Whimsical. Feminine. Ethereal. These are the words often used to describe the pieces that Simone Rocha sends down the runway. There is always rounded and architectural volume, contrasts between gilded brocades and plain canvas, and creatively edged cottons and gauzy layers.
She is known for being incredibly thoughtful. Take the designer’s SS21 collection, where upon close inspection the gauzy layers held little messages – on tulle, super-fine patterns of castles, in the broderie anglaise, SR monograms. When queried about the meaning, she replied: “Castles in faraway places. I think that’s the escapism we’re all craving.” Another signature is the use of pearls. This season, there were headdresses, breast outliners, and a kind of puffed-sleeve skeleton made of pearls.
Simone has revealed in previous interviews that when it comes to her creative process, everything starts with fabric. Unlike other designers, she doesn’t draw, but rather stands and works with a model in her North London atelier. In an industry where so much can seem the same, her originality seems to know no bounds. Every collection feels as if only she could have designed it – which is perhaps why the women who wear her incredible clothes are so loyal. She has said of her namesake label: “It’s not just a brand, it’s a community of like-minded people.”
Each season, Simone Rocha’s collection takes our breath away. The part of us that loves fashion deeply is touched by her creations. There are her embellished signature pieces, but then also thoughtfully designed classics with a twist, that you would wear every day.
Simone Rocha is of Irish-Cantonese heritage and lauded for her unique pieces with a strong sense of femininity. She is the daughter of renowned London-based designer John Rocha and his wife and business manager Odette, so grew up immersed in creativity. Since her arrival on the London fashion scene – she was selected by Lulu Kennedy to show at Fashion East in 2010 – she has always held a unique spot on the fashion landscape.
Each season, Simone Rocha’s collection takes our breath away. The part of us that loves fashion deeply is touched by her creations. There are her embellished signature pieces, but then also thoughtfully designed classics with a twist, that you would wear every day.