Simone Rocha

The London-based Irish designer – known for her twisted yet pretty, Victoriana-influenced sensibilities – shares her cultural inspirations and indulgences.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
The London-based Irish designer – known for her twisted yet pretty, Victoriana-influenced sensibilities – shares her cultural inspirations and indulgences.
 
My Reading Room

Simone Rocha

WHERE SHE GOES FOR INSPIRATION

“The Sally Gap pass in the Wicklow Mountains (in mideastern Ireland). The landscape (a panaromic view of the Irish uplands and lakes) is very inspiring and special to me as I’ve been going there since I was a child.”

FAVOURITE ART SPACE

“London’s Tate Modern for the scale of its building (it’shoused in a former power station), and its inspirationalexhibitions of (modern and contemporary art) spanning different mediums (from videos to paintings).”

HER ART HERO

“The works of (French-American artist) Louise Bourgeois– be they sculptures, fabric prints or drawings – are a constant source of inspiration to me. Her engagement with texture, form and colour, and exploration of themes like femininity and family fascinate me.”

GO-TO RESTAURANT

“Ikeda, a very small traditional Japanese restaurant in Mayfair, London. I’d recommend the dobin mushi, a traditional seafood broth served in a tea pot.”

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION

“I love the Claridge’s in Mayfair. It’s a classic and great place for a drink when you’re in central London.”

PERSONAL FRAGRANCE

“Carnal Flower by Frederic Malle (which has notes of melon, tuberose and musk) feels natural on my skin.”

FALL/WINTER 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

“The ruffled satin patchwork dresses feature multiple prints that were designed in-house – these prints helped to shape the texture and tactile quality of my entire collection (carried here at Club 21). Meanwhile, our suits are classically tailored, but come with feminine details like bows and puffed sleeves. They can be layered under tulle dresses, but also work on their own. Also, the pearl and beaded hair clips are perfect everyday accessories.”

Text & Coordination Christabel Teo Sculpture Photo 123rf.com Sally Gap Photo TPG/Click Photos
My Reading Room
She wears Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower for its fresh vegetal scent of melon and tuberose.
 
My Reading Room
She recommends London’s Claridge’s for its bar, The Fumoir, which will transport one to the ’30s with its Art Deco interior and Lalique glassware.
 
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Her art fix: London’s Tate Modern, where “Picasso 1932 – Love, Fame, Tragedy” runs till Sept 7.
 
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The Sally Gap mountain pass, with sweeping views of the Irish uplands, offers her respite.
 
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French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, famous for sculptures like the Maman giant spider in Bilbao, is her art idol.
 
My Reading Room

Simone Rocha F/W ’18