Your unapologetic use of colour is such a signature in your work. What draws you to certain palettes, and how do you go about choosing colours?
 My love for colour goes back to my childhood in Serbia, a place rich in sunlight and vibrant hues. The strong summers and bright sunlight there made colours feel so powerful—they’re part of my upbringing and make me feel familiar and protected, but also very confident to play with. That confidence, that intuition, is helping me play with quite bold and unexpected colour combinations. I intentionally use unusual pairings to challenge our perceptions of what constitutes good or bad taste. We are all exposed to a conventional idea of which colours go well together, and I wanted to question those norms. My aim is to introduce an element of fun as well as something unexpected. This is why my colour combinations can be juxtaposed, unusual but also harmonious at the same time.

What inspired the colour palette for this collab?
The colour palette was the starting point for this collaboration. Since this is a spring/summer collection, I wanted to capture the lightness and nostalgia of late summer sunsets, lazy mornings, and the beauty of endless summer days. I wanted to incorporate those moments that we cherish so much during the summer. You’ll see darker tones like bronze and burnt orange since there is always the dark side, even when it is light.

“Fashion is fundamentally about self-expression and authenticity.”

Roksanda Ilinčić


You’ve also curated lipstick and nail polish shades for this collection. What was your thought process when putting those together?
It was really fun to compose the colours that complement the collection. I wanted these to feel like extensions of the clothing—a polished, finishing touch to the look. I’m known for using bright lips but also dark red tones – all shades of red. I wanted to bring that to this collection as well.

Reflecting on your creative path, you transitioned from studying architecture in Belgrade to fashion at Central Saint Martins in London. What was the catalyst for this shift?
I transitioned from architecture to fashion. But it’s interesting to know that my journey was almost the other way around. When I studied in Serbia, there were few opportunities to lead my life as a fashion designer, and because of that, I enrolled myself into studying architecture. However, I couldn’t run away from my passion and myself, so simultaneously, I continued with the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade, which also has fashion as one of the subjects. That led to my master’s degree at St Martin’s in London, which was the beginning of my fashion career. At St Martin’s, I studied under the incredible head of women’s wear, Dame Louise Wilson. Louise was this tremendous force of nature and a huge influence on my work.

What’s one piece of her wisdom that still resonates with you?
Louise taught me many things. One of them was never to follow fashion. To be incredibly involved and informed about what’s happening in fashion, but at the same time, not conform to any of it. Instead, forge your own path and create something that reflects your unique perspective. Finding your voice and understanding who you are is a distinct process and one of the most critical moments in one’s career. Instead of focusing solely on external influences, it’s essential to turn inward and see who you are and what you love. Fashion is fundamentally about self-expression and authenticity.


In what ways has your architectural background influenced how you conceptualize and bring your fashion designs to life?
Through the philosophical elements that I incorporate into my designs, such as the concepts of shelter and protection. Our homes are often perceived as little sanctuaries—sacred spaces that we create to feel safe and protected. I have always aimed to design garments that provide the same sense of comfort for our souls as our homes. I approach dresses as sculptures, viewing them as pieces to be appreciated from every angle.

Could you elaborate on how you translate this abstract concept of shelter to something that can be felt physically in your clothing?
Clothing has two distinct aspects. First, there’s the physical aspect: the textures you can touch, the sensations you feel, and the emotions that a piece can evoke. Then, there’s the deeper, more transformative experience of wearing a garment. When you put something on, it can elevate your spirit, mood, and sense of self. This transformative quality is complex and hard to capture. To create this emotional connection, I constantly reflect on what women need: what they want to conceal and what they wish to highlight. That’s the essence of my clothing: it strives to encapsulate something intangible but powerful, to offer a sense of protection and strength.

“I approach dresses as sculptures, viewing them as pieces to be appreciated from every angle.”

Roksanda Ilinčić


Your designs balance aesthetics and functionality, much like architecture. How does this play out in the collab collection?
As a woman, I naturally embrace practicality and functionality. However, I also love to dream and create pieces that aren’t solely focused on pragmatism. I enjoy bridging these two worlds, combining beautiful, feminine, and dreamlike elements with practical ones. This blend of opposing styles is one of the strengths of my design philosophy. In my collection for & Other Stories, I aim to create exciting yet versatile pieces that customers can relate, love and enjoy for a long time.

Craftsmanship is central to the ROKSANDA label. Given the different price points, how did you adapt this focus for the collab collection?
It’s about finding balance. With different fabrications and subtle details—sometimes hidden rather than visible—we can create pieces that are exciting and beautiful to love for many seasons to come.

You describe your aesthetic as “woman-centred”. Could you explain what this means to you?
I am a woman, designing for women. It is a concept that embodies a sense of sisterhood, where we understand what other women want to showcase or conceal. I also am committed to supporting women beyond just my designs. I love promoting young female artists and female creatives in general.

How did art influence the designs for this collaboration?
Art is always an inspiration for me. For this collection, I wanted something painterly— large, loose brushstrokes that feel as though they could have been lifted from a canvas. They’re expressive, effortless and add an artistic layer to the pieces, for which I am well known for.

How would you describe the collection in three words?
Feminine, effortless, and joyful.

Do you have a favourite piece?
I think the most sculptural piece, a dress with the tiered ruffles is a personal favourite. I love pieces that feel like wearable sculptures. And I also love the suit; there’s something powerful about combining masculine tailoring with feminine elegance.

Overall, this collection feels true to your signature style, but also introduces new dimensions. Would you agree?
Yes, absolutely. Each collaboration brings something fresh, a chance to see things from a new perspective.

Explore our other collections