Internationally acclaimed designer John Rocha hosted his Autumn Winter 2005 collection show last week in the beautiful surroundings of the National Gallery.
Pieces were set around a strict palette of ultra black, jet, charcoal and pewter with shots of colour and scatterings of silver sparkle and crystal. As with all John’s womenswear, texture and volume were at the forefront, with handiwork used to beautifully sculpt the figure and create delicate new silhouettes. He also showcased a range of accessories including jewellery and bags (as sported by Odette Rocha, John’s wife, at the recent opening party of Harvey Nics).
Also on show was the new Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), who sponsored the event. Since the PSP launched in September over 20,000 have been sold in Ireland, with an estimated 100,000 expected to sell before Christmas. During the reception, guests were able to view John's Spring Summer collection on PSPs. Boutiques Diffusion, Havana and the Design Centre will showcase the womenswear collection on PSPs over the next few weeks. A beautiful bespoke carry bag, which was created by John Rocha in response to PSP, was also on display.
An impressive piece of kit, the PSP has the capability to play games, music, films, display photos and access the internet. Portability with style, one shouldn’t travel without it.
In addition to his women’s collection, Rocha also showcased, for the first time, a selection from his formal men’s wear collection, Rocha.John Rocha at Debenhams. Designed for formal but contemporary dressing, the menswear collection uses his distinctive palette of black and muted earth tones in peat chocolate, slate and grey, creating a refined yet relaxed style.
Invited guests assembled in the atrium for champagne, served in Rocha’s dramatic new Black Cut crystal glasses from Waterford Crystal. Among them were designer Virginia Macari, who I had appeared with on The Big Bite TV show earlier in the day, Nadine Wai – O’Flynn, Harry Crosbie, Laura Slattery and celebrity fitness guru Pat Henry.
Virginia Cole – McColgan was there with Alan Amsby and couturier Peter O’Brien. Image publisher Kevin Kelly and his glamorous wife Rose had come from the Spanish ambassador’s residence, where H.E. Mr. Jose de Carvajal hosted a reception to celebrate Spanish Day.
After the show some of the fashion crew continued on to Cocoon, where model Gail Kaneswaren was hosting her new club night, Chilli Funk.
