Known for her hyper-feminine and romantic pieces, the Irish designer, Simone Rocha is the next guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture.
After a stunning presentation in London Fashion Week, the positive news for Rocha doesn’t end there. In an announcement via Instagram, Rocha revealed the news by posting a photo of beautiful white flowers with a handwritten note by Gaultier that reads:
“Congratulations for your show!!! And see you, for your next one… In Paris!!!”
Launching the program after retiring in January of 2020, Rocha is the sixth guest designer. She follows on from Sacai’s Chitose Abe, Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, Glenn Martens of Y/Project and Diesel, Haider Ackermann, and Paco Rabanne’s Julien Dossena.
The Rise of Simone Rocha
Rocha has become a favourite of the London lineup since founding her label in 2010. Her debut collection, within the Fashion East showcase at London Fashion Week, was fresh from her graduation at Central Saint Martins. With her modern take on her unique aesthetic, she marries maximalist grunge and exaggerated femininity. Her design hallmarks, such as voluminous puff sleeves, bows, and tiny pearls, have been widely reproduced; especially as balletcore and coquette aesthetics have grown to dominate the trend cycle.
Since then, the designer has opened four physical stores throughout the world. Locations include London, New York, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Rocha has previously collaborated with labels such as Moncler, H&M, and J Brand. Her most recent performance also featured a new collaboration with Crocs.
In all, her signature style blends elements of romance with subversive feminine motifs, which lends itself to the Gaultier aesthetic. We can’t wait to see her interpretation of the brand. Rocha’s guest collection reveals in Paris, January 2024.
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