What is your favourite item in your wardrobe and why?
My black leather Chanel 2.55 bag. I've had it for about five years and, despite a lot of competition, it is still my favourite because it is a classic and goes with everything.

What is your fall-back outfit?
If I had to choose, it would be a dress of my own design. I remake them for my own wardrobe in different colours and fabrics.

What is your one piece of fashion or beauty advice?
If you are happy, optimistic and smiley, everything you wear will look better.

Biggest fashion faux pas?
When I go to the countryside or on a skiing holiday, I am always horribly under-equipped - I wear high heels when everyone else is in ski boots. It's a terrible mistake, but I can't say it won't happen again.

What aspect of fashion do you dislike the most?
The sleepless nights. The physical and mental exhaustion happens every season, whether you are a big established brand or a small designer. It is especially bad about a month before the show. You don't have a private life.

How do you think that people perceive you from the way you dress?
Clothes are an extension of the personality, but I don't know how people see me.

If you could steal a wardrobe from anyone - past or present, fictional or real - whose would it be and why?
Some magical character, like Sleeping Beauty. When she wakes up she has all those presents and clothes. I like dreamy outfits that don't look real.

If you could change one part of your body, which would it be?
My ears. They are big and stick out from under my thin hair.

List your five desert island staples.
A wonderful wardrobe and wonderful company. You don't need anything else.

What is a fashion day in the life of Roksanda Ilincic?
Usually, whatever I put on in the morning stays on throughout the day. I tend to dress up, I mix my own designs with vintage pieces and wear lots of jewellery. And I love shoes; the more extreme, the better. They can be flat or have a high heel, but they need to make a certain statement. I often wear a bright-coloured ribbon around my waist, I suppose it has become a signature. If I have a party, then it's an excuse to dress up even more, which is always welcome.

The designer Roksanda Ilincic will be featured in the V&A's Fashion in Motion series on November 21. For more information, visit www.vam.ac.uk

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