- Continuing a long tradition of acclaimed designer collaborations, H&M announced a new collaboration with fashion designer Simone Rocha earlier this year.
- The London-based designer is internationally renowned for her intricate and beautifully crafted collections, always with a nod to her own heritage: Ireland and Hong Kong.
- The collection launches 11 March 2021 and will be available to shop at the V&A Waterfront and Sandton City H&M stores.
From Balmain to Margiela, Kenzo, Comme des Garcons, Erdem to Giambattista Valli, H&M has been democratising luxury fashion through its annual designer collaborations for years.
So even in the midst of a pandemic, 2021 will be no different as the Swedish fashion retailer now brings Simone Rocha as the first Irish designer to undertake a collaboration with them.
About Simone Rocha
This collection – like all her work – celebrates her personal inter-ethnic heritage and the myriad inspirations which have defined the growth of her label, from the traditions and crafts of Hong Kong through to the greats of art history.
The Central Saint Martin’s College graduate is internationally renowned for her intricate and beautifully crafted collections, always with a nod to her own heritage: Ireland and Hong Kong.
The Simone Rocha x HM collection also marks a decade of her eponymous label – a great achievement for an independent London-based brand.
Along with 2017 H&M designer collaboration alumnus, Erdem, Simone Rocha has been praised by Vogue for turning their studio scraps into upcycled garments – a nod to H&M’s own commendable sustainability efforts.
READ MORE: Simone Rocha is the latest designer to be democratised in an H&M collab and we couldn’t be happier
In addition to now entering the H&M designer hall of fame, Simone Rocha boasts “collections that have gained her some of the most prestigious stockists in the world including Dover Street Market, Matchesfashion, Ikram, I.T, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.”
Under her belt, Simone Rocha holds accolades including the British Fashion Award for ‘Emerging Talent, Ready-to-Wear’ (2013) and ‘The New Establishment Award’ (2014).
At the 2016 Fashion Awards, Simone received the “British Womenswear Designer Award” as well as the 2016 Harper’s Bazaar Designer of Year Award. The 34-year-old Irish designer was also honoured on the prestigious BoF 500 list for her “forward-thinking and feminine collections”.
Simone Rocha photographed by Ben Toms. (Image supplied by H&M)
Simone Rocha photographed by Jack Symes. (Image supplied by H&M)
The campaign
Simone Rocha and H&M released the official campaign film and images for the upcoming Simone Rocha x H&M collection. Shot by Tyler Mitchell, in his signature optimistic style, the campaign invites people to step into the Simone Rocha x H&M world, and experience the feeling of community, strong femininity and closeness that underpins the collection.
The campaign is a story about friendship, joy and inclusivity – and an ode to moments of openness and congregation. It is a hopeful message about the joy that will come when we can meet again, and come together to dine, relax, laugh, dance, exchange and share.
The talents featured in the campaign are dynamic individuals whose skills, outlook and unique beauty are admired by Rocha. Actors Daisy Edgar-Jones and Micheal Ward, both rising stars, appear alongside Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Francesca Hayward, the artist Faye Wei Wei, the captivating models Mouchette Bell and Aramish Mangi, and the pioneering musician Kelsey Lu – who also provides the beautiful soundtrack for the campaign film.
Shot by Tyler Mitchell
Also featured are figures who are often present in Rocha’s world, whether in her shows or images, such as the model Tess McMillan and sisters, Adwoa Aboah and Kesewa Aboah, the former an activist and model, the latter an artist and model.
The campaign was created with the help of a number of Rocha’s long-term collaborators; stylist Robbie Spencer, make-up artist Thomas De Kluyver and hair stylist Cyndia Harvey.
Shot by Tyler Mitchell
The set design was created by David White and nods to the tactile installations that have become a signature within Rocha’s stores and images, and the sweeping panels of fabric that often appear within Tyler Mitchell’s images.
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The collection
We see glimmers of Tudor courtiers, of wild florals, of portraits and photographs, of dolls and playthings. There is tartan, beading, florals, pinks, reds, and bespoke fabrications, developed in house, especially for this collaboration. In forming this collection, Rocha spent time reflecting on her brand’s archive, combing her past collections and carefully reworking favourites into dynamic new propositions that feel right for today.
The Simone Rocha x H&M collection will include Simone’s signature womenswear, alongside menswear and childrenswear. This marks the first time that Rocha has offered a wardrobe for the entire family.
Image supplied by H&M
Each category combines a full wardrobe; special occasion wear, including tulle dresses and tailoring, alongside knits, shirting, outerwear such as trenches, casual t-shirts, accessories, including Rocha’s signature sparkling jewellery and pearl-embellished footwear.
What we’re shopping from the collection
Meghan Markle’s earrings, reimagined!
And guess what? She wore them exactly a year ago shortly after she and husband, Prince Harry, announced they’d be stepping down from the Royal Family.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex accompanied by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends the Mountbatten Festival of Music at Royal Albert Hall on March 07, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Shop them locally from the H&M x Simone Rocha collection:
Plus, more from our wishlist:
Dresses
For picnics, for brunches, and for socially distanced wedding guests.
Our best pick from tops
Accessories
Add a whimsical touch to your braids.
Shoes
You’ll still be wearing these 10 years from now.
Additional information and images provided by H&M Press Office
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