The Tamesis
Simone Rocha’s work is always precise, whether it’s the meticulous research into folklore and history that informs her collections, or the technical know-how for her unique blends of fabrics. Additionally, she has an uncanny ability to make even the most contrasting styles feel harmonious: pairing girly ribbons and ruffles with BDSM-influenced leather and latex, for example, or pairing a flowy floral dress with biker boots and a pearl-encrusted choker.
But the appeal of Rocha’s designs is universal – a fact evident at an event she hosted at her Worcester Street store on Thursday night to celebrate her latest collaboration with Crocs. (She was number five, if you can believe it.) She certainly has multi-generational fans: The standout guests included a group of 60- and 70-something hangers-on in richly embroidered mutton-sleeved coats and shimmering metallic gowns, although in my opinion the best-dressed attendee of the night was a teenage daughter who browsed the aisles with her mom, wearing a red-and-black ribbon bow on her dress. Wearing sparkling Rocha crystal brooches in her hair and chest.
As a result, the event was full of fun and welcomed an eclectic mix of editors, stylists and plenty of Simone Rocha superfans. Laila Gohar, for one, was slicing a cake topped with vanilla buttercream and pointing out guests to a striking raspberry platter served with whipped cream on a silver gravy plate. Champagne was passed around on silver platters as guests ran their hands over the crystal-encrusted rubber of block-heeled crocodile shoes.
Notably, it was a reminder that Rocha’s design was perfect for Monday night’s Met Gala, given the “fashion is art” red carpet theme. (After all, no one pays homage to artists quite like Rocha, whether it’s the delicate Louise Bourgeois-inspired spiderweb embroidery in her fall 2019 collection or those weird onesies she’s designing for spring 2025 that feature paintings by Irish artist Genieve Figgis. If anyone can convince us that fashion is true art, it’s her.)
The designer himself can be seen strolling through the crowd in a silky black bomber jacket and crystal drop earrings, which inevitably raises the question: Who on earth might be lucky enough to wear Simone Rocha’s couture on Monday night? Well, watch this space.
