There was a real buzz in Somerset House, the hub for London Fashion Week, ahead of the John Rocha show. It was a very much family event with his son Max as DJ setting the atmosphere with heavy base music and his daughter/ designer-to-watch-out-for Simone taking front row ahead of her own fashion show alongside the likes of Laura Whitmore and Roisin Murphy.

Rocha’s collection is a must have for lovers of textile and vintage. Inspiration for this exquisite collection comes from black-lit paintings of Pierre Soliages, Neil Young’s Harvest Moon and the stark Landscape of Iceland translating to a masterful mishmash of textures.

This girl loved the heavily worked wool and tweeds used to create a waist cinching prom dress edged with crocheted detailing (a key trend coming through for A/W 2011!) In true Rocha style, black dominated the catwalk with splashes of nudes and whites and he also showed a dramatic red trench coat and a dress inspired by traditional pea coats.

Opening the show with a corset-into-sheer skirt ensemble revealing thigh-high boots in a sexy yet refined way. This maxi flare skirt trend continued with huge petal constructed hats with literally overshadowed the dresses on display. The men wore tight-fitted suits, tailored coats and fur-rimmed collars with metallic stud shoes.

The modern twisted Rocha brought to the catwalk was cocoon shaped backpacks with strapless cocktail dresses and metallic platforms boots giving a glam rock edge to a collection.

With over 25 years since his first show, Rocha continues to push the style boundaries and this collection is no exception, he still remains as one of Ireland’s top designers.

By Doireann Young

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