Since debuting her namesake label at LFW in 2010, Simone Rocha has gained a reputation for creating ultra-feminine garments, with florals and tulle making regular appearances in her collections. Now, the designer has been announced as the guest curator of the upcoming issue of A Magazine Curated By – a publication that has previously been curated by and celebrated the work of designers such as Riccardo Tisci, Rodarte, Thom Browne, and Yohji Yamamoto.
The new issue will be a celebration of three concepts that are important in Simone’s personal life, as well as her approach to her work; ‘Ireland’, ‘Hong Kong’ and ‘Family’. Rocha collaborated with a number of industry talents, including Dazed’s creative director Robbie Spencer, who styled the cover story shot of Sara Grace Wallerstedt (which was shot by upcoming Chinese photographer Leslie Zhang). Portraits of Rocha’s family were included in the issue and she also looked to them for editorial contributions. Her mother Odette made a collage and her partner, Eoin McLoughlin, provided a short film about ‘tomb-sweeping’ in Hong Kong.
As well as her featuring her family, the issue includes written pieces by Irish poet Seamus Heaney, Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Lou Stoppard and an interview with Ireland’s first female president Mary Robinson by Stephanie Hegarty. Upcoming photographer Thurstan Redding shot a series of portraits in New York including Chloë Sevigny.
Before the issue releases on October 4, Rocha will present her SS19 collection at LFW on September 16.