Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha is an Irish‑Chinese designer who launched her eponymous label in 2010 after studying at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin and Central Saint Martins in London. The daughter of designer John Rocha, she quickly forged her own identity with collections that juxtapose romantic femininity with dark, sometimes macabre elements. Early shows were supported by the Fashion East incubator, and her debut at London Fashion Week in 2011 garnered acclaim for voluminous silhouettes, tulle‑layered dresses and hand‑embellished details.

Over the past decade the brand has grown steadily with flagship stores in London, New York, Hong Kong and Taipei and has expanded into menswear, accessories and footwear. Rocha’s collaborations include projects with Moncler Genius and a widely publicised collection for H&M, bringing her aesthetic to wider audiences.

Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Simone Rocha received numerous awards, including Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2016. She continues to present during London Fashion Week and remains a favourite of fashion critics.

The label is family‑run, enabling Rocha to retain creative control and respond quickly to global opportunities. Her work explores femininity through contrasts — combining lace, tulle and pearls with utilitarian pockets, hardware and subversive references — and draws inspiration from art, nature and her dual heritage. By blending romanticism with a modern edge, she has cultivated a loyal international clientele.

Simone Rocha’s philosophy is to explore and modernise femininity. She juxtaposes traditionally “pretty” elements such as florals, lace and pearls with unexpected materials and dark motifs, creating tension between fragility and strength. Rocha believes in putting women at the centre of her work: casting diverse models and designing garments that celebrate different body shapes, ages and identities. Her collections often reference female artists, historical narratives and her Irish‑Chinese heritage, weaving storytelling and personal symbolism into garments.

She values independence and integrity, operating her business without external investors to remain true to her vision. Sustainability is approached through longevity rather than trend‑driven production; she creates heirloom pieces meant to be cherished and passed down. Rocha works closely with artisans in the UK and abroad, emphasising meticulous craftsmanship and small‑scale production.

Recent collections have addressed themes such as motherhood, Irish folklore and female resilience, demonstrating that fashion can be both personal and political. She has also experimented with upcycled materials and sustainable packaging as part of her commitment to responsible practices. By fusing romanticism with a subversive edge and prioritising inclusive storytelling, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary womenswear and inspires audiences to rethink what femininity can mean, today and in the future.