Access Runway - John Rocha

Owning pieces from the largest and most luxury design houses in the world is now a real option for the 'Ordinary but extra' folks of the world like you and me! In this series of Blogs Access Runway, I want to share with you how you can build your own designer closet, with huge names straight out of Design houses like Chanel, Givenchy, Dior and Alexander Mcqueen for no more cash money than you spend on your regular outfits!

In each blog I'm going to share with you my favorite wearable looks, their inspiration, and the background and history of each designer so you can talk the talk when someone compliments your killer outfit!

John Rocha! You just have to look at this photograph of him to see the beautiful soul this man has. It is translated with such elegance into each and every piece of his beautifully designed line Rocha by John Rocha. I adore this mans work, and in my time i have owned racks upon racks of his clothes. In particular i had one of his dressed in 4 color swatches that I wore for every occasion under the sun until they literally had holes in them! Saying goodbye to those darlings was a very dark day!

Rocha first established a name for himself with his Chinatown label in Dublin Ireland during the 1980s and then later designing clothing for both men and women in the Irish high street stores A Wear and their luxury stores Brown Thomas. He showcases his designs twice annually at the British Fashion Council and is a name still synonymous with London Fashion Week, even after he retired a few years ago from the runways. John's Passion for design didn't stop at fashion, throughout the years he has transposed his love of beauty into interior design, working and collaborating with huge names such as Debenhams, Marcus Notley, The Morrision Hotel, Wedgwood and even designing a limited edition of Irish postage stamps! Rocha has more awards than Meryl Streep, including Outstanding Achievement in Art & Design and being appointed the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002 for his contributions to the British fashion industry.

Known for his hand-crafting, beading and appliquée to garments is attention to the little things is second to none. His love of detail is still extraemly evident in Rocha by John Rocha collection. Here are a few of my picks, that will make you feel super special without breaking the bank!

The overlay dress is classic John Rocha rendered in lightweight crepe to create an effortlessly stylish finish and is framed with fluted sleeves, while the lining is elevated with feminine floral print. Thoughtfully tailored and cut to flatter your figure and the best bit about this line is that it is size inclusive up to a size 24!

RJR.John Rocha - Black floral print long sleeve midi dress is under $35 !!

Trust me when I say nobody does a trouser like Rocha! Especially if you have a bum! these pants are just the right measure of modern with a contemporary length, sleek fit leg and a high rise to eliminate any muffn top. the best $28 you will ever spend! RJR.John Rocha - Black ponte leggings simple yet effortlessly stylish. Perfect for office-to-evening dressing, they are detailed with a pleated front and will team well with high courts and a floral top. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

If I was a wrap, I'd want to be this wrap! Beautifully soft warm and tactile! Simple, understated and ooosing class. The color pallet for this garment is so on trend this year. Pastels and nudes are in and in a big way! To me there is nothing more effortless and 'money' looking than a wrap and it works for every shape and size. I also like to belt the wrap occasionally to turn up the look. Can you imagine how warm and feminine this color swatch would be with some luxe rose metallic accessories?!! Dressed up or down the RJR.John Rocha - Multi colour block wrap is beyond! $32 well spent for those chilly spring nights and unpredictable weather days!