Having previously been inspired by La Sainte Chapelle, the gothic medieval royal chapel that still remains from the former Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, Michael Cinco continued his interpretation of French history in his Fall/Winter 2017 couture collection dedicated to the Palace of Versailles

The long catwalk at Fashion Forward Dubai 2017 printed with a photograph of one of the vaulted ceilings of the palace set the tone for “The Impalpable Dream of Versailles,” a modern day narrative on the splendors of King Louis XIV’s baroque palace.

Cinco said he was inspired by a trip to the Versailles last year while attending haute couture week in Paris.

The Swarovski-infused collection references the sparkling candle lights in the Hall of Mirrors, the baroque panelling and intricately painted ceilings, as well as the legendary garden and its fountains through a color palette of gold, blue and green complemented by rich floral embroideries and painterly prints.

Drenched in crystal embroideries, silhouettes were varied and included voluminous ballroom skirts that had been tightly gathered at the hip or waist to create voluminous ruffles, body-conscious gowns whose embellishments were strategically positioned to enhanced curves.

There were also several flamboyant jackets for men, worn with breeches.

Having moved to Dubai in 1997 to work as a dressmaker and then studying in London at the prestigious Central Saint Martins,  Cinco opened his eponymous couture house in Dubai in 2003 and has gathered a steady clientele including celebrities (Lady Gaga, Jenifer Lopez and most recently Maria Carey) along with wealthy Middle Eastern and Asian patrons.