VALE: Very RG, Rocky Gathercole: June 17, 1966 - March 3, 2021
The Australian Filipina joins the Filipinos around the world and people in the fashion and showbiz industries in deep sadness over the untimely demise of the world's top avant garde couturier, Filipino Rocky Gathercole. According to reports and confirmed by his trustee and fashion designer, Simple that the 54 year old was found lifeless in his home in Quezon City, Philippines on March 3, 2021.
Rocky's life story has inspired countless of people. From a battered child who ended up homeless at age of 14 years, to across the seas to Dubai and other places. Through his talents, grit and hard work he became a celebrated fashion designer who dressed the who's who of showbiz and women in the high society in the USA, Philippines and many other parts of the world.
These gliteratti are Beyonce, J Lo, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Thalia, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga in the USA; in the Philippines - Sharon Cuneta, our very own Jasmine Henry and many others.
Huge fashion events such as Fashion Week in New York, Los Angeles, the Philippines and other places had celebrated his creations which defied fashion conventions. Comments by the celebrities and models who wore his exquisite and dazzling creations included: “It feels amazing; it feels just fabulous; I feel empowered as a woman; It is makes me feel beautiful; I feel walking on a platform out of this world..."
On December 1, 2018 Rocky showcased in Sydney his dazzling designs in the event Rock the Runway Australia. Then he celebrated his thirty years in the fashion industry in Australia at the Miss World 2019 New South Wales Finals & Very RGAthercole Collection held on July 7, 2019.
The Australian Filipina is glad to share the comments from a few people who became close to Rocky when they worked with him in the Sydney events. These are Marites Novis who brought Rocky to Sydney for the two fashion shows; Charles Chan who worked as Backstage Manager in the 2018 show; Pin Henry, mother of Jasmine Henry who was part of the Sydney shows; and Jasmine Henry who has modelled Rocky's creations which had been big hits on the runway as well as featured on the cover of top fashion magazines in the USA.
What do you appreciate most about Rocky Gathercole's life?
MARITES NOVIS
Rocky was the epitome of living life to the fullest. He's always been so full of energy. When you're with him, there would never be a dull moment. He's got too many stories to tell and a lot of passion in what he did and seeing that firsthand, it has inspired the people around him, not only me, to do better in what we do, in what we're passionate about and to never forget to be humble along the way.
CHARLES CHAN
I think the one that strikes me the most is his humble beginning. From a life of poverty, homelessness, isolation and struggle to the life of fame, admiration and inspiration.
PIN HENRY
Rocky was a real friend. He didn't hesitate to tell me if I had made some questionable decisions in life especially in the showbiz industry. No filter between us. He was there at my lowest in 2018, up to now he never changed.
What qualities of Rocky would you remember most?
MARITES NOVIS
He was a loyal friend. So many offers came his way but he told me he wanted to stay by my side and be in my team. He's someone who likes to take the moral high ground when things become difficult and he's a good friend who, no matter where you are, will always have your back. It's very difficult for me because two days prior to this very sad news, I was thinking about him and was planning to call him once I've gotten past this busy week. It's very difficult and I'm feeling everything at one; loss, regret, heartbreak, pain.
What only gives me comfort right now is the knowledge that he is in a much better and peaceful place now, no pain or sufferings anymore. He will definitely be forever in our minds, hearts and prayers and the legacy he left behind, his designs, his passion.. it will always be remembered as the Rocky Gathercole print.
CHARLES CHAN
His ability to communicate even to the littlest models, the kids. He was also not hard to please. He did not have the Prima Donna attitude.
PIN HENRY
Rocky being so sweet and always keeping us in most of his plans.
He was so prayerful and a loyal friend. He always guided Jas and gave her 'parently' advice, even concerning her future love life. LOL.
*How did you and Rocky get connected?
MARITES NOVIS
We got connected by a mutual friend, Marlan Flores who is a TV host and actress, daughter of a good friend. From there, we just clicked as good friends.
CHARLES CHAN
Our connection was through Marites Novis who produced his first Fashion Show in Australia.
PIN HENRY
Through Marites Novis, we were invited to meet him for a fashion show project back in Sydney. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We had undergone trials over the years, but his sincerity and love for us, especially to Jasmine is unforgettable
*Which event or time you had with him that you would forever remember?
MARITES NOVIS
With Rocky, there were definitely too many good memories to remember, but one event that will forever stick with me would be the Miss World Australia Event. That event really sparked everyone's creativity because of Rocky. He was the colourful energy that surrounded the team and inspired us to keep going and finish the show strong.
CHARLES CHAN
The event at The Hilton where he first showcased his collections to the Australian Public. I was the Backstage Manager for him. I also had the pleasure and privilege to be part of the group which went to Melbourne after the Sydney show.
PIN HENRY
In 2019 we had a heart to heart talk about life. I ended my video because it was the most intimate time he was sharing, even his faith to God, about us, how he saw Jasmine as his daughter and the trueness of his intentions.
JASMINE HENRY'S TRIBUTE
Sixteen year old artist Jasmine Henry of Sydney has been based in the Philippines in the last two years with her mother Pin Henry, in Jasmine's pursuit of her passions for modelling, singing and acting. She has become one of Rocky's protegees, being dressed by him at the very young age of fourteen years.
Along with huge celebrities in showbiz, Jasmine has modelled for him in major fashion events in Manila and in Sydney, and selected by Rocky to be featured in his creations on the cover of overseas fashion magazines.
She is very distraught and has opted to send words of tribute rather than reply to questions.
"Mama Rocky was one of my mentors. He was also like a parent to me. He guided and gave me touching advice on any concern I had. We discussed topics that I will carry with me my whole life. He would always remind me to pray and be kind to everyone even those pulling me down. I appreciate him for all he was.
"Rocky was not only a kind, loving and honest person, he was so much more. He always told me to never compromise my morals for anything. To stay faithful. To dream big.
"I admire him for how much he thought about others although he was caught up in his own troubles. He believed in me so much even before seeing results. He had so many plans for me. He once told me “masaya na kami ng Nanay mo. Gusto lang namin na makita kang magtagumpay,” and that he loved me so much like a daughter.
"Never In my whole life will I ever forget him. I will reach the dreams we both dreamt of and bring him with me in my heart."
Rest in Peace Rocky. You had inspired us and our readers with your life story, and with your humble persona.