Celebrating Jose-Noel's Favorite Designs
J.L. Rocha Collections
Celebrating Jose-Noel’s Favorite Designs
Celebrating half of J.L. Rocha: Jose-Noel turns 27 this May. Now almost 10 years since our family business entered the U.S.A. and Jose-Noel began learning the family trade, we are looking back at some of our favorite moments, designs, and inspirations. While our brand is based around the three values of history, ethics, and individuality: we believe all our designs stem from a combination of youthful modernisms and timeless classics.
Favorite Designs by Jose-Noel
Jose-Noel has designed a wide array of our shoes, jackets, and travel bags for J.L. Rocha Collections, and now almost 10 years later he is looking back on some of his favorite designs across all three categories. When it comes to our pieces being 1 of 100, the list becomes more narrow. We’ve split our favorites selection into two categories: available and sold out pieces. Read the full blog post below to see his selections:
Jose-Noel’s Favorite Jacket Designs
Designs from 2012 - 2022
Favorite Available: The Rivera Flight Jacket in Camel
Inspired by the MA-1 Flight Jacket: The Rivera Flight Jacket is a luxe casual legacy piece that encapsulates the spirit of Artistry from Diego Rivera coupled with the timeless spirit of aviation.
Why it’s a favorite:
“I love the Rivera Flight Jacket because it’s the best travel companion for spring/summer months. It’s comfortable for any flight, and works great against seasonal chills.”
- Jose-Noel Rocha
Favorite Sold Out: The Off White Asymmetrical Jacket
A timeless design, the Asymmetrical moto jacket has been a constant staple of any leather wardrobe. Our off white lambskin leather not only looks crisp but also developed a unique patina that showcases every scuff making it a true legacy piece.
Why it’s a favorite:
“While I wear it sparingly, I love the Asymmetrical Off White Jacket because it’s a limited edition that truly says Individuality. Whenever I get a new scuff or scratch, it makes this jacket all the better. This design really showcases how1 of 100 turns into one of a kind.”
- Jose-Noel Rocha
Jose-Noel’s Favorite Dress Shoes
Designs from 2012 - 2022
Favorite Available: The 9515 Double Tone Penny Loafer
The 9515 combines the concepts of luxury with functionality, by creating a loafer that accentuates the earth tones of our trade. Utilizing a cinnamon suede and chocolate brown calf skin accents, this loafer is one of our most unique styles.
Why it’s a favorite:
“The 9515 is one of my favorite styles because it looks good with almost anything, the mixed-media design is enhanced with our small cream stitched detailing, while also being comfortable and flexible enough to go anywhere after being broken in.”
- Jose-Noel Rocha
Favorite Sold Out: The 3008 Blue Suede Buckle Loafer
A call back to our origins as a brand, the 3008 Blue Suede Buckle loafer was created with the same last as our 300 series loafers, but featured a metallic buckle in penny loafer style. One of our first designs, this shoe quickly became one of our first ever sold out styles.
Why it’s a favorite:
“Because I grew up in Southern California, I love a good coastal loafer. The 3008 Blue Suede Buckle Loafer has always been a favorite of mine because it was a very simple and elevated design, between that model and the 300-01 in black, they were the only two loafers I would wear on Coronado Peninsula, San Diego.”
- Jose-Noel Rocha
Jose-Noels Favorite Travel Bags
Designs from 2012 - 2022
Favorite Available: The Rumorosa Duffel Bag
Inspired by the Famous Rumorosa Highway in Baja Mexico, this pebble grained calfskin duffel bag is the perfect combination between carry-on and weekend bag, the design features a two-toned black/brown combination with a classic duffel bag construction.
Why it’s a favorite:
“Rumorosa Duffel Bag has gone with me all over the world and keeps getting better, not only does the patina look great on this pebble grained calf skin, but it’s also become more maleable, and easier to fit into over head compartments as I’ve infused it with the many memories of my travels”
- Jose-Noel Rocha
Favorite Sold Out: The Mixed Media Bucket Bag in Honey
One of our most unique designs, the mixed media bucket bag is a large sized bucket style satchel that fits all the equipment needed of an artist. The design focuses on expertly crafted calfskin juxtaposed by soft and supple suede.
Why it’s a favorite:
“This was one of my most cavalier designs when it comes to being out of the box, while I overloaded mine with too many items - this bucket bag got me through all my university studies and works perfectly for packing a computer, a tripod, or just a change of clothes for a busy weekend.”
- Jose-Noel Rocha
Closing Notes
From Jose-Noel Rocha:
Working with our social team to highlight some of my contributions was a fun and refreshing experience. After 10 years of working with my family, with exceptional team members, and with my father on new designs, marketing, and ways to connect with others - it’s easy to forget all the designs that have been brought to life through hard work and dedication.
I’ve learned so many great lessons as a designer and creative for J.L. Rocha, and feel incredibly honored to make styles I am proud to share with others. These jackets aren’t all my favorites (since I have too many to count) but I hope that if you share one of these styles with me (or any of the other styles in my collection) you know that beyond our values of Ethics, History, and Individuality - there’s a lot of study, effort, and heart placed in every design we make.
While I know quite a few of our clients, I hope that our entire community knows how lucky I feel to serve them, and should we ever cross paths - please reach out and say hello. I am humbly honored to be a part of this journey, and am always happy to connect with you.
-Thank You/Gracias