Simone Rocha’s latest presentation, ‘The Wake’, unfolded in a breathtaking spectacle at St. Bartholomew the Great church, nestled in the heart of London. Renowned hairstylist Eugene Souleiman led the hairstyling endeavours, harnessing the expertise of Keune Haircosmetics, a family-owned B Corp brand with a century-long legacy of supporting professional hairstylists, to craft exceptional looks.
On Saturday, February 17th, Rocha’s transformative collection enchanted audiences within the hallowed halls of the church, accompanied by the evocative soundtrack of All Of The People.
Rocha’s distinctive aesthetic, characterized by bows, layers of tulle, and a touch of whimsy with plush toys, graced the runway in a refined manner, offering a lesson in romanticism and sophisticated corsetry. Synthetic leather accents adorned coats, shoulders, and hips, adding a modern twist to the Victorian-inspired ensembles. Models donned hoods with distinctive peaks and oversized ribbons as earrings, further enhancing the allure of the presentation.
The collaboration with Crocs made a bold statement, as the controversial footwear was embellished with pearls and gems, resonating with the prevailing theme throughout the collection.
A highlight of the showcase was the meticulous attention to hairstyling. Souleiman, Rocha’s chosen artistic director, brought over 25 years of expertise from prestigious brands like Dior, Hermés, and Chanel. Teaming up with Keune Haircosmetics, Souleiman curated looks that flawlessly complemented the Victorian theme, utilising products renowned for their quality and innovation.
Keune Haircosmetics equipped Souleiman and his team with the necessary tools to unleash their creativity while maintaining the models’ hair health.
The collaboration resulted in elaborate and intricate hairstyles, ranging from sleek wet looks with lustrous shine to intricate braids, enhancing the overall Victorian aesthetic.
The casting, overseen by Julia Lange, featured esteemed models such as Alex Consani and Kiki Willems, further elevating the event’s prestige.
Distinguished attendees, including Irish actor Andrew Scott, Euphoria star Maude Apatow, style icon Alexa Chung, and singer Griff, bore witness to Rocha’s latest masterpiece, experiencing first-hand the seamless fusion of artistry and fashion innovation.
