Not just another Dubai designer

Designer watch: Rocky Gathercole

MANILA, Philippines - Dubai has become the next fashion destination for Filipino designers. With Dubai-based Pinoy designer Michael Cinco making a name in the international scene, Rocky Gathercole now hopes to follow in his footsteps.

Based in Dubai for the past 21 years now, Rocky says, “Some people have characterized me as ebullient but still love the serious things in life. I am mostly a loner who values his privacy. I am shy, but once you get to know me, you will see the colorful side of me.  I am a fashion schizophrenic.  I can go from 1800s to 22nd century in just a shift.”

Rocky Gathercole.

With many places to choose from, why did he decide to settle in Dubai? “Opportunities. More opportunities and more opportunities. Here, you can design whatever you want; all the materials are within reach and everything you will ever need is just a taxi away.”

“Dubai is a melting pot and a trading center and most importantly, a bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa.  For the sole reason that since each country is represented here, all the clothing tastes are represented here also,” he adds.

In terms of dressing up, Rocky says that women from the Middle East love blings. They also demand originals. “They don’t like it when they realize that their dress is a copy or a reproduction.”

Rocky describes the women who wear his clothes: “I guess feistiness is a major characteristic of women who wear my clothes.”

He mentions designer Thierry Mugler as his favorite. His dream clients include Madonna and Beyonce, also KC Concepcion and Marian Rivera.

“Filipinos are talented, dedicated and highly ambitious.  We excel because we don’t give up,” he says.

Rocky says he would love to design back home. “If given the chance, I’d love to design for a major TV network.  I’m into fantaserye where the costumes are futuristic albeit expensive. If this happens, I’ll gladly settle back home.”

Rocky shares, “Never give up. Do your homework and know the clothing type of the place where you want to go.  Think outside that proverbial box.  Going with the flow is a trite fad, it shows complete passivity and lack of drive.  Go against the flow and think. And most importantly, pray.”