The Irish proverb, Molann an obair an fear, declares that a man's praise is measured by his work. So according to the Irish, John Rocha deserves a standing ovation for his accomplishments in nearly every field of design—and more.Born in Hong Kong of Portuguese and Chinese descent, educated in London's Croydon School of Art, and rooted in the capital of Ireland, John Rocha has managed to incarnate himself in each design field that he undertakes.
In 1997, John introduced his first work in a medium outside fabrics when he launched the John Rocha at Waterford Crystal Collection. Simple cuts and unconventional practicality radiated his sense of mystery and geometric purity, immediately sparking worldwide acclamation.
Fashioned after his city of origin, John's 1999 architectural design of the Morrison Hotel engineered a luxurious haven where East meets West. Since then, John has continued to grace other cities throughout Europe with exclusive commercial and residential projects and interior design.
Inspired by an assortment of influences, in July of 2002 John launched a collection of nature inspired jewelry that marries the ruggedness of Irish cliffs and Celtic shapes with the gracefulness and sensual sweeps of Chinese brushstrokes.
In October of 2002, John published Texture, Form, Purity, Detail—an illustrated hard-cover book that reveals the philosophy of his designs, chronologically narrating his progression of working with one medium after another.
Fashioned after his city of origin, John's 1999 architectural design of the Morrison Hotel engineered a luxurious haven where East meets West. Since then, John has continued to grace other cities throughout Europe with exclusive commercial and residential projects and interior design.
Inspired by an assortment of influences, in July of 2002 John launched a collection of nature inspired jewelry that marries the ruggedness of Irish cliffs and Celtic shapes with the gracefulness and sensual sweeps of Chinese brushstrokes.
In October of 2002, John published Texture, Form, Purity, Detail—an illustrated hard-cover book that reveals the philosophy of his designs, chronologically narrating his progression of working with one medium after another.
John launched his line of menswear in 2007 at Pitti Immagine Uomo in Italy. Wedding classic tailoring to modern styles, John's collection of natural fibres and rich textures struck a romantic cord of nostalgia in the hearts of the eager spectators.
Later that year, the doors of John Rocha's first flagship store opened at 15a Dover Street in London, where he showcases his designer collections from every field, including art, sculpture, jewelry, apparel, books, and more.
Years ago when I lived and worked in the "fragrant harbor" of Hong Kong, I had the opportunity to learn some Cantonese. There exists a saying 花香總是會留在送花人的手中, which states, "Flowers leave their fragrance on the hands that bestow them. Likewise, the hands of John Rocha emanate the fragrance of his manifold designs that he continues to bestow upon us.
