A Celebration of Environmentally Friendly Fashion influenced by Legendary Artist

Abstract outfits and urban buildings tell a story

At London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025, Roksanda Ilinčić presented a collection that was an artistic experience in addition to just being a fashion show. Drawing inspiration from the well renowned environmental artist Agnes Denes, Ilinčić managed to merge the worlds of art, nature as well as highlighted the significance of sustainability, hosting an eye-catching tribute to Denes’s groundbreaking work.

A Tribute to Agnes Denes

Agnes Denes, a Hungarian artist, has long created needle moving environmental art. One of her most famous works, Wheatfield- A Confrontation (1982), involved planting a wheat field on a landfill in Manhattan. Denes’s work often explores themes of survival, growth, and the relationship between humanity and nature which is reflected in the juxtaposition of the modernist building hosting the event and the vibrant, abstract outfits on display.

Denes’ art is known for combining philosophy, science, and ecology. Her Tree Mountain- A Living Time Capsule (1992–96) in Finland, for example, created a man-made forest designed to last for centuries. This dedication to both artistic and ecological depth inspired Ilinčić’s own collection, which beautifully mirrored these themes in the fashion field.

The Collection: Merging Art and Fashion

Roksanda’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection managed to showcase the environmental message discussed through Denes’ art. It was a powerful visual dialogue between nature and modern design. Set in the minimalist Space House, a modernist venue with 1960s architecture, the location itself highlights the contrast between urban development and the natural world, often seen in Denes’ art. The symbolic placement of straw on each guest’s seat served is yet another call back to Denes’s work, connecting nature to the event itself. It can also be drawn back to Ilinčić's Serbian roots and the significance of straw in the culture.

The collection opened with organic, neutral-toned tailoring and fluffy raffia dresses, forming the image of a wheat field gently swaying in the breeze. These pieces were an evident tribute to Denes’s work. As the show progressed, the colour palette transitioned to harvest golds and straw tones, linking to the cycle of nature and tying back to Denes’s own work again.

Sustainable Design

Ilinčić’s architectural background was evident through the collection’s designs including voluminous gowns, asymmetrical dresses, and a range of bows creating dynamic, almost sculpture like shapes. The use of luscious fabrics like silk twill and liquid velvet gave the pieces some added depth, making them come to life on the runway.

Sustainability is a key principle in both Denes’s and Ilinčić’s work. This is most likely why it was such a central theme to the collection. Ilinčić incorporated recycled materials, repurposing fabrics from previous seasons outfits in an effort to reduce waste while maintaining the highest standards of craft. This conscious decision not only reduced wider scale environmental impact but also created a unique narrative for the event, linking past collections to the present and showcasing how fashion can comply with ecological responsibility. This unique approach made the event stand out ahead of the others at LFW.

Footwear and Accessories: Embracing Texture

The footwear,appearing fluffy in nature, is created in collaboration with a well known designer, featuring textured, shaggy shoes that complemented the organic nature seen throughout the entire display. These playful pieces enhanced the experience of the runway, adding an extra layer of interest. Accessories were kept to the minimum, allowing the outfits and their intricate details to take the spotlight.

Nature vs. Industry: A Visual Conversation

The essence of Ilinčić’s collection was a conversation between nature and the industry. This was reflected not only in the contrast between natural textures and architectural tailoring but also in the choice of venue. Space House’s modernist design shows the issues between the urban world and the natural environment, seen throughout Denes’s work.

Cultural Connections: Serbian Heritage

Roksanda’s Serbian roots added some depth to the collection. Wheat holds cultural significance in Eastern European traditions. In Serbian folklore it is very important, which is why it is sprouted on St. Nicholas Day. The abstract brushstroke patterns seen on the dresses represent the landscape of the Belgrade countryside, highlighting nature’s resilience and the connection between cultural heritage and fashion.

A Celebration of Female Visionaries

In addition to honouring Agnes Denes, the collection celebrated female creativity and resilience. Both Denes and Ilinčić have made their marks in fields dominated by men, and this collection was a nod to the importance of female voices in shaping cultural conversations. By channeling Denes’s visionary spirit, Ilinčić reinforced the power of women to lead in art, fashion, and environmental discourse.

Conclusion

The showcase clearly was a huge success for the brand with search terms for ROKSANDA spiking during LFW

.

Roksanda Ilinčić’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection creates an interesting conversation about sustainability in the fashion industry. With the influence of Agnes Denes, Ilinčić created a series of outfits that were not only beautiful but got people thinking. This collection was a testament to the lasting impact of Denes’ legacy. The collection as a whole showed  linčić’s ability to expertly blend the worlds of art and fashion.