Fashion Designer Roksanda Ilinčić Shares Her Likes, Loves And Life Lessons
The London-based fashion designer, 50, who just celebrated two decades of her eponymous label and completed a stint as Artist in Residence at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, talks about creativity, change and career highs
Is it more important to be liked or to be respected? Both are important of course, but I think being liked comes first – it’s just a little bit ahead – then comes respect.
Is there a creative piece that has ever inspired you? An exhibition that made a big impact on me and my work was Phyllida Barlow’s show at Tate Britain in 2014. It celebrated not just the artist but her way of thinking. She used old materials and painted them, gave them new life, and created something so unique and special. It inspired me to look back at my collections – both patterns and items that were forgotten, left behind – and drove me to lift them up into something new.
What are you proudest of? I just celebrated my 20th anniversary in the business. I had a moment to think and reflect, and to be very proud given I started my brand in 2005 during very uncertain times. It has kept growing, changing, and surviving through even more uncertain times, while thriving and celebrating women from a feminine point of view. I am very proud, not only that I celebrated this milestone, but that my vision is still strong and still relevant.
Who are your heroes? I have many, but my first hero is my mum. She wasn’t in the fashion world but was someone who loved it. She ignited in me that initial passion to do what I am doing today.
What is your motto? Work hard – and also be very kind to the people that surround you. I don’t think we would get very far without community and a team. Work hard, inspire, and appreciate others – that’s my motto.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My perfectionism. It would be much better if that wasn’t a strong part of me, and I could relax a little bit more and not worry about everything being perfect all the time.
What’s most precious to you? My free time. Having time to spend with the people I love – my family, people outside of work. I think we live in a time where we move very fast. The speed of work is accelerating. So, having some down time is probably the biggest luxury of them all now.
What’s your most treasured possession? A necklace that my mum gave me when I was just born. I still wear it and still have it. it’s a little round pendant with a mother and daughter on it. It’s very sentimental to me.
What would you ban if you got the chance? I don’t think I would ban anything. I think it’s important that people have the freedom of choice. Even if we think some things are not good, they are there for a reason; maybe for others to enjoy. So everything should be here, there’s a reason why they are on this planet. Saying that, I would ban wars. I think that is quite a burning situation in today’s world, so if I could, that would be something I would want to stop.
What is your guiltiest pleasure? I have a sweet tooth and love treats. My mum is an incredible baker and I adore her bakes. I also love baklava and anything with pistachios.
If you could be anyone else, who would it be, and why? Pina Bausch. She was an incredible choreographer, with very modern, very daring choreography. Sadly, she passed away many years ago, but her body of work is still so strong. The way that she approached the human body and her art form was revolutionary. I would like to be her just for a day, and see what was going on in that incredible, creative mind.
What traits do you admire most in others? Honesty, loyalty, kindness, and when people are inspirational – when they teach us something.
What does success mean to you? It’s about being happy and content in what you do and in your life.
Imagery Supplied
From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia December 2025 issue.
