Fashion designer Roksanda Ilin?i? discusses the influence of her Serbian upbringing on her designs and the importance of emotional connections in sustainability at a panel closing London Fashion Week.
At the recent Dylon’s Sustainable Fashion Future panel, which marked the closing of London Fashion Week, London-based fashion designer Roksanda Ilin?i? shared her insights on the evolving nature of fashion and her commitment to creating timeless garments.
Ilin?i?, who was born in Serbia, highlighted the cultural backdrop that informs her approach to sustainable fashion. “I come from Serbia and the culture there is quite sustainable,” she explained. “You know, we don’t buy many clothes; we don’t throw the clothes away. It’s very natural that clothes last almost longer than you!” Her upbringing in a society that inherently practices sustainability has shaped her design philosophy.
“The timelessness in my designs comes from” this cultural ethos, she emphasized. “When I grew up, we were not an over-consuming society, so somehow it’s embedded in me already. These [sustainable initiatives] are not unusual to me at all because it’s very normal to pass clothes from grandmother to mother to daughter. [Clothes] become an emotional part of you – it’s not about wearing it for one season and then checking out.”
Since establishing her eponymous brand in 2005, Ilin?i? has gained acclaim for her sculptural and vibrant designs, worn by notable figures including the Princess of Wales, Anne Hathaway, and Cate Blanchett. The Princess of Wales is known for frequently re-wearing Roksanda gowns, showcasing the collection’s versatility and enduring appeal.
Ilin?i?’s commitment to sustainability was reflected in her latest autumn/winter 2025 collection, which debuted during London Fashion Week in collaboration with Dylon Detergent. The partnership aimed to explore the theme of “Rethink New,” focusing on the importance of properly caring for garments to promote a sustainable future in fashion.
“This show was inspired by the late British sculptor Phyllida Barlow,” Ilin?i? shared about her collection. “In the heart of her practice was actually using old, discarded objects – pieces that didn’t have any meaning – and giving them a new life.” Ilin?i? took this notion further by integrating Dylon’s vivid color dyes with previously unused fabrics from her past collections.
Commenting on a specific colour-blocked dress from her collection, Ilin?i? pointed out that “the dress’s colour blocking is very much part of my design DNA,” while also emphasizing the importance of combining different textures, such as reintroducing core fabrics used in her previous lines. “It was a true pleasure to reuse something to come up with something new.”
During the panel, Ilin?i? encouraged a shift in consumer mindset towards clothing purchases, stressing the emotional connections that can foster sustainable habits. “It’s very important to buy pieces that you really love, that you really appreciate,” she advised. “It starts with a conscious purchase of investing in something that is going to have longevity from an emotional perspective.”
The sustainable fashion conversation was further enriched by fellow panelist Shailja Dube, deputy director of the Institute for Positive Fashion, who spoke to the practicality of garment care. Dube highlighted findings from their “Enabling Garment Longevity” report, suggesting small changes, such as washing clothes at a lower temperature, can significantly extend the life of clothing.
“It’s not about changing everything at once,” Ilin?i? stated, reinforcing the idea that sustainable practices can begin with small, consistent steps. The discussion underscored a growing trend within the fashion industry that emphasizes the importance of emotional connections and practical care in extending the lifespan of garments.
Source: Noah Wire Services
