MODERN MAGIC
Grazia India|October 2022
Designer Simone Rocha talks about family values and practical femininity
LAURA ANTONIA JORDAN
MODERN MAGIC

I had not expected to arrive at Simone Rocha’s studio soaked to the bone. But a sudden downpour, so badly timed it was almost comic, saw to it that I did. Still, there are worse places to take cover than the designer’s HQ in north London, where women in airy cotton dresses welcome me and promptly offer tea and a change of clothes.

So it is that I am sitting opposite Rocha, hair dripping, wearing either a short dress or long shirt depending on your height and perspective) in white cotton with poet’s sleeves. It should all be very awkward, but Rocha, in person and via her clothes, has a natural instinct for making women feel at ease. Personally and creatively, she is generous the reason her designs resonate with such a broad audience. One thing that a lot of women say to me is they feel like they’re wearing armour,” she tells me. Which I always love because from the outside that can be seen as femininity, fragility, but then once you wear the pieces, you can see that all these other nuances have gone into it and built this kind of strength.”

That duality has been at the core of her work since she presented her graduate collection in 2010. She has an innate understanding that women, that people, are contradictory and complicated. Rocha’s designs are at once peculiar and pretty, romantic and pragmatic, sweet and subversive, comfortable and challenging, luxurious and unprecious. In a black dress with a pilgrim collar, pigtails and Nike trainers, Rocha exemplifies her brand.

Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Grazia India.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Grazia India.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE GRAZIA INDIAVer todo
EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN
Grazia India

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN

We go beyond the sun, sand and tan at this tropical paradise

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
A Hard Pill To Swallow
Grazia India

A Hard Pill To Swallow

This travelogue captures the 2023 Cricket World Cup that took place around India, including the Final that devastated us all

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
BAKING MEMORIES
Grazia India

BAKING MEMORIES

From heirloom recipes to the scent of spiced fruits, Mumbai's bakers are preserving the art of Christmas cakes with heart and history

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
NO REST FOR THE WICKED
Grazia India

NO REST FOR THE WICKED

Costume designer Paul Tazewell's work in Wicked is a testament to how thoughtful design can enrich storytelling

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
HEARD OF THE 'PRETTY PERSON PROBLEM'?
Grazia India

HEARD OF THE 'PRETTY PERSON PROBLEM'?

Beauty experts are saying it's what happens when the genetically blessed go full-throttle on the tweakments...

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
HAPPY FEET
Grazia India

HAPPY FEET

With Aquazzura's first boutique in India, creative director Edgardo Osorio discusses the brand's global appeal, its resonance with Indian clients, and the inspirations he finds in the country

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
STRAIGHT-TALKING
Grazia India

STRAIGHT-TALKING

Fashion has always been a romance between the past and present for designer Kresha Bajaj

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
Dump, Discount, Or DESTROY?
Grazia India

Dump, Discount, Or DESTROY?

As the beauty industry goes all out during the festive season, we unpack the fate of unsold holiday-themed products and the growing concerns of overconsumption

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
2024 TRENDS WRAPPED
Grazia India

2024 TRENDS WRAPPED

Six beauty content creators showcase their interpretations of the most-talked-about trends that defined this year

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025
RETURN TO ROOTS
Grazia India

RETURN TO ROOTS

The pioneer of outerwear gives you a distinct taste of British heritage and style

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2024/January 2025