With a career spanning 25 years in the fashion industry this year, John Rocha has developed his own distinctive style, constantly working and improving each season with new fabrics, techniques, and design.

Born in Hong Kong and of Chinese and Portuguese descent, John Rocha moved to London in the 1970’s to study fashion. The choice of Irish linen for his graduate collection inspired him to visit Ireland and he eventually moved to Dublin in the 1980’s where he has lived for the past twenty-two years, working closely with his wife and business partner Odette.

The term ‘designer’ encompasses a broad spectrum for John, who in 1997 successfully launched the John Rocha at Waterford Crystal collection. The range has subsequently achieved worldwide acclaim and continues to expand and develop.

The opening of the Morrison Hotel in 1999 confirmed John Rocha’s successful involvement in the first of a number of architectural projects. Working with interior design and structural architecture, office and residential projects have been completed in Dublin and Liverpool. John is currently designing exclusive residential projects in both Birmingham and Budapest.

In July 2002, John Rocha’s contemporary range of organically inspired jewellery was launched. Like all his work, the collection draws its inspiration from imagery of the natural world, with shapes reminiscent of craggy fissures in the rock and smooth, round-edged beach pebbles. The sell out collection has been bought by Liberty in London and a number of stores nationwide.

An award winning designer, 1994 saw John earning the prestigious title ‘British Designer of the Year’ and in 2002 John received a ‘Commander of the British Empire’ (CBE) from Her Majesty, The Queen, in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the fashion industry. 

In January 2007 John launched his new Menswear collection. Rooted in a tradition of classical tailoring, with a touch of romance and nostalgia, yet defined by a clearly modern style sensibility. The collection was launched during Pitti Immagine Uomo and Milan.

September 2007 saw John open his own John Rocha store in a listed building at 15a Dover Street, London. This unique space is a showcase for his designer collections and a haven for Rocha’s eclectic mix of interests, including art, sculpture, books and much more, a unique retail experience.

Most recently, John Rocha launched a new contemporary range of jewellery. Based on traditional Celtic symbols this new jewellery collection has the distinctive John Rocha signature style, with modern organic shapes and strong sculptured dimensions.

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