The sun, so far away, a distant glow beyond the gray, illuminates the stage at the Théâtre du Chatelet—a rehearsal for the summer solstice when Paris hums indefinitely beneath the rain. Drips memories of skies once blue, Rochas SS25 revives the French Riviera magnetism.
Costal radiance, a 1940 je ne sais quoi, a splash of dapper mimetism from head to toe, Rochas’ creative director Alessandro Vigilante is on a dandy flair agenda. The collection nods to Marcel Rochas’ iconic saharienne, reinterpreted in tonal brocade jackets and patch-pocket blouses worn over tropical wool pencil skirts. There’s a sense of casual craft, even at the beach—we’re on a quest for a perpetual flex and quiet sophistication juxtaposing tailored linen suits over rattan square-toe mules. Rochas exudes the essence of the Riviera glamour with airy fabrics, fil coupé striped satin, and iconic polka dot tulle. A mad crush for the long-sleeved gloves embellished with fringed details – never too extra to parade on the beach.
The sea level is rising, and we are navigating through a rich Pantone of coastal hues, soft seafoam turquoise blue, and coconut white. Yet vibrant splashes of red and sand/rust weave through the collection, reminiscent of champagne-only afternoon balls on the Riviera. What a time to be alive. Alessandro Vigilante transposes Rochas ‘R’ monogram into a visual narrative, elevating the accessory game with buckles and oversized earrings. Channeling sustainability and versatility, the designer unveiled gladiator sandals made from vegetal leather, elegantly wrapping up the calf – a reinterpretation of ancient Mediterranean style, yet interpreted through a contemporary spectrum.
Stories retold as a romantic refrain to all, Rochas’s SS25 “Parure Pour Le Sable,” frames our inner Riviera ideals, a desire for lightless, sophistication – a sunlit dream.
