Analysis of a Collection Research Paper
Michael Cinco Haute Couture
Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection
THE ASK
For this research paper, I selected a fashion collection of my choice to explore in depth. I explored Michael Cinco’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection. Known for his opulent and theatrical designs, this collection captivated me with its intricate craftsmanship and fairytale-like elegance. My research delves into the inspiration behind the collection, the use of luxurious fabrics, rich embellishments, and dramatic silhouettes that define Cinco’s signature style. I also examined the cultural and artistic influences that shaped the collection, as well as its reception in the fashion industry. This paper allowed me to deepen my understanding of haute couture while analyzing how fantasy and fashion intersect in high-end design.
Research
Visual anaylsis
SKILLS
Critical Thinking
Attention to detail
writing
story telling
The Process
Research:
I started by researching different collections to find one I wanted to analyze. At first, I was interested in the Disney Princess gown collection, but I wasn’t able to find enough videos or photos to support my analysis. While looking for that collection, I came across the Michael Cinco Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection. As soon as I saw it, I immediately fell in love — I’ve always been an avid fan of ball gowns and royal-inspired themes. That’s when I knew this was the perfect collection for my analysis.
writing:
In this paper, I wrote about Michael Cinco’s background and the journey—and challenges—he faced to get to where he is today, along with the influences that helped shape this collection. I also discuss some of the garments, describing their details and the inspirations I noticed within the pieces. For example, here’s the abstract I used to start off the paper.
Abstract:
Michael Cinco Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection. Michael Cinco had gone on a trip to Versailles in 2016 to attend the haute couture week in Paris. From there he was inspired by the Palace of Versailles and used his interpretation of French History in order to create this collection. “The Impalpable Dream of Versailles” was a modern day look created from the look of King Louis XIV’s baroque palace. In the past he has been inspired by La Sainte Chapelle, which is a gothic medieval royal chapel and also resided in the Kings of France until the 14th century. Because of that, he continued his want of French History which made him create this modern collection that was a Swarovski-infused collection that was in reference to the sparkling candle lights that were in the Hall of mirrors, the intricate painted ceilings, the legendary garden that has splashed of gold, blue and green, as well as the baroque paneling and the contrasting details against the rich floral embroideries. He wanted to capture as much as he could into the collection.
visual analysis:
A portion of this paper focuses on the visual aspect of the collection and my personal thoughts on it. I highlight five specific garments I chose to analyze, discussing the influences behind each piece and the design details that reflect Michael Cinco’s inspiration. Here's an excerpt from the paper:
“In the photo above, you can see a very voluminous ball gown that’s cinched at the waist. The dress has a slight wave and dimension, giving it a bouncy look and feel when walking. It’s covered in crystals arranged in an ombré effect—heavily clustered at the top and gradually fading toward the bottom. The color follows the same gradient, starting as a dark gray and transitioning into a lighter shade. The look is completed with a tiara, adding to the overall ‘royal’ aesthetic.”
The outcome
A key takeaway from completing this project was developing my ability to analyze haute couture collections through both a historical and conceptual lens. By closely studying Michael Cinco’s “The Impalpable Dream of Versailles,” I strengthened my research skills, visual storytelling, and cultural analysis—skills that are essential in roles involving styling, trend forecasting, and creative direction. I learned how historical references, like French baroque architecture and royal aesthetics, can be reimagined through a modern lens to tell a compelling fashion narrative. This experience also sharpened my ability to translate runway garments into written analysis, while reinforcing the value of storytelling in fashion. Although the project was rooted in historical inspiration, it opened my eyes to how past fashion movements can influence future trends—particularly in luxury evening wear, where opulence, intricate embroidery, and romantic silhouettes are seeing a resurgence.