London Fashion Week 2011: John Rocha

 Texture and structure are long established design staples for Debenhams’s favourite, John Rocha. However, the Hong Kong born designer’s London Fashion Week SS12 collection  is anything  but old fashions as he champions bold and dramatic pieces to a packed out crowd.

Muted tones of black, rich honey and white reigned supreme, a carefully chosen palette forming the perfect relationship with the designs as not to distract from the beautifully crafted lightweight sheer fabrics juxtaposed against heavy texture.
The silhouettes felt  undeniably modern, something I was honestly wasn’t expecting.  Dramatic dresses with fitted, crochet bodices and full sculptured skirts with voluminous, almost feather-like fringed skirts  were set in contrast to intricate straw embellishment and embroidery.

Inspired by “seaweed, sculpture & handcrafting” and his own travels, the Red Indian influence is apparent front the start from the centre parted skinny braids to the heavy clog shoe and natural straw finishes.  However, the focal point for many was the simply stunning head pieces ranging from Mohawk  contraptions to structured likening the models to horned gazelles, ready to leap through the tribal landscape. Despite the obvious fragile beauty of his designs, each model toughened up the look like studs and nose rings to add an edge to the elegance.

Also, it has to be said, this collection seems like a lot of love went into it. For the first time at London Fashion Week 2011, a designer did more than a coy back from the start of the runway as John Rocha walked out arm in arm with his opening model, Abbey Lee, thanking the audience with all his heart for such an astounding reception.