John Rocha to Retire From London Fashion Week

(Photo : Getty Images/Tristan Fewings)

After decades in the business, John Rocha has decided to retire from London Fashion Week and his eponymous brand.

'If I stay, I want to have something to say, and I always want to keep the standard high. The last couple of collections I looked back on and I thought to myself, 'that is really the best work I can do',' Rocha told British Vogue.

'For the last few years, I can see lots of talented people and designers coming up and with so much young talent you have to work so much harder, and I'm not going to do it until I drop!'

It might seem strange to some people that Rocha would call it quits when his brand is doing so well, but the designer said he made this decision in order to spend more time doing things outside of work.

'I want to do more with my time. I left Hong Kong in 1971, and I have never been back to spend Chinese New Year with my family because it always falls in February during the shows. In 40 years, I have never taken more than 10 days holiday at once. At this point in my life, I want to live by my calendar and not the fashion week calendar. Stopping allows me to do that. It's not an overnight decision, Odette and I have been talking about it for some time.'

Just because Rocha has decided to retire doesn't mean his legacy won't live on though. He still has his daughter Simone, who was awarded the emerging womenswear designer of the year at the 2013 British Fashion Awards.

'Simone can continue the family tradition in fashion. In the last couple of collections people finally understand what I'm about and I've achieved more than I ever thought. But for now I'm embracing the future. It's time to move on,' Rocha said.

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