You’ve heard of the Galaxy dress, now meet the Margot. The A-list is already on first-name terms with Roksanda Ilincic’s best-selling designs — just as they were with Roland Mouret’s sheath dress ten years ago.
Melania Trump’s white, puff-sleeved version for the Republican National Convention in July confirmed it as dress of the year, but the style has been a favourite among the fashion pack since its launch in 2012.
Helen McCrory and Ginnifer Good-win are among the actresses to have worn the £995 gown on the red carpet, as have the models Tali Lennox and Jodi Anasta. Dame Natalie Massenet, chairman of the British Fashion Council, wore the Margot in black to Downing Street during London Fashion Week.
The Margot is stocked by luxury retailers such as Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods, while Zara, Asos, Miss Selfridge and H&M all offer similar dresses with bell sleeves for under £50. Oversized sleeves have also become a key trend among street-stylers and fashion editors, who show them off under tailored sleeveless coats.
Ilincic, 39, was born in Serbia but is based in London. She is known for her bold use of colour and dramatic silhouettes and her clients include Michelle Obama, Samantha Cameron and the Duchess of Cambridge.
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“I design dresses that offer an element of feeling powerful,” Ilincic has said. Sales of the brand have doubled on Matchesfashion.com in 12 months.
The Margot is striking but easy to wear, so appeals to business women and City alphas.
Laura Larbalestier, buying director at Browns Fashion, says: “A timeless structured dress doesn’t come along often. The Margot is a stand-out piece that is flattering in any size and will always look modern. It’s the dress of 2016.”