Simone Rocha joins a remarkable lineup of designers, all presented with the same honour: guest design for Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture collection.
Announcing the news straight off the back of her Spring/Summer 2024 collection presentation at London Fashion Week, the Chinese-Irish designer revealed the upcoming collaboration via her Instagram. In the photo, a floral arrangement featuring a congratulatory note from Jean Paul Gaultier reads: “Congratulations for your show!!! And see you, for your next one … in PARIS!!!”
Since founding her label back in 2010 with a debut collection within the Fashion East showcase at London Fashion Week, fresh from her graduation at Central Saint Martins, Rocha has become a favourite of the London lineup for her modern take on her unique aesthetic that marries maximalist grunge and exaggerated femininity. Her design signatures, like voluminous puff sleeves, bows and micro pearls, have been highly imitated, particularly as trends like balletcore and coquette aesthetics have come to dominate the trend cycle.
In the years since, the designer has established four brick-and-mortar boutiques around the world, including in London, New York, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Rocha has also previously partnered with brands like Moncler, H&M and J Brand. Her recent show also presented another new collaboration with Crocs.
Rocha is the fifth designer and only UK-based creative to take up this opportunity with French fashion House since Jean Paul Gaultier stepped back from his label. She will follow in the footsteps of major designers like Julien Dossena of Rabanne, Haider Ackermann, Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, Glenn Martens representing Y/Project and Diesel, and Chitose Abe of Sacai.
Simone Rocha’s Haute Couture collection for Jean Paul Gaultier is set to present in January 2024.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.