Wish You Were Here With... Simone Rocha
Sailing in the Hamptons? Partying in Ibiza? Lounging in Morocco?
Simone Rocha is kicking off our vacation selfie series and stirring some serious FOMO...
Where are you?
I'm in Disneyland Hong Kong.
How would you sum up what you do in a sentence?
Design clothes inspired by emotion and femininity. I am very grateful that I get to be creative every day and work with my team.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was kid I wanted to be a hairdresser, then as a teenager I wanted to be an artist. It was only when I went to college that I decided to focus on fashion.
How do you waste time, when your schedule is clear?
If I have any free time I spend it with my family, or going to the cinema during the day.
What did you do on your last day off?
Gardening.
What's your greatest ambition?
For my work to be remembered when I’m gone.
Do you have any phobias?
Aliens.
Who do you most admire?
My father.
What do you talk about when you get your hair cut?
Not much, I’m not very comfortable with small talk!
What would you most like to change about the world?
World conflict to be resolved.
What would you most like to change about yourself?
My lack of patience.
If you could do anything without fear of repercussion, what would you do?
Park my car anywhere.
If you could ask anyone a question, who would you ask, and what?
I would speak to Louise Bourgeois about her work.
Describe yourself in three words...
Irish, Chinese, small.
What’s the most surprising thing we’d find out if we looked at your phone?
Lady and the Tramp.
Favourite song?
Wendy Rene - After the Laughter.
Favourite colour?
Pink.
The perfect night out?
With friends, food, music, dancing.
The funniest person you know?
Celestine Cooney.
One thing you can’t live without?
Sleep.
Favourite thing to eat?
Japanese food.
Least favourite thing to eat?
Irish stew.
What was your first job?
Waitress in Wagamama.
The best advice you've ever been given?
Work hard, be humble, listen to your elders and put yourself out of your comfort zone.
Why are you a fashion designer?
I think it’s what I can do best. It’s like a second skin.
Who or what inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by art, nature, family, Ireland and Asia.
What drives your creativity?
Working and pushing ideas forward with my team and being in the presence of work that inspires me.
If you could dress anyone, who would it be?
Jane Austen.
Who do you consider to be the true creatives in the world?
Rei Kawakubo, Roni Horn, Miuccia Prada.
Who’s the coolest person you know?
My daughter Valentine.
