After a long-withstanding relationship with the brand, Harvey Nichols Kuwait hosted Roksanda at Roka for a special lunch with VIP clients and admirers of the brand. The event marked the launch of the award-winning designer’s Spring Summer 2023 collection, with guests invited to explore a private preview of the collection, which can now be found exclusively at Harvey Nichols.

Meet the designer behind her namesake brand, Roksanda Ilinčić. The Serbian-born designer graduated with an Architecture degree and continued her graduate studies in Womenswear in Central Saint Martins, London. Her designs reflect her background in Architecture, as they are structural and modern, yet feminine and elegant.

Roksanda sits down with 3oud.com for an exclusive interview to talk about her latest collection, the Spring Summer 2023 collection and the inspiration behind it.

How do you describe a typical day in your life?

My mornings are treasured time with by daughter. Then I spend most of my days in my design studio with my team, which sometimes involves projects requiring exciting vintage hunting, creative collaborations, but also the important business side of the brand.

What inspires you to design?

I'm always inspired by the current influences in my life and surroundings as I view fashion as a reflection of the time and society we live in. Continuously drawn to art, especially by female artists, new interesting colour combinations, shapes and forms never seize to inspire me! I’m very curious and always in search of something new.

Has your background as a Serbian Designer contributed to your colorful aesthetic?

Serbia and Belgrade in particular has naturally had a huge influence on me as an individual and consequently a designer. From reimagining elements of traditional costumes such as incorporating a modern approach through exaggerated sleeves, I’m tirelessly inspired by the incredible landscapes and heritage of my home country. 

Who is the woman you design for?

All women that are naturally drawn towards my design. As a woman consciously designing for women, I started ROKSANDA to create a platform to celebrate the equality of women whilst seeking to challenge the perceptions of traditional beauty and femininity. I always aim to create pieces that reveal a woman’s personality while providing a sense of shelter and refuge.

What is your favorite part of being a designer?

My favourite part of being a designer is the creative process; designing and making something from the very starting point of ideas, turned it into something tangible, wearable and that will last through generations. Being a designer has allowed me to meet so many incredible people along the way - many turned in to dear friendships, including my ROKSANDA family.

What is your favorite season to design?

As much as I love the lightness and colours of Spring and Summer, the Autumn and Winter really brings that special sense of sheltering and cocooning. It allows the possibility to be more elaborate with styling and layering, being more creative with knitwear and textured outerwear - which I have always had a soft spot for.

How would you describe your latest collection?

My Spring Summer 2023 collection was a tribute to my beloved father, reflecting on the contractions between life and death, light and darkness that we all experience in our lives. Material, volumes and textures were taken to new heights, with some pieces built from archive toiles — elaborating the idea of bringing something from the past into new creations, emotions and experiences. I was honoured to show the collection during Frieze at the Serpentine Pavilion designed by the incredible Theaster Gates — it was the perfect backdrop to the collection and the vision behind it.

What are your favorite fashion trends from the past or present?

Colour is always close to my heart — as a trend it might come and go, but to me it is ever-present and I can’t imagine creating without it. 

The fashion industry is moving towards natural colours and minimalism... what do you think of that?

I think there are multiple approaches to minimalism, and some I have implemented in my own collections through modern day tailoring that bring those soft, delicate opposites to the exaggerated evening pieces. It’s all about balance - I definitely still see lots of volumes, shapes and colours on the scene!

How do you continue to evolve?

Inquisitive by nature, I always enjoy finding new ways to create — develop new techniques, colours and prints. Being surrounded by incredible creatives, artists and makers, I constantly feel there is more to be explored and I am incredibly honoured to be able to continue this exhilarating process together with my team and community.