| Big name department stores seem to be | | | | wearable. |
| attracting an increasing number of | | | | In addition to designing for Debenhams, |
| notable fashion designers as both sides | | | | John has designed specifically for |
| of the fashion coin see the mutual | | | | celebrity clients such as Angelica |
| benefits of this friendship. The stores | | | | Huston, Marianne Faithful and pop star |
| on the high street benefit from | | | | Ronan Keating. |
| innovative new looks and the designers | | | | He has extended his design outside of |
| see the advantages of the huge audience | | | | clothing into interiors and home |
| and clientele of the high street. John | | | | accessories. In 1997 the John Rocha at |
| Rocha who made a name for himself with | | | | Waterford Crystal collection was |
| the Chinatown label in Dublin in the | | | | successfully launched and in May 1999, |
| 1980s is a perfect example of this | | | | the Morrison Hotel in Dublin was John's |
| symbiotic relationship. | | | | first interior design project and is now |
| Born in 1953 in Hong Kong of Chinese and | | | | one of Europe's most popular hotels. |
| Portuguese descent, John Rocha graduated | | | | Successes of projects outside the realm |
| from the Croydon School of Art in London | | | | of fashion have lead John to also begin |
| then quickly moved to Dublin, Ireland | | | | a jewellery line for women. |
| where he started his career with the | | | | John has been twice awarded the |
| Chinatown label. The use of Irish linen | | | | prestigious British Designer of the Year |
| during his studies inspired his move to | | | | title in 1994 and in 2002. He has also |
| the country which he still calls home. | | | | received the Commander of the British |
| Since the very start of his career, John | | | | Empire (CBE) in The Queen's New Years |
| has endeavoured to develop and refine | | | | Honours list. |
| his own distinctive style born during | | | | After his publication, John Rocha, |
| his first years in Ireland and is still | | | | Texture, Form, Purity, Detail, an |
| heavily inspired by fabric, silhouette | | | | illustrated study of John's design |
| and technique. | | | | philosophy and influences, it is clear |
| John launched 5 distinct ranges for | | | | that there is no route of design that |
| British department store Debenhams under | | | | will be left unopened by this designer. |
| the name Rocha.JohnRocha in | | | | His creations appeal to the masses as |
| Autumn-Winter 2000 including menswear, | | | | well as the elite and he has an eye for |
| womenswear, childrenswear, accessories | | | | both while retaining his own creative |
| and homes and living. His unique | | | | look and being able to explore all the |
| combination of Chinese and Celtic design | | | | while. A designer to watch for in the |
| as his main influences can be clearly | | | | future as well as learning from his past |
| seen throughout his collections and have | | | | designs, it is lucky for us that we can |
| been described as plain, simple and | | | | continue to watch his growth through his |
| fluid but at the same time funky and | | | | easily accessible lines at Debenhams. |