Instinctive Innovation: 5 Questions With Coco Rocha

Coco Rocha embarks on a new adventure with her sport chic label, CO+CO by Coco Rocha. Bridging the gap between technology and fashion, Rocha experiments with glitch art (evident in her branding as well) and architectural silhouettes for her fall/winter 2016 collection.

In '70s post modern colours and '90s minimalism aesthetic, she fabricates her designs using scuba and heat sealed seams. Approachable, comfortable and reasonably priced ($110 to $400), her collection speaks to the modern power woman.

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In this interview, she lets BAZAAR Singapore in on how learning through the eyes of fashion’s best such as photographer Steven Meisel to fashion designer, Marc Jacobs has trained and prepared her well before launching CO+CO.

What sparked the decision to launch your own line?

Being around great designers, and seeing how they work during my modelling days inspired me to launch, CO+CO. For many years, I have been offered to license my name but that never interest me because licensing can be just a phone call and a signature. I really wanted to be a part of this creative process from the ground up. 2016 is a very unique year to start a brand, where we have to innovate and think outside the box. When I observe the R&D that Nike or Adidas puts into their fabrics, it was super inspiring and I don't see other fashion houses with their own laboratories! One day I'd like CO+CO to be at that level.

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Who is the CO+CO woman?

She is well-cultured and in tune with what’s going on in fashion. She knows what she is looking for without compromising her budget. She dares to be different and stands out in clean lines and bold silhouettes.

What is the inspiration behind the fall/winter 2016 collection?

Continuing our exploration using scuba and heat sealed seams, we are going back and forth with 70s’ colour and 90s’ motifs. Fabrication and being comfortable is important to us—every piece travels and breathes well.

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Which part of the creative process do you enjoy the most? Why?

The most exciting part is when we get our first prototypes. When a piece of clothing goes from being an abstract drawing to an actual physical object. It might not be 100% perfect yet, but it's still a thrill to know that something which was only in your head a few weeks ago is now a real life object. I don't think that will ever get old for me.

How is CO+CO indicative of your own personal style?

It's definitely a facet of my own personal style. When we were defining the DNA of the label I wanted to be sure that this was not just a brand producing "Coco's favourite things" with ideas and pieces all over the map. I wanted it to be pointed and specific. We are filling a niche for women that want strong, architectural pieces in interesting fabrics and at a reasonable price point. Certainly I would wear, and do wear, everything in the line. It's even pushing be beyond my usual comfort zone, which is interesting.

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By Desiree Liew