Hollywood celebrity fashion designer Rocky Gathercole is lending his star power to the Miss World Australia New South Wales state finals with pageant finalists to showcase his brand new collection at a star-studded event at The Star Sydney in July.

Based in Los Angeles, Rocky Gathercole is a favourite of big-name celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry as well as Australia’s own Sia, and recently showcased his avant-garde creations at Los Angeles, Miami and New York Fashion Weeks. The forthcoming spectacular fashion showcase is the brainchild of Marites Novis and William Lin, executive producers of Sydney-based MFN Productions, and will feature as part of the evening wear judging section of the Miss World Australia 2019 New South Wales state finals on 7 July.

Novis reached out to the famed designer after being exposed to his unique designs through social media, often adorned by the world’s biggest and brightest stars. Both Ms Novis and Mr Gathercole are Filipino born, and said they are proud to celebrate their heritage and achievements around the world. “Rocky and I have become good friends, and now we are hand-in-hand in producing fashion shows that not only showcase his incredible avant-garde fashion designs, but also wave the flag of the Philippines worldwide,” said Novis.

Homeless from the age of 14 in the Philippines with limited support, Rocky moved to Saudi Arabia where he embarked on the journey of launching his eponymous label for which he is now famous. “As a fellow Filipino, I couldn’t help but feel proud of his collections being recognised worldwide. So, with utter determination to help extend his international reach, I invited him to debut his collection at the Miss World Australia state finals in Sydney, and then we just clicked,” said Novis.

Miss World Australia national director, Deborah Miller said she was excited that Mr Gathercole had chosen to align with the pageant, known the world over for its “beauty with a purpose” mantra. “We are really excited as an organisation to collaborate with such a highly-regarded and internationally recognised fashion designer as Rocky, and appreciate his belief that there is room for all types of beauty. It’s really a perfect match as the Miss World Australia pageant is so passionate about championing and promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms,” said Miller.

Finalists from across the country will compete for the coveted title of Miss World Australia 2019 at the gala crowning ceremony at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast on Friday, 19 July.

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