SIMONE ROCHA
Hard and soft, romantic and heartbreaking, man-made and natural. Simone Rocha has always been attracted to contrasts, so it’s no surprise that her collections exude a tomboy-feminine flair. Reworking girly shapes and motifs through the lens of contemporary times, this Irish-born designer proposes a functional, strong and emotional interpretation of womanhood. “I started creating clothes to translate my feelings and thoughts into something physical. I was interested in how things make you feel when you wear them – that power they have,” recounts Rocha, who still fully controls her brand founded in 2010. “The label has two shops – one in London and one in New York – and over 100 doors in stores worldwide. I’m also collaborating with Moncler and artists such as the Louise Bourgeois Studio.” With the evolution of her creativity, she’s now developing larger collections and venturing into shoes, bags, jewellery and daywear. “I design a lot of my fabrics, like lacquered lace and tinsel tulles,” explains Rocha, who loves volumes and playful proportions juxtaposed with tailoring and patchworks. “Every season there’s an element of craftwork, too, which can include crochet or macramé, for example.” Along with Ireland, her father’s homeland of Hong Kong is another big influence, “because of the family connection and personal heritage. Both places have such striking landscapes as well. I’m also inspired by my mother, my daughter, my friends and my team.”