Roksanda's New Power Dressing

Michelle Obama and Melania Trump rate it. The Duchess of Cambridge is a fan. Sam Cam wore it often when her husband was the British PM. The sleeker sort of Hollywood leading lady loves it: Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain have all stepped out in Roksanda.

Designed by Roksanda Ilincic, it’s the smart London label-of-choice for a certain kind of globally successful woman in the public eye. The sort who wants to look elegant but not predictable. To say, via her clothes: “I am fashion savvy enough to get this…” while still looking polished and chic.

Recent collections from the Serbian-born Brit have focused on single-hue or colour-blocked, structured dresses, that can be worn in the boardroom, to gala openings, or, I don’t know, when giving a peculiar speech at the Republican Convention that’s identical to one your rival gave previously.

But for Spring ’17 Ilincic changed tack. Still inspired by colour, texture and shape, this season there’s a new sportiness to her look. That came through most forcefully in the striped webbing she used on her necklines and cuffs.

Jewel toned slippery satins were contrasted with classic grey wool checks and intricate striped knits. There was a crushed golden party dress that zinged with energy, and a high-impact gown, the white bodice sewn with springy black feathers. Nipped-waist jackets were layered over longer-line pleats. And those pants! High-wasted, sculpting, lengthening and made zippy with the addition of thick go-faster stripes down the outer-leg. The pant of the season. You heard it here first.