Roksanda Ilincic
In conversation with the sartorial sculptress, recent recipient of an MBE, my absolute go-to dress designer and, stop the press, nascent interiors maestro
I first interviewed Roksanda Illincic in 2012 for my ELLE Decoration In Conversation With series. I’d gone a bit bonkers for a dress (the turquoise Asyenka Aqua dress, pictured, bottom right, in the magazine spread, below). This doesn't happen to me often, so I decided I needed to meet the designer.
I wanted to update and republish this interview because it explains why I continue to love her clothing so much — I wear a lot of her designs on Interior Design Masters (see all my IDM Series posts with wardrobe notes at the end), and I still have the turquoise dress! Besides, she was just awarded an MBE in King Charles’s first honours list, for her services to fashion and design, so it also seemed super timely.
Long story short, if I want to get dolled up, Roksanda is my default. Her clothes make me feel like me, but a really well dressed version of me, if you know what I mean. They don't take over. I'm not being worn by 'fashion', I'm simply wearing something that makes me feel great.
I also love all the details, naturally. The tuck here, bias cut, contrasting stripe or gather there. It's all so deliberate, and yet effortless to wear. Nothing fussy, tight or compromising. And that's the talent of the designer indeed.
In Conversation with…
Roksanda is the sort of woman I like straight away, combining softness with strength, and proud to be female. I'm sure some might find her intimidating. At 5'11" tall, she's certainly no shrinking violet — a determined sunflower would be more appropriate! But as she says herself, "I'm focused, determined. I have a goal." No surprise, then, that fans of her fluid elegant dresses include Michelle Obama and Florence Welch.