You may not already be overly familiar with Rokh, but the label is about to become a household name thanks to an upcoming collaboration with H&M. Led by Rok Hwang, creative director, the South Korean-born designer is joining the illustrious list of names – including Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney, Versace, Erdem and Rabanne – with which the high street behemoth has worked.
The collection, which launched on 18th April at 9am, includes womenswear, menswear and accessories, all infused with the deconstructed, off-beat elegance for which Rokh has become renowned. 'Rokh designs have a classic appearance with a radical construction for a timeless approach to design,' says Hwang. 'I'm very excited to share our vision with more customers around the world thanks to this milestone collection with H&M.'
Ahead of the collection's launch, Jada Langola-Walters, Grazia's social media assistant, tried on the best pieces to share what she thinks is worth your money.
The Studded Oversized Blazer
Jada says: 'Boxy, beige and embellished - this three-piece blazer, bustier and midi skirt set is a must-have for the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe and one of my favourites from the collection. In a versatile beige hue, it’s perfect to mix and match with your existing wardrobe staples and transition from day to night. With an oversized boxy fit, I would recommend to size down if you want it slightly more fitted or stay true to size.'
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One of the highlights of the collection, expect this oversized blazer with contrast belt to be one of the first pieces to sell out.
The Corset Co-Ord
'With this wool-blend bustier corset, I’d recommend sizing up if you have a larger bust. With boning on the front and back, the corset top does a great job of giving support and a flattering fit. The neutral beige colour that runs through the collection makes it very versatile for styling. I prefer to dress down so would personally pair it with dad trainers and an oversized blazer for a relaxed, chic look.'
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Pair this with the matching trousers for Jada's full look or wear this top with jeans and heels for a low-maintenance date night outfit.
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With a high waist and wide leg, these have a great fit that's flattering and comfortable simultaneously. Tuck-in tees and add trainers for dressed-down polish.
The Wear-All-Ways Dress
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'This asymmetric skirt dress is unlike anything I’ve worn before. It's essentially a 3-in-1 dress that offers so many styling options. It can be worn as a full maxi dress, or the hook-and-eye fasteners can be undone to either wear it with an asymmetric hemline or removed completely to transform it into a mini dress. This would be a dynamic addition to my wardrobe – I bet it sells out super-quickly.'
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Transform this dress from midi to mini in an instant, thanks to the signature Rokh hook-and-eye detail. It's the LBD that you can wear differently every time.
The Cut-Out Leather Blazer
'For me, a leather jacket is an absolute wardrobe must-have but this one takes it to a new level with the cutout detailing on the sides. You can adjust the buckle to achieve a snatched look to your silhouette and it fits true to size. I styled mine with the two-toned jeans from the collection, but it can be easily paired with a mini skirt and knee high boots to take you from dinner party to dance floor.'
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Your old leather jacket suddenly looks so mundane next to this cut-out blazer. Guaranteed to be one of the first sell-out hits of the collection, you'll need to be quick to add this to basket.
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In two-tone denim (they're darker at the back), these wide leg jeans will replace your current favourite denim to be the style you want to wear every day.
Shop Rokh H&M: Our Other Favourite Pieces
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The sort of piece you'll wear forever, try this skirt with a white T-shirt and stomper boots.
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The trench that can be worn in myriad ways, we're predicting that you'll need to be quick to get your hands on this perfect spring coat.
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When paired with the matching skirt, this would make for an ideal wedding guest outfit. But this structured top will also look great with high waisted trousers.
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Just this with a white tee and sandals will make for the perfect summer's day outfit. But it's just as easily dressed up for any sort of occasion.
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These screw heel mules will undoubtedly be one of the most popular accessories in the collection. Wear with jeans and an oversized knit.
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The jewellery is bold and in contrasting metallic tones. Wear to easily jazz up jeans and a tee – or add to your best occasion dress to toughen it up.
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Perfectly cropped, with a contrast belt and oversized cuffs, upgrade your spring bomber for this.
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A recurring print throughout the collection, this checked cardigan will work hard in your everyday wardrobe for all seasons.
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The quality of this skirt, like its matching jacket, is impeccable – you won't believe it's high street. Wear the pieces together for your chicest take on workwear yet.
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A prime example of Rokh's deconstructed take on tailoring, this will be your new favourite dress to put on whenever you want to feel sexy.
A milestone it certainly is for this independent label, which has been entirely self-funded by Hwang. Born in Seoul, South Korea, the designer grew up in Austin, Texas before he moved to the UK during his teenage years. He then studied at Central Saint Martins, graduating from both the BA and MA Womenswear courses under the direction of the late, great professor Louise Wilson. Before establishing his own label in 2016, Hwang worked at Celine – under Phoebe Philo – Chloe and Louis Vuitton.
'Rokh is at the forefront of a new wave of Korean designers whose conceptual-yet-wearable clothes are captivating fashion right now,' says Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor and head of design womenswear at H&M. Indeed, the extensive collection – there's just under 60 pieces – is very similar to much of Rokh's own line, maintaining that sense of a customised aesthetic, including design signatures like hook-and-eye details and adjustable fastenings.
When does Rokh H&M Launch?
The collection launched online and in stores on 18th April, 2024 at 9am. As always, there has been an incredible reaction to this collab, with many pieces selling out in minutes. If you missed out on a particular piece, though, keep checking the website over the next few days, as returns will be inevitable and may just mean that you can find your favourite item back in your size.
How much does Rokh H&M cost?
As will all of H&M's designer collaborations, Rokh H&M is at slightly elevated high street prices. There is jewellery from £37.99 and hair accessories for £27.99, while the tailored pieces are more expensive. The trench coat is £279.99, the studded blazer is £379.99 and the jeans are £139.99. There are some skirts for £74.99 and tops for £44.99, too.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.