John Rocha fuk@lfw a/w 07

There's no mistaking a John Rocha show – his clothes always look like they've been plucked from a misty, woodland scene in a romantic fairytale. This season, Rocha's show was inspired by armour – perhaps that of a chivalrous knight – in such a way that the articulated details of a metal suit were worked into pencil skirts and jacket sleeves.

But this was no hard-as-nails collection. To a live rendition of Schubert's Ave Maria Rocha's female dandies came out dressed in garments constructed from wool, felt, rich velvet, silk satin and taffeta. Rocha's signature detailing –bows, ruffles, hand knits, lace silver and foiling all add organic texture whist nut coloured leather belts give structure to voluminous wool coats and patchworked capes.

For boys there are dark velvet suits and sparkling jet brooches whilst peacock feathers on the hems of balloon sleeves, skirts and soft helmets add a glint to what is essentially a monochrome collection. Rocha doesn't really do new directions. And why should he when what he does works so well? This romantic was no exception and will no doubt keep his fans happy ever after.

Words: Maia Adams
Photos: David Jones