A Lustrous Gathercole Grand Finale at LAFW A/W 2016

Excerpts of this article were submitted for print to F Magazine and Manila Up!

Los Angeles, CA – Gracing the bi-coastal fashion show “Art Hearts Fashion” for back-to-back Fashion Weeks in New York (in Feb) and Los Angeles (in Mar), Avant Garde Knight Rocky Gathercole once again staged an unrivalled and enchanting risque show.

In celebration of his 50^th natal year, Rocky’s 50-piece “Gold Collection” gilded the catwalk while Concert Soloist Matthew John’s live cello performance serenaded the models for the closing finale of the epic 4-day, 40-designer, Los Angeles Fashion Week A/W 2016 at Taglyan Complex, Los Angeles, California on March 17^th, 2016. My eyes feasted on each ensemble with lavish details including architectural headpieces that were both gaudy and fun, especially with the exaggerated golden Mickey ears; neck to toe embellished cut-out bodice, made famous by Nikki Minaj; overstated 3D corsets of mixed media, adorned by crystals, pearls and chain fringes; and many more must see accoutrement. It was a captivating live art exhibition, truly inimitable and “very Gathercole.”

If you failed to see Rocky’s showcase at LAFW2016 in California and with only tentative return to Arizona for Phoenix Fashion Week in Fall 2016, you wouldn’t want to miss Rocky Gathercole’s exclusive 20-garment trailblazing fashion inspired by the architecture of the museum itself, to be featured at the 4^th Annual Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts fundraiser gala, “SMoCA Mix: Fashionably Avant-Garde” on May 7^th, 2016. Sponsorship and tickets are still available at http://www.smoca.org/event/smoca-mix-2016/, secure your spot in this one night only “expect the unexpected” themed dynamic affair and get ready to luxuriate in haute couture, visual arts, live acts, fashionable hors d’oeuvre and mixed libations.

Photo credits Chris Loomis Photography
(www.chrisloomis.com)

Rocky Gathercole is internationally acclaimed and a go to for Hollywood A-listers.  For the Stars Fashion House, located in Los Angeles, holds most of Rocky's extravagant house couture and is accessible to stylists, editorial photographers and celebrities the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nikki Minaj, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez to name a few. See Rocky's celebs on instagram: @VeryGathercole 

Too long to list the many exciting projects lined up for Rocky this year, allow me to reveal one covert affair, sshhh… After a successful collaboration with model/host Tyra Banks to design wearable art for the America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22 finale episode, wait for it…..wait for it….. Heidi Klum, already a Gathercole aficionado, also desired Rocky’s artistry for Germany’s Next Top Model.  Like ANTM last season, it will be a #VeryGathercole finale for GNTM Cycle 11 to be held, for the first time in 10 years, at an open- air venue in warmer weathered Spain according to ProSieben CEO Daniel Rosemann. While the airdate is not announced yet, and the exact location of the live finale cannot be divulged, I can tell you that Rocky and GNTM are scheduled for a photo shoot sometime in May. Remember, you heard it here first!

Stoked to be his guest at LAFW, Rocky and I leisurely indulged in small talks backstage.  Just how does Rocky manage to turn it up a notch time and time? Raising all glory and praise, Rocky pointed up to Him, and said to whom he owes his life, passion and talent.  He was also quick to acknowledge his behind the scene team of talents and collaborators, and appreciates “kayong mga totoong tao sa buhay ko,” to quote his own words. In all humility, never once did he bask in the limelight! Rather, his mind is absorbed by his desire to continue his personal wellness and enhance his relationships holistically - spiritual, emotional, mental and physical, especially on his 50^th natal year.

For one final round, he got up to field a few more media questions and at one point was asked how it felt to be on top of the world amidst a swanky circle. While it was nice to be recognized and rewarded, Rocky humbly claimed, “My work was never about fame and money!”

For your achievements and accolades, we say BRAVO! For your genuine heart and humility, we ADMIRE you. Mabuhay ka, Rocky Gathercole!

‘Til the next ish dolls. In the meantime, get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene! Hit me up online, visit and like “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter!

XOXO,
Sheila