It's Called Flair

In fashion terminology, the word muse is much over-employed. Every designer claims to have one, as though it were now impossible to produce a dress without somebody's inspirational support. What helps to distinguish Odette Rocha from other claimants to the title is that she really does act as her husband's muse and has been constantly acknowledged by him as such. She is also his business partner and co-worker, and her role in making John Rocha an internationally-recognised name should not be underestimated.

However, even if she had never met or married Rocha, her position as one of Ireland's most stylish women would still be assured because her taste is based on a self-awareness shared by few others. Naturally, she will always be seen wearing John Rocha clothes but in a distinctive manner and not merely as an advertisement for her husband's label.

Given John Rocha's Hong Kong origins, much of his work has an oriental character, which can pose a challenge to Irish women. His wife, however, never appears to have any truck with timidity when it comes to the clothes she chooses to wear, perhaps because she avoids overloading herself with too many of them. Instead, she will pick a couple of pieces, possibly of the most complex cut and drape, and carry these with complete confidence. She tends to prefer dark colours, such as black and deep scarlet, and these contrast with her pale skintones, relieved only by red lipstick.

Odette Rocha is neither attention-seeking nor ostentatious in her dress, showing that these are not necessary qualities for a woman of style. Instead, she is living proof that possession of a sure and consistent eye is invaluable, even for those who can never expect to act as a designer's muse.