Big name department stores seem to be attracting an increasing number of notable fashion designers as both sides of the fashion coin see the mutual benefits of this friendship. The stores on the high street benefit from innovative new looks and the designers see the advantages of the huge audience and clientele of the high street. John Rocha who made a name for himself with the Chinatown label in Dublin in the 1980s is a perfect example of this symbiotic relationship.
Born in 1953 in Hong Kong of Chinese and Portuguese descent, John Rocha graduated from the Croydon School of Art in London then quickly moved to Dublin, Ireland where he started his career with the Chinatown label. The use of Irish linen during his studies inspired his move to the country which he still calls home. Since the very start of his career, John has endeavoured to develop and refine his own distinctive style born during his first years in Ireland and is still heavily inspired by fabric, silhouette and technique.
John launched 5 distinct ranges for British department store Debenhams under the name Rocha.JohnRocha in Autumn-Winter 2000 including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, accessories and homes and living. His unique combination of Chinese and Celtic design as his main influences can be clearly seen throughout his collections and have been described as plain, simple and fluid but at the same time funky and wearable.
In addition to designing for Debenhams, John has designed specifically for celebrity clients such as Angelica Huston, Marianne Faithful and pop star Ronan Keating.
He has extended his design outside of clothing into interiors and home accessories. In 1997 the John Rocha at Waterford Crystal collection was successfully launched and in May 1999, the Morrison Hotel in Dublin was John's first interior design project and is now one of Europe's most popular hotels. Successes of projects outside the realm of fashion have lead John to also begin a jewellery line for women.
John has been twice awarded the prestigious British Designer of the Year title in 1994 and in 2002. He has also received the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in The Queen's New Years Honours list.
After his publication, John Rocha, Texture, Form, Purity, Detail, an illustrated study of John's design philosophy and influences, it is clear that there is no route of design that will be left unopened by this designer. His creations appeal to the masses as well as the elite and he has an eye for both while retaining his own creative look and being able to explore all the while. A designer to watch for in the future as well as learning from his past designs, it is lucky for us that we can continue to watch his growth through his easily accessible lines at Debenhams.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- The Wonder Of Designer Urban Clothing
- Seven Designer Kids’ Clothes Your Girl Cannot Be Without
- Seven Designer Kids’ Clothes Your Boy Cannot Be Without
- Designer Baby Clothes - 3 Hot Brands For Your Kids To Flaunt!
- How to Get Designer Kids Clothes Online Half Price!
- Designer Dog Clothes - Trendy And Chic
- Designer Dog Clothing - Pamper Your Pet In Style!
- Designer Dog Clothes: Latest Choice for Your Pet Clothing




Tips to own a good wedding tuxedo
By: shunmugaanand | 07/12/2009Weddings are a very special occasion in every one’s life. People become too excited about it and plan eagerly for it. The foremost thing they think upon is their attire for the wedding. Guys are ever so worried as their fiancée would have been planning so extensively with a lot of time, effort and cash to get the best ever look she could possibly have. As of now even guys are able to be a dazzling partner by the side of their bride by taking the time to make pick of a tuxedo suit that accurately
Setting up that first nursery
By: Larry | 07/12/2009Setting up a nursery for the first time is an incredibly special moment that only comes once in a lifetime. From wallpapering the baby's room to redesigning the layout and buying furniture for it, it is an exciting time and you want to show the new arrival how much effort went into welcoming them into the world.
Starting Your Own Fashion Line
By: Tab Hunter | 07/12/2009If you would like a third-party to do the printing on your urban wear clothing for you, make sure that you go for someone who has already done t-shirt printing before.
Doing Your Own Urban Shirt
By: Tab Hunter | 07/12/2009You can also make use of water-based inks as well as discharge inks. What’s the difference? Water-based inks tend to penetrate the fabric more and are particularly suited for creating large designs.
Making Money Out Of Your Shirts
By: Tab Hunter | 07/12/2009Very few people have been given the gift of creating eye-popping designs. If you are one of the few, then keeping your talent hidden would not be the right thing to do.
Urban Wear At Half The Price
By: Tab Hunter | 07/12/2009Ever since the hip-hop culture came into being, the growth of urban wear has been phenomenal that even skeptics have been having second thoughts about the absurdity of this fashion line.
Urban Wear: Is It Safe To Buy Online?
By: Tab Hunter | 07/12/2009Urban wear first rose to fame when the hip hop fever hit the youth. As with the hip hop genre, urban wear is basically about expressing one’s self and individualism.
Christmas Time – a Time for New Suit for Your Kid
By: Adam Raj | 07/12/2009If you are one of those who love wearing suits and have a son, or sons, be prepared that one day your son will ask you: Daddy, please buy me a suit, like the one you have.
Money For Mobiles: How To Cash In Whilst Protecting The Environment
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 06/03/2009 | Cell PhonesWhilst we may be used to living in a ‘throw away’ society, attitudes are changing due to emerging environmental concerns. Mobile phone trade in initiatives are just one of the measures in place to help minimise our impact on the environment.
Finding The Best Car Insurance
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 06/03/2009 | AutomotiveThere is much to take into consideration when you are looking to purchase car insurance, but from taking the time to research the market then it is possible to find the best deal suitable for your circumstances.
Is It Possible To Find A Reliable Personal Injury Solicitor?
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 06/03/2009 | Personal InjuryThe case of the two solicitors who profited from sick miners displays the corruption that can be involved within the industry; however, it is still possible to find trustworthy personal injury solicitors.
India Calling After Slumdog Millionaire Success
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 06/03/2009 | DestinationsAfter scooping an amazing eight Oscars, Slumdog Millionaire is opening people’s eyes to travel in India.
What To Look For When Shopping For A Pvr Service
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 06/03/2009 | ElectronicsWith so many personal video recording services on offer in the UK, choosing a suitable service could prove confusing or difficult. But if you know what to look for, you’ll find the right PVR service for your home in no time.
The Benefits Of Using Diesel Fuel
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 06/03/2009 | CarsOnce vilified for being highly polluting, diesel has re-emerged as a high performance fuel, and many car manufacturers are now producing vehicles with engines designed to make the most of diesel power.
Savers Can Find Good Deals With Fixed Rate Cash Isas
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 05/03/2009 | Personal FinanceIn recent times the Bank of England has reduced its interest rates, meaning savers may find a better deal by switching to a Fixed Rate Cash ISA.
Learn More About Liposuction
By: andrew.regan.2006@googlemail.com | 05/03/2009 | Plastic SurgeriesIf you have been watching what you eat and working hard in the gym to remove unwanted weight but seem to be getting nowhere fast, liposuction and body shaping may be the helping hand you have been dreaming of.