Lady Gaga. Nikki Minaj. Britney Spears. Katy Perry. J.Lo. These are just some of the icons for whom avant garde fashion designer Rocky Gathercole has designed. And he's bringing those designs, as well as some of his wearable looks, to the Hotel VanZandt for a benefit show on Sunday, Oct. 31.Rocky Rocks the Austin Runway will expand across the entire second floor of the Hotel Van Zandt, with live entertainment by guitarist/soloist Ulrich Ellison, singer Nagavalli Medicharla, and dance ensemble Nina Sarafina. The show also will have two bars and booths by at least 10 local vendors including A Bead in Time, Merci Natural Cosmetics, Young Living Essential Oils, Darling Promotions, and @ Hello Lashes. The show is hosted by Double Diamonds Entertainment and will feature local Austin models and celebrities.
Proceeds from the show will benefit newly-formed non-profit organization Faith+Love+Care (FLC) International Children's Foundation, which supports efforts in Gathercole's native country of the Philippines. Gathercole is partnering with FLC founder, and fellow Philippina, Gigi Hobson to organize the show.
"I've been in Austin almost 30 years, and fashion is my business, and I still don't remember seeing as amazing fashion as this," said Hobson. Hobson went on to explain that FLC will use the show's earnings to support food programs, the distribution of school supplies, and the building of infrastructure in the Philippines.
Ticket prices range from $35 to $100 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
The $100 ticket includes VIP seating, a separate entrance to the Hotel Van Zandt ballroom for the show, access to a VIP lounge, complementary champagne and hors d'oeuvres, and a swag bag full of goodies from local vendors including: cosmetics from Gathercole's cosmetic lines ASIDA and JAZZY, items from Merci Naturals Cosmetics, and essential oils from Young Living.
The $75 ticket will get red carpet goers VIP seating, a separate entrance, access to a VIP lounge, and complementary champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The $50 ticket reserves s seat for the show, and $35 tickets are standing-room only. Walk-in tickets can be purchased at the door for $55 for a seated space and $40 for standing-room only.
Additionally, community members, businesses, and show goers can purchase sponsorships at different levels, with varying promotional benefits. A $1000 Gold benefactor will receive two front row tickets valued at $300, recognition in all promotional materials, business recognition in the slide show, a shout out during the fashion show, and a booth displaying their services and/or merchandise in the foyer. A $500 Silver sponsorship yields one front row ticket valued at $150, business recognition in the slide show, a shout out during the slide show, and a booth displaying services and/or merchandise in the foyer. A $250 bronze sponsorship provides one $50 seated ticket, business recognition in the slide show, a shout out during the show, and a booth in the foyer.
The red carpet reception begins at 4 p.m., followed by live entertainment, a cocktail hour, and cash bar. The lights go down at 6 p.m. for the actual show, which will feature a special guest emcee and additional live entertainment.
The Hotel Van Zandt is located at 605 Davis St., Austin, Texas, 78701.
