Considering the wattage of the clientele Rocky Gathercole caters to, it is surprising that he is not yet a household name. Gathercole has provided Katy Perry’s gold ensemble in her music video Dark Horse and all Britney Spears’ outfits for the billboards of her ongoing Las Vegas Piece of Me Tour. At present, Lady Gaga’s stylist Brandon Maxwell has over 30 of Gathercole’s designs as he is in the midst of re-imaging the entertainer’s look for her concert Artrave. Apart from these singers, Gathercole has designed gowns, dresses and costumes for Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Jordin Sparks and Nicki Minaj.
Gathercole worked for 20 years in the Middle East, an experience that, according to him, “has given me training better than what the best international fashion school can provide.” He has since set up an atelier in Kamuning, Quezon City where he entertains clients who go to him for bridal gowns.
“I want to see art in every piece that I make. When one creates art there must be no limitation. My expression of my dream world is manifested in every masterpiece that I execute. Fashion is luxury. Luxury knows no bounds, it has infinite possibilities. It takes a ‘fit’ and daring woman to handle my kind of art wear. I call my creations wearable pieces of art as they are not for those with limited imagination. I know that not everyone can carry off my clothes. I do not believe that fashion and art are mutually inclusive. Fashion can be artless and art can be fashionless,” expressed Gathercole.
(Rocky Gathercole’s atelier is located at #2 Kamuning Road cor. Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City. For more information, call
0949-658-4108 or e-mail rgmanila@gmail.com.)
Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Makeup and hairstyling by BARBARA BENNETT • Assistant makeup artist: MICHELLE BENNETT • Model: JAQUE BORGES • Styling by VHEE CO • Production assistant: KINNY ANDRADA • Art direction by REM DIVINO • Shot on location at ACACIA HOTEL manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City • Special thanks to Acacia Hotel general manager Bobby Horrigan.