Yesterday, within the ornate theatre of the Victorian-era Alexandra Palace, Simone Rocha unveiled a tale of Irish inspiration through her Fall 2026 collection. It was a dreamscape steeped in youth and myth, drifting between Celtic folklore and Irish equine motifs — from the legendary Pony Kids of 1990s Dublin to subtler nods to pastoral life.
Among Rocha’s many, yet always distinctive, references, the show also introduced a new collaboration with Adidas.
Rocha has that rare ability to maintain a fiercely recognisable signature while continuously reinventing it. Each season, as her collections unfold, the outcome feels both familiar and freshly spellbinding — this show was no exception.
Crystals were scattered across lapels of tailored suits, shearling jackets, and the pockets of heavy wool coats. The Adidas pieces, infused with Rocha’s delicate aesthetic, appeared layered under tulle dresses as long-sleeve tops, or as track jackets — including one voluminous, puff-sleeved design that may not score for performance wear but certainly won for visual impact.
Rosettes — Rocha’s own prize ribbons — became the collection’s most charming motif. Pinned to dresses and coats, ribbons fluttered as if catching country air. One standout look took the idea to its playful extreme, with an entire dress blanketed in gleaming silk rosettes fit for a best-in-show award.
The palette, when not brightened by her signature red or dusty pink, leaned toward muted earth tones and soft neutrals. A plum sequinned gown, a rich-green bow-detailed dress, and others printed in pale pink florals rippled along the wooden floorboards. Models clutched shearling bags under tailored blazers and bomber jackets, while wool cardigans revealed glimpses of silk bras and heads were wrapped in tight bonnets.
Adidas stripes reappeared on ballet flats, and the brand’s logo glimmered across knee-high socks. Rosy cheeks and frizzy hair gave the impression of girls freshly in from the outdoors — a nod to the Irish countryside and the spirit of unruly youth that has long been Rocha’s muse.
The collection served as a cornucopia of inspiration and expertly balanced colour, fabric and shape — all while an unexpectedly perfect Yung Lean soundtrack filled the theatre for an all‑round feat of a show.
