On Day 2 of London Fashion Week, the much-anticipated John Rocha show caused a stir. Many were left out of the celebration as the show reached maximum capacity prematurely, and the lucky few who managed to nab a seat (including myself) eagerly awaited what promised to be an intriguing show. Drawing inspiration from the colours of a Sean Scully painting, the enduring love symbolized in the traditional Celtic Claddagh, and the work of Alexander Calder, John Rocha produced an intense collection. True to his aesthetic, the collection maintained its tenderness, balanced with a defiant strength.
A passion for texture and exploration has always been an indentifiable signature of Rocha’s collections. Manifesting itself this time in the form of innovative needlework and embellishment, John Rocha conjured up an array of sharp designs with delicate details. Silk georgette was cut to create layers of texture to add the John Rocha effect to whimsical headpieces, jumpsuits, dresses, and skirts.
Dancing between the lines between menswear and womanswear, John Rocha sent models down the runway attired in sculptural, sharp silhouettes. The collection suggested a play against subtle volume draped to float around the body in unexpected proportions.
Good old John hasn’t forgotten the John Rocha men of our generation… Continuing his fixation on texture, the Rocha man will be sporting super slim jackets and skinny trousers. Come spring, exaggerated coats, richly embellished t-shirts, collar shirts, and knee length tailored shorts will be on every fashionisto’s wish list.
In typical Rocha fashion, the colour focused on black and white. Chalked hues of tobacco, almond, umber, egg cube, blue, old rose, lichen green, sunset orange, and pink made a cameo appearance at the show amongst the monochromatic color palette.
Images excerpted from The Fashion Spot forums.
