How the House of Gorgeous Gucci Prepared for the Porcelain Ball
On a crisp November morning, I arrived at Pearl Studios, a rehearsal space in midtown Manhattan. The noise from the room opposite drew me in, where the House of Gorgeous Gucci was in full swing, preparing for the Porcelain Ball. The team, led by co-founders Jack Mizrahi and Kelly, was a diverse group of individuals: Lola, Rana, Zahara, Midori Monet, Hazel, Christian, Los, Jozea, Thaddeus, Kiddy, and Corey. They were in the midst of a creative process that would showcase their talent and unique style.
The Birth of a House
Jack Mizrahi, a founding member of the House of Mizrahi, shares his vision for the House of Gorgeous Gucci. "After decades working with Andre Mizrahi, I wanted to create a modern house with a fresh perspective." With a 30-year legacy in ballroom, Mizrahi wanted to honor the past while pushing boundaries. "We might be young, but we are connected to an old ballroom bloodline." The house is preparing for the Face as a House category, where they will compete for the grand prize by impressing a panel of judges with their performance and outfit.
Sustainable Fashion Meets Art
To create their looks for the Porcelain Ball, the house collaborated with Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, known for his upcycling expertise. "I started by selecting catwalk samples from my studio that had already been upcycled using unconventional materials," Germanier explains. The samples, usually destined for archives or museums, were given a second life, transforming into stunning garments. Each piece became a work of art, showcasing the house members' unique style and the designer's creativity.
Collaborative Effort
Another designer, Leo Prothmann from London, was invited to support the house in the Foot & Eyewear category. Inspired by his fall 2025 collection, he created a pair of upcycled thigh-high rubber boots with metal bars for the house's West Coast Father, Corey. The eyewear segment featured a collaboration with Maxina, a London-based designer, who molded multiple frames to create a pair of extraterrestrial-looking sunglasses. Prothmann reflects, "Being part of this reminded me of why I create: to connect, to express, and to challenge what fashion can mean."
Choreography and Teamwork
As the preparations progressed, the focus shifted to the choreography for the Face as a House category. Mizrahi and Kelly oversaw the process, providing feedback when needed. Zahara emphasizes the importance of unity, "We have to make sure we look like one. We have to be cohesive with one another for the judges."
The team's energy and creativity were on full display as they rehearsed their performance. Jozea and Los began with a playful circle, like territorial lions, before engaging in a tug of war with their interlocking arms. Christian joined them, and they formed a line, swaying their hips in sync with the music. Zahara and Hazel added their unique flair with hair flicks, facial gestures, and arm movements. Lola took center stage, and the group rearranged into their final pose, a testament to their teamwork and dedication.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
While ballroom has gained popularity through documentaries and series, the intensive preparations often go unnoticed. Kelly highlights the importance of this behind-the-scenes work, "Whenever someone does a TV show or an interview about ballroom, this is the part that always gets missed. Here is where we show we’re more than just what’s on the ballroom floor."
Mizrahi adds, "What you’re seeing here is where the magic is. The build-up to a ball is the inception of our creativity." The day I spent with the House of Gorgeous Gucci was a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and hard work. As the day wound down, the team zipped up garment bags, packed away boxes of high heels, and shared final notes, ready to showcase their talent and unique style at the Porcelain Ball.
