Hello world,
I’m a huge fan of young designers. I always think they need all the help and support they can get so I love it when a high street chain gets behind them and really pushes their brand forward. It helped Christopher Kane and David Koma and now it’s the turn of Michael van der Ham.
Now while I usually love it when Topshop supports a young designer, this time it’s more exciting. The reason why; I loved Michael van der Ham’s s/s 2011 collection and I remember promoting it when I was doing my internship for Irish Tatler. As for Simone Rocha, not only are her designs so beautifully minimal with a large dollop of sheer fabrics in basic colours added to it, she’s also the daughter of John Rocha. I love John Rocha about as much as I love promoting Irish designers.
The collection is out today and will be in limited Topshop stores and on their website too.
Michael van der Ham
Michael van der Ham, for those of you not in the know is a Dutch designer who done his MA in Central Saint Martins and then went on to complete an internship at Alexander McQueen and Sophia Kokosalaki. He last showed at Fashion East for spring/summer 2010 and has since moved on to the big leagues.
His designs are brilliantly bold for autumn/winter and abreath of fresh air for a season that is usually dominated by black and dark shades. His use of velvet and cleverly draped sections make these pieces stand out from the crowd.I will definitely be trying on those magenta trousers!
Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha really doesn’t need her famous daddy’s surname. She is making waves all on her own merit, and by God is this girl talented! She studied at the Irish National College of Art & Design in Dublin and went on to do her MA at (you guessed it) Central Saint Martins where she graduated in 2010. Her first two collections were showen in conjunction with Fashion East and this will be her first year showing a solo catwalk show for spring/summer 2012.
Not to mention she uses and promotes a Irish models, such as Danielle Wickworth, who I had the pleasure of working with. This is one girl that hasn’t forgotten her roots as she rises up the fashion ladder.
Her pieces for Topshop are classic Simone Rocha. Basic, minimal, in either black or white and beautifully made. Her shirts are simple and unique, and her blazers look warm and comfy; exactly what you need for winter. This is a woman who redefines the workwear staple and makes it something revolutionary.
Images courtesy of http://www.fuyume.net
My mission at the end of the working day is to head out to Topshop on Oxford street and see this collection for myself. I will let you know my thoughts on it then. In the meantime, let me know what you think of this new collection.
Until then,
Franzi
xoxo
