Meeting Maria, the heart behind Rochet London, was nothing short of inspiring. Her warmth, creativity, and sheer talent made it a no-brainer for us at YBD to welcome her and her exceptional brand into our wonderfully community of British designers and makers.
It’s people like Maria who make YBD so vibrant and special. And we are very happy for you to finally meet her too:
Where is home to you?
This is a tricky question! For me, home is where my loved ones are. I am originally from Timisoara, Romania, where my parents live. I try to go back at least every other month, I absolutely adore my hometown. However, I am finding more and more of a home in London and in the English countryside, where I have been living with my boyfriend for the past year before returning to the hustle and bustle of the city.
What's your favourite place for food in the UK?
I love a good English pub on a sunny day, I would say a really nice one is The Woburn in Bedfordshire. The Italian food scene is also amazing in the UK, I find it incredibly hard to pick one, but a staple for me is Lina Stores, their pasta is amazing - impossible to go wrong.
What's the best thing about British fashion?
I think I could talk about this for ages, from various points of view. Not only is the UK home of some of the designers I love the most, like Alexander McQueen or Vivienne Westwood, but it has also seen so much culturally: social events that trickled down into the clothes that people have worn over decades, such as the punk movement for instance. I love the freedom that people have, especially in London, to dress in ways that make them feel themselves, I feel free to wear whatever I want in London, and that makes me feel powerful.
Where can we find you on a Friday evening?
At the moment, most likely at home probably scrolling through Pinterest (laughing), I'm obsessed with constantly looking for inspiration, especially for Rochet. I am a very visual person, and Pinterest is my safe space. I do love a cocktail on a Friday evening though, so you will most likely find me ordering a Tom Collins if I'm out and about!
Do you have a favourite UK-based fashion designer?
I love everything that Nensi Dojaka puts out, simply fascinating work! On another note, I've always admired Taylor-Bea Gordon's work on T Label, I've been following her brand for years and she never fails to amaze me, her designs are works of art.
What would you do if you were PM for a day?
I would 100% make university-level education free or considerably cheaper. Going to uni shouldn't put young people in such debt, and in return I would make getting into universities more difficult and tailored to the subject to be studied. And I would also do everything in my power to reverse the effects Brexit had on everyone, especially small businesses like Rochet and many others.
What's in the pipeline for you and Rochet London?
As someone who divides her time between a full-time agency job and a small business, I plan to learn how to manage my time better and give my brand, Rochet London, the attention it deserves. A brand new shoot and new designs are coming soon, so keep an eye out to be the first to see it!
Our Find: Rochet London
