Rachel Chang, crowned Miss International Cuba 2026, has made headlines by gracing the runways of Paris Fashion Week. She stands out as the sole Cuban model to walk for the esteemed Filipino designer Michael Cinco, a fact confirmed by Sergio Meso, the director of the National Queen of Beauty Cuba, the organization managing her international career.
The Michael Cinco show, featuring Chang alongside predominantly French and other European models, was held at Hôtel Le Marois in Paris. It was part of the spring/summer 2027 ready-to-wear edition of the event, which ran from September 28 to October 6.
"Rachel Chang, Miss RNBCuba International, was at Paris Fashion Week and walked for several designers, including the renowned Michael Cinco," Meso stated in comments to CiberCuba.
Michael Cinco, a haute couture designer from the Philippines based in Dubai, founded his fashion house in 2003. He is celebrated as one of the leading figures in global haute couture. In 2016, he became the first Filipino designer to present haute couture in Paris, earning international accolades such as the WGSN Breakthrough Designer Award.
Beyond the Michael Cinco show, Chang also participated in other presentations throughout the week in Paris. She walked for designer Marjorie Renner and Japanese designer Miyoko in an event organized by MGI Entertainment at the iconic Gare Saint-Lazare.
Chang's presence in Paris comes just weeks after her appearance at New York Fashion Week, held from September 10 to 15, where she modeled for designers Leo Almodal, Uno Rodriguez, HER.I, and Meehee Hanbok. She also took part in a forum discussing fast fashion, environmental impact, and labor conditions in the industry.
Born in Havana with roots in Pinar del Río, Chang holds degrees in journalism and law and practices as an attorney in South Florida. She was crowned Miss International Cuba 2026 on June 29 in Miami by RNBCuba, under the leadership of Sergio Meso.
Her participation in major international fashion circuits is not an end in itself but part of her preparation for a larger goal: to represent Cuba at the 64th Miss International pageant, set to take place on November 25, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Chang wasn't the only Cuban to make an impression on the Paris runways this season. Model Legna Blanco, hailing from Güines, Mayabeque, also took to the catwalk, represented by Next Management Paris, highlighting the rising influence of the Cuban diaspora in the international fashion scene.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rachel Chang and Paris Fashion Week
Who is Rachel Chang?
Rachel Chang is a Cuban model and Miss International Cuba 2026. She is a lawyer with degrees in journalism and law, and she is based in South Florida.
What is Michael Cinco known for?
Michael Cinco is a renowned Filipino haute couture designer based in Dubai. He is recognized for his luxurious and intricate designs, and he was the first Filipino designer to present haute couture in Paris.
Where else has Rachel Chang walked recently?
Rachel Chang recently walked at New York Fashion Week, where she modeled for designers such as Leo Almodal, Uno Rodriguez, HER.I, and Meehee Hanbok.