Mood board: In Britain’s bleak and Brexit-laden political climate, a pop of colour goes a long way. Serbian-born, London-based designer Roksanda Ilinčić is a pioneer in tone and colour blocking; her collections are bountiful in rich and contrasting shades and make even the most monochromatic dressers want to douse themselves in colour. Ilinčić’s S/S 2019 collection was a triumph of sumptuous shades, from sunset orange to raspberry, fuchsia to vanilla yellow, and was rich in modern, feminine silhouettes. Cinched blazers in deckchair stripes, smock dresses in panelled silk, zesty trench coats and voluminous ruffled dresses. As the sun shone on an unusually warm September’s day, so it also illuminated the pop-colour possibilities of our summer wardrobes.
Scene setting: Ilinčić – who trained as an architect – often draws references from the fields of art and design. In September 2017, the designer showcased her S/S 2019 collection inside the Francis Kéré-designed Serpentine Pavilion. This year, she presented her S/S 2019 offering inside 2018’s lattice like creation by Mexican architect Frida Escobedo. The dark structure, crafted from British roof tiles, formed a colourful contrast to the citrusy hues on show.
Best in show: A pair of pretty striped pyjamas had eveningwear pizzazz, their silk top ruched flatteringly at the waist. A series of gauzy, floaty dresses featured figurative details, which recalled Cubist portraits. A coral evening gown with accentuated ruffled had frothy finesse. §
