Simone Rocha’s Spring/Summer 2024 fashion show marked a departure from her usual grand venues. Instead, she chose the intimate setting of the rehearsal space at the English National Ballet in Canning Town. This choice was deliberate, as Rocha wanted the audience to feel a closer connection to the collection and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship behind each design.

In a departure from traditional bridal fashion, Rocha reframed her collection as a “dress rehearsal” rather than a wedding. This shift in perspective allowed her to explore the concept of ceremony itself. The dresses featured tiers of appliqué on white tulle, reminiscent of cake decorations, creating an air of whimsy and celebration. The show’s soundtrack, with its fragmented and slightly eerie composition, added an element of tension and anticipation, mirroring the nerves one might feel before a significant event.

Roses took center stage in Rocha’s collection, appearing in various forms throughout the show. Fresh roses were delicately tucked between layers of sheer tulle, while fabric roses were artfully incorporated into dresses and jackets. Models carried single stems made from cotton or pearls, and red rose tattoos adorned bare legs. This floral motif added both enchantment and fragrance to the presentation, evoking a sense of romance and beauty.

One of the most surprising elements of the show was Rocha’s reimagining of Crocs, the functional clogs often associated with gardeners and chefs. Drawing inspiration from artist Cy Twombly’s plaster cakes, Rocha transformed Crocs into fashion statements. The clogs featured elevated platform soles adorned with chunky diamanté crystals and gobstopper pearls, reminiscent of cake icing. Rocha herself is a fan of Crocs, as are her children, making this collaboration a personal and playful addition to the collection.

Beyond the attention-grabbing Crocs, Rocha introduced a new line of luxury leather bags for Spring/Summer 2024. These bags boasted clean lines and ladylike top handles, deviating slightly from Rocha’s more whimsical signature designs. However, they retained a touch of whimsy with hardware inspired by the pearl daisy emblem. Available in black, cream, nude, and oxblood, these bags catered to everyday practicality while staying true to Rocha’s darkly romantic aesthetic. The bags also offered versatility, with the option to switch the long leather strap for one adorned with trailing pearls and silver bells.

Simone Rocha’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection was a departure from convention, focusing on the essence of ceremony and celebration. The choice of an intimate venue, floral motifs, and the unexpected Croc collaboration revealed Rocha’s ability to blend poetry with practicality, resulting in a truly unique and captivating presentation. It was a reminder that fashion can transcend the ordinary and become a medium for storytelling and creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.