RROMA

Rroma is a London-based ready-to-wear label, founded in 2014 by Central St Martins graduate, Melissa Pinkstone. Melissa is thrilled to introduce her Spring/Summer 2016 Womenswear collection, as an ode to female rock icons, folk art and the rebellious spirit. Inspirations range from traditional Romani Gypsy florals to modern 90's minimalism.
In addition to her studies at Central St Martins, designer Melissa Pinkstone gained experience at DVF in New York as well as Giles Deacon and Peter Pilotto in London. She sharpened her skills working as a screen printer for LFW designers, as well as at bespoke textiles company Insley & Nash. She has assisted on photoshoots with Italian Vogue, even designing a custom dress for Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry as seen in British Vogue.

Rroma came from a desire to create ready-to-wear clothing inspired by Romani Gypsy culture. Brought up with a Romanian grandmother, Melissa remembers hearing positive tales of the Roma Gypsies being beautiful rather than discriminated against. The richness of their culture and mysterious allure fuelled her curiosity to explore their past and present style customs. Melissa draws inspiration from the works of famous Roma film director Tony Gatlif, as well as photographers Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert and Josef Koudelka, artists with unique visions of Roma culture. In a move away from classic romantic styles such as “Gypset” and “Boho”, she presents a clean and fresh alternative. Blending her love of alternative rock with understated folklore elements, her collection displays a design that is elegantly modern, yet rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
The collection is made in England using ethically sourced fabrics and production. The nappa lamb leathers come from quality Italian tanneries, hand embroidery from a small family-run studio in Delhi, India, ensuring Rroma's integrity and ethical practice, as well as flawless design.