Rachel Gilbert, Australian fashion designer and embellished evening wear extraordinaire, is a woman with a cause as an ambassador for Black Tie for Breast Cancer (BT4BC).
The organisation was established by a group of young females from Sydney, all of whom have been affected by breast cancer in some way.
BT4BC holds an annual charity gala to raise funds for breast cancer patients at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick. The event, which is one of the hottest tickets on the Sydney social calendar, promises to be a fun-filled and entertaining night.
Gilbert’s celebrity co-ambassadors, including Jodi Gordon, Braith Anasta, Peter Morrissey, Sarah Cumming, Bianca Dye and Laura Csortan have all attended the black tie event since its inception three years ago.
Gilbert chatted to Rescu. about her involvement with the cause and shared her black tie styling tips.
RESCU: Why did you decide to get involved with the Black Tie for Breast Cancer gala?
Rachel Gilbert: Last year I met the most incredible woman that was battling breast cancer. At the time, her most fearful thought was that her daughter may endure the same experience. Her courage and the courage of her family throughout her treatment was so inspiring. I was equally as inspired by the incredible women who organise Black Tie for Breast Cancer, the signature gala event of the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation that works to raise vital funds to ensure the continued development of research, education and special projects, which will provide better treatment and service for people like the woman that inspired me so much last year.
RESCU: How will you decide what to wear on the night?
Rachel Gilbert: Dressing for a black tie event is one of my favourite things to prepare for. Being an eveningwear designer, I create many gowns but it’s not often I get to wear them, so in this case, it’s more of a problem of having “too much to choose from”. For Black Tie For Breast Cancer I have my eye on a long all over silver hand beaded on a nude mesh gown from my latest collection. Elegant, understated and classic. But I usually change my mind last minute depending on my mood that day.
RESCU: What top 5 fashion tips do you have for everyday women attending a black tie ball?
Rachel Gilbert: 1. Be comfortable in what you are wearing. Comfort gives that extra confidence and nothing is more appealing than confidence.
2. There is a lot of confusion on whether a short dress is suitable for a black tie event. I personally would always go with a long gown but if you decide to go short, I would suggest the length to be no shorter than just above the knee.
3. Never match the shoe, bag and dress in the same colour – unless its shades of nude or black. ‘Matchy Matchy’ is not advisable when it comes to black tie.
4. Minimise your accessories – less is more – a dress should make the statement and jewellery is just there to “accessorise” so keep it simple. A small clutch and some fabulous drop earrings are perfect to complement a gown
5. Make sure your hair and make-up complement the dress you are wearing. If you are wearing a one shoulder dress it’s always nice to try an ‘up do’ to accentuate the silhouette of the dress.
RESCU: What black tie trends are ‘in’ for 2012?
Rachel Gilbert: 2012 has seen a demure old glamour style return to red carpets – very classic and elegant. 50’s inspired styles are also on trend making lots of appearances on runways and black tie events. Fishtail/mermaid silhouettes always create a statement and can be seen everywhere on red carpets this year.
