“They were dipping everywhere in the sauces,” Roksanda Ilincic says laughing as she examines the bell sleeve of one of her Spring/Summer 2012 looks for any signs of dinner. The show’s stylist, Victoria Young, wore the flourescent pink dress out to sushi with the designer just days ago when they both arrived to Paris. Ilincic’s in town for sales appointments. She’s staying on the Right Bank with her 14 month old daughter, Efimia, and property developer husband, right nearby one of the city’s oldest bakeries. “It’s my destination every morning,” says the 35-year old Serbian designer who stops in for a pastry before heading to her showroom on rue de Mail. We met here prior to stepping out for tea. There was some serious buying happening when I arrived, which involved a debate on what exactly to call the shape of a trumpet skirted dress and those famous tulip sleeves. However you call them, everyone wants them. “The collection used to be about things I personally loved,” Ilincic says. “Now, it’s also about women, in general. I build relationships not just with editors, but also buyers.” She’s smart (holding an MA in fashion and architecture) and understands the importance of fostering a business. These dual degrees may prove useful when she decides to open shop in London, perhaps somewhere on South Audley Street. For now, though, its about next season’s silhouettes, many paired with slouchy hand knit silk hats, which she lovingly calls “grunge couture.” Would she ever want to show elsewhere than London? “When the time’s right I have my eye on…” she starts and then looks down. Paris? She nods. Here we are, sitting at a sidewalk cafe discussing this and other important matters. Back to the sleeves. “Just don’t say lampshades, I hate when people call them that.”