The London-Based Designer Is Named Guest Designer For The 110th Edition In Florence
Pitti Immagine Uomo has named Simone Rocha as Guest Designer for its 110th edition, set to take place in Florence from June 16 to 19, 2026. For the occasion, the London-based Irish designer will present a special runway show, marking her first standalone menswear presentation on the official men’s fashion calendar.
“I would like to thank Pitti Uomo for their generous invitation to present my first independent only menswear show on the men’s calendar,” Rocha said. “I am excited to share the length and breadth of my menswear proposition, especially with the backdrop of beautiful Florence. I look forward to a new chapter in my work and world, playing with tradition and exploring new ground. I approach it with authenticity and vulnerability, seriousness and playfulness.”
The moment coincides with a period of expansion for Rocha’s independent label, now over a decade into its development. The designer recently returned from Taipei, where she opened a fourth standalone store, as her brand continues to build a growing international retail presence alongside the forthcoming expansion of her menswear line.
Known for her distinctive balance of fragility and strength, Rocha has steadily evolved her menswear offering since introducing it in 2023 within her co-ed presentations at London Fashion Week. Her work often explores the fluidity between masculinity and femininity, combining romantic embellishment with utilitarian references, and reflecting a broader shift in contemporary fashion toward less rigid expressions of gender.
“From the very beginning, Simone Rocha’s garments capture the eye, ignite the imagination, and stir emotions,” said Francesca Tacconi, Special Events Coordinator at Pitti Immagine. “At a time when part of menswear seems to be leaning toward more cautious stylistic choices, Simone remains true to herself and to her vision.”
Tacconi described Rocha’s work as a “sensory journey to be worn beyond time,” rooted in personal narratives spanning Ireland, Hong Kong, art, and family, and characterized by a tension between past and present, poetry and discipline. “Simone Rocha does not follow trends, she creates them and draws us into her world,” she added, noting the designer’s ability to challenge conventions around gender, proportion, and historical reference.
Rocha founded her eponymous label after graduating from Central Saint Martins, debuting at London Fashion Week in 2010. Over the past decade, she has built a globally recognized independent business, known for its intricate handwork, sculptural silhouettes, and immersive retail environments across cities including London, New York, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
Her designs also feature in the campaign for the upcoming edition of Pitti Uomo, titled The Pitti Pool, further underscoring her central role in shaping the narrative of the event.
With her Florence debut, Rocha signals a new chapter in her practice, bringing her evolving menswear language into sharper focus within an international context.