Former beauty queen weighs in on Michael Cinco-Miss Universe Canada controversy
Sandra Seifert—the first beauty queen to don a Michael Cinco creation in an international pageant—has weighed in on the issue surrounding the designer and Miss Universe Canada team.
It can be recalled that Cinco recently took to social media to slam the Miss U Canada group, which accused him of attempting to sabotage Canadian representative Nova Stevens at the 69th Miss Universe competition. Cinco denied such a claim, calling them “ungrateful, vile, and professional users.”
Seifert defended Cinco in an Instagram post, starting off by sharing her journey with the esteemed fashion expert. Their friendship began at the Miss Earth 2009 pageant, where she wore an “unforgettable rainbow cascading Swarovski gown,” as she put it.
“The gown had already been purchased by a buyer at $25,000 USD at the time, but to show his support for the Philippines and pageantry, he found a way to send the creation all the way to Manila (including a fallback blush Swarovski gown) to a candidate he hadn’t even met in person (me)!” she recalled in an Instagram post. “Thanks to Michael Cinco, we bagged the Best in Long Gown award and I went on to win Miss Earth Air in that very same dress!”
She continued on to recount some of the treasured moments she shared with her designer-turned-friend, highlighting his being caring, welcoming, and humble. Seifert also pointed out how he takes the extra mile “to make things special for everyone.”
Seifert, who at the time was embarking on her fashion career, is grateful for Michael’s incredible guidance as her mentor and inspiration. Apart from introducing her to the right individuals, the design powerhouse has given her overwhelming support. “Today, he would rather have me showcase my own design work at his events than wear his creations,” she explained.
“I have had the opportunity to work with many designers, but Michael is far different from all of them,” stressed the Miss Earth-Air 2009. “There is a reason he’s a world-class Filipino designer and I genuinely believe it is because apart from his obvious talent and professionalism, he is an honest, humble, unselfish, and above all God-fearing individual who actually wants to share his talents and blessings with those people he can reach.”
Amid the viral issue, Seifert sent her support to her good friend. “I hope that those people who have hurt him with piercing words and false accusations apologize and mend things as I am sure Michael is kind enough to forgive you,” she wrote. “Let us be grateful for our blessings, and show our gratitude towards those who have helped us.”
“Michael, sending you much light and love,” the ex-beauty queen concluded.
Article thumbnails from Sandra Siefert's Instagram page
