More wedding couture, from 2013.

Detail from the cover of Ara Magazine in Dubai.

A Cinco creation from a 2008 Wedding Collection, above, was shown at Philippine Fashion Week.

Here are some breathtaking couture details of a Swarovski dress inspired by the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

The dress pictured above Cinco describes as suitable for Dracula’s Bride.

The back is equally riveting.

This gown and headpiece would make any bride blush.

And Cinco takes fashion into sci-fi with a glow-in-the-dark bridal beauty that fascinates. This dress could define an entire wedding theme, starting with a dark entrance of the bride followed by nuptials in a spotlight and ending with lights up for a full celebratory scenic moment. What genius!