Go all out and do good
Shirt hire from Kingsman Suit Hire; makeup by Gemma Rae Dudson (Epic Entertainment); hair by Mods Hair Merivale; photography by Charlie Rose Creative.
Christchurch’s take on the Met Gala returns for 2024.
Simply known as The Gala, this year’s charity event supports Gumboot Friday and I Am Hope, two initiatives led by mental health advocate Mike King.
Since its inception, The Gala has backed I Am Hope’s in-school and community mental health programmes, as well as Gumboot Friday, which offers free counselling to Aotearoa’s youth who are in crisis. Despite Gumboot Friday recently receiving government funding, co-founders Helena Lowe and Zane Tate emphasise that The Gala will help raise “absolutely essential” funds to cover I Am Hope’s operational costs.
Mental health advocacy is very close to both Zane’s and Helena’s hearts. After their own struggles, they saw the need to raise money and awareness about New Zealand’s dire statistics and provide a safe space for expression. They encourage the sharing of stories, with Mike, Zane, and Helena sharing their own struggles with mental health and paying tribute to the close friends they have lost.
“After telling my story at last year’s event, many people approached me saying they now had the confidence to share their feelings – particularly men,” Zane says.
A key to The Gala’s creation of a safe space is its ethereal themes. Much like its namesake, the hosts encourage guests to dress their absolute best. Helena says, “Nothing is too much – people should express themselves and have fun with it.”
This year’s theme is ‘Prismatic: Luminance In Vogue’.
“We are shining a light on our guests! Like a prism, people are multi-faceted and this is the opportunity to show all sides of yourself and be celebrated for it! It is a formal dress code but we encourage you to let your personality shine through your outfit. To be on theme, think light-reflecting fabrics, pastel hues, all-white ensembles, bold metallics, and sequin glam! We can’t wait to be wowed by people’s individuality and their creations!”
This culminates with a best-dressed competition, judged by Leigh-Anne Rheeder, fashion stylist and image consultant at Ballantynes, Rebecca Stewart, owner of Youngs Jewellers, Stephanie Murray of Stephanie Murray Mortgages, and Kurt Hazelwood. Finalists will be shoulder-tapped throughout the evening, and the winners will take away a prize.
The dazzling experience goes beyond fantastical outfits. The Christchurch Art Gallery setting is transformed into another world, with world-class acts brought to you this year by Epic Entertainment and local band, Diamond Blue.
Tickets include a five-hour beverage service, champagne bar, a decadent food service served throughout the evening, and the entertainment.
A highlight of the evening is the live auction, with Zane and Helena assuring attendees that there will be some “really awesome” items this year.
Zane and Helena are inviting businesses and individuals to “really make a difference” with their sponsorships. As a Platinum Sponsor (valued at $25,000), your workplace will get a session with Mike King, a photoshoot with Charlie Rose Creative, 10 weeks of billboard space, and two Gala tickets. There are also Gold, Silver, and Bronze packages. If you are interested in sponsoring, please direct all enquiries to events@helenalowe.com. For those just wanting to support the event, you can become a Friend of the Gala for $275. Tickets are available now via Humantix.com.
The Gala, 7 September, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū | @thegalachch