Michael Cinco Talks About His Creation for Mariah Carey's Performance in Brazil
The Filipino designer reveals to Preview how the custom gown marks the third time he's dressed the global pop icon.
Published on Sep 20, 2025
Mariah Carey headlined this year’s Amazonia Live Multishow, held on September 17 in Belém, Brazil. The global icon performed some of her most beloved songs on a stage fashioned after a giant water lily, floating along the Amazon River. Her 10-song set included hits like My All, We Belong Together, and Hero.
Beyond the spectacle, the program underscored conservation efforts, indigenous rights, and sustainable initiatives leading up to the UN’s COP30 climate summit this November.
For the evening, Mariah donned a dazzling gown in a fiery red hue. The stunning ensemble was custom-made for her by globally-renowned, Filipino couturier Michael Cinco.
Mariah Carey Performs in Brazil Wearing Michael Cinco
In an interview with Preview, Michael revealed that the design drew inspiration from the Scarlet Ibis, the indigenous bird of the Amazon celebrated for its luminous crimson plumage and graceful wingspan. Developed in collaboration with Mariah’s team, the gown mirrored the vibrancy of the bird’s feathers through intricate crystal embellishments and cascading layers of fabric, creating the impression of wings in motion.
Executed in just one month after a request from Antonio Esteban of Style PR in Los Angeles, the gown was entirely hand-embellished with sequins and crystals in the ibis’s vivid tones. Each piece was arranged in a feather-inspired pattern, requiring over 300 hours of meticulous handwork by his team of artisans from his Dubai atelier.
Michael’s creation enveloped Mariah in a column silhouette. Rendered in a vibrant scarlet tone, the gown shimmered under the stage lights thanks to thousands of hand-applied beads that traced vertical lines along the length of the dress, elongating her frame. The intricate beadwork transitioned seamlessly into a burst of sunray motifs radiating from the bodice.
The neckline plunged into a soft sweetheart cut, framed by delicate black straps. Along the sides, subtle contouring in darker beading added depth to the gown’s sculptural form. The look was completed with Mariah Carey’s signature diamond jewelry and voluminous curls cascading over her shoulders.
“This marks the third time I’ve had the honor of creating a gown for Mariah,” Michael shared. “Her team was very specific about the vibrant color and a perfectly cinched waist, and every crystal and feather detail was crafted to bring that vision to life.”
Taken together, the Filipino designer’s creation harmonized well with the ethereal stage design— the luminous red gown glowing against the emerald backdrop of the Victoria Amazonica lily pad–shaped platform. It was a performance piece in every sense: bold, radiant, and unmistakably Mariah.
Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.