Hauntingly Beautiful
Simone Rocha’s latest collection is a striking exploration of desire and mortality, playing on what we crave yet cannot possess and what we dread but cannot escape. This collection marks the end of a three-show cycle, following "The Dress Rehearsal" in London and "The Procession" in Paris, where she collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier. Titled "The Wake," this final act brought the series to a close in the eerie atmosphere of St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Mourning and Protection
Rocha’s inspiration came from her research into Jean Paul Gaultier’s archives and Queen Victoria’s mourning dress at Hampton Court Palace. She found a connection between the two in their use of boning, which became a central element in this collection. Corsetry appeared in various forms, from tie-detail nylon parkas to sheer jackets, emphasizing both adornment and protection. The collection juxtaposed provocative designs with elements of mourning, creating a dialogue between vulnerability and defense.
Twisted Elegance
The collection featured a wide range of looks, from faux-fur accented menswear to twisted, prim-yet-provocative dresses in crushed velvet and brocade. Rocha’s designs included surreal touches, like bags shaped after ghostly dogs with red beaded eyes, reminiscent of the spectral Church Grim. This final collection was a beautiful and eerie send-off, embodying the seductive and dangerous intimacy that Queen Victoria once warned of in her dealings with artists.
Simone Rocha - BEADED CLASSIC BOW CROSSBODY BAG
Simone Rocha - PETAL SLEEVE SCULPTED CORSET DRESS
Simone Rocha - FAUX FUR CRISS CROSS BALLERINA
