It turns out that organising a fabulous, designer extravaganza involving several photo shoots, press conferences and a high-profile private shopping event takes an obscene amount of time, energy and needs to be planned with military precision. Even as an assistant I have, on several occasions felt on the verge of a breakdown and pity the poor souls actually in charge of the project. Still, once we are all safely ensonced in the magnificent surroundings of La Cigal Hotel sipping (non-alcoholic) cocktails and mingling with The Qatari Royal Family I’m sure that the past month’s theatrics will all be long-forgotten. Indeed the past few weeks have been more dramatic than a marathon of The Hills, but with just a few days to go until the Haute Muse & Matches Fashion event itself things are looking very exciting. A selection of the industry’s hottest designers will be accompanying Iman, myself and the lovely Matches team to Doha where they will present their SS11 collections to the Middle Eastern fashion elite in a shopping event like no other. On top of this we will be cramming in photoshoots for Haute Muse Magazine and Harpers Bazaar Arabia not to mention dinners, press appearences, fittings and of course, hair and makeup. Needless to say, succumbing to jet lag will not be an option.

In my previous installments of “The Doha Diaries” I have introduced you to some of the top Fashion names who will be taking part in the event and now I feel it’s time to exclusively reveal our final designer. Remember, you heard it here first…

Roksanda Ilincic graduated from Central Saint Martins (where else?) back in 2000 and since then this ethereal beauty has certainly proved herself to be more than just a pretty face. The Serbian-born designer has been hailed as London’s “Queen of Dresses” with her divine creations winning over a legion of fashionable fans including Thandie Newton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Michelle Obama.

Roksanda Ilincic AW11

Roksanda’s breathtaking gowns and stunning separates echo the masterful craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail of Parisian Haute Couture infused with a powerful injection of contemporary cool.

Roksanda Ilincic SS11

Every piece that appears on Roksanda’s runway manages to ooze red carpet glamour and still remain the epitome of elegance. Ilincic’s uncanny knack for combining eye-popping hues with softer shades and unapologetic opulence with tasteful restraint sets her apart from the rest. Given that her breathtaking designs are now stocked on virtually every continent, it is no wonder that Roksanda has been hailed as one of the most promising young designers of our time.

Roksanda Ilincic AW11

This season I was lucky enough to snag an invitation to Roksanda’s show and I have to say, it was my personal Fashion Week highlight. The rich jewel tones, fluid shapes and luxurious fabrics exuded old school decadence and yet felt powerfully modern.

Roksanda Ilincic SS11

So at long last we have all designers confirmed, flights booked and I’ve even bought a bikini! The Haute Muse & Matches Fashion A-list, shopping bonanza is shaping up to be one of the hottest events on the international Fashion calendar and on that note, I’d better get packing.

Love Ella. X