Coming home: John Rocha plans to spend time in Hong Kong after retiring from fashion circuit
In the four decades since he left Hong Kong, John Rocha has seen his share of ups and downs. Having announced his retirement from the fashion circuit, the Dublin-based designer is going out on a high note, writes Francesca Fearon.
John Rocha's sweet bell-shaped organdie tank dress covered in appliquéd red blossoms and accompanying "big picture" hat have constituted one of the most photographed looks of the summer. The dark romantic ruffles of organza that adorned the velvet and crochet dresses shown off by the Hong Kong-born designer at London Fashion Week in February quickly attracted the attention of singers Lady Gaga and Rita Ora.
Sadly, however, for admirers of Rocha's poetic vision, that was the last we will see of those dreamy dresses on the catwalk. In May, the designer stunned the industry by announcing his retirement from the fashion circuit. Next month, his name will be missing from the London Fashion Week schedule, although his daughter, Simone, will ensure the Rocha family remains at the heart of the British shows.
"From now on my life will no longer be ruled by the fashion calendar," exclaims Rocha, with relief, when we meet over breakfast at Claridge's. For many years, the London hotel functioned as his base of operations during fashion week, before he renovated an old pub in Dover Street, Mayfair, into a shop and apartment.
The rewards of his success also include houses in St James's, central London; the south of France; and Dublin, in Ireland.
"Since 1991 I have never managed to spend Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, because of fashion week. There is nothing wrong with the fashion calendar but, after all this time, I would like to create my own calendar," says the veteran designer.
Rocha's announcement was especially surprising to the many who consider his recent work to be some of the finest of his career.