Simone Rocha cast models of all ages at London Fashion Week, because beauty doesn’t retire
This year’s Fashion Weeks in New York and London show that there are so many ways to be diverse in fashion. Christian Siriano filled his runway with various plus-size models. Indonesian designer Anniesa Hasibuan used models who were either immigrants or the children of immigrants, and she became the first designer to use hijabs in a New York Fashion Week Show. The latest addition to that list is Simone Rocha, who used models of all ages, young and old, to showcase her new collection proving once and for all that style has no age.
Her Friday night show included iconic models like Benedetta Barzini, who is 73 years old. Barzini is an Italian model, actress, and political activist who was on the cover of the very first issue of Vogue Italia in November 1965 and she was also a friend of Andy Warhol. Also featured on the London runway was Jan de Villeneuve, 70, who modeled in the 1960s.
A post shared by SIMONE ROCHA (@simonerocha_) on Feb 19, 2017 at 5:13am PST
The show featured models with a variety of ages, like Audrey Marnay, 36, a French actress and model who has been working in the industry since she was 15, walking shows for labels like Marc Jacobs, Versace, Valentino, YSL, and Dior.
“I want to be very inclusive – it’s what I do,” Rocha tells WWD. “My collections are for all different types of women, and I really wanted to reflect that. It is 100 percent mothers, daughters, granddaughters. It’s something that I’ve really built my identity on, so it was nice to be able to share that this time.”
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As usual, Rocha’s fall collection felt dark and romantic and timeless, with lots of thick layers and luxurious-looking fabrics. And if that wasn’t enough, the show took place at the iconic Lancaster House in the West End of London, which you’ve probably seen in shows like Downton Abbey and The Crown.
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Altogether, the show was a gorgeous, classic celebration of beauty at any age and timeless fashion both historic and contemporary. It’s a great reminder that good style doesn’t end when you turn 30 — nor should it.
