LFW AW13 – Issa London
When I think of London Fashion Week; the first show that comes to mind is Issa London. It’s been a favourite of mine for many seasons, everyone wants to attend and it is always a fabulous show. Designer Daniella Helayel has previously taken us to foreign climes; on the Siberian Express through Mongolia and on to Russia and to the Garden of Eden and the hot tropics in her acclaimed shows.
LFW AW13 – Issa London
What I love about Issa London collections is that they are so well put together and the wearability of the pieces really shines through. Designer Daniella Helayel always draws a crowd. When asked about her trademark piece she explained, “Issa is all about effortless glamour and our signature belted jersey dresses take you from work to cocktails whilst making women feel confident, comfortable and sexy.” London Fashion Week Designer Profile.
This season Daniella took us on a journey through the rolling sandy hills and sprawling valleys to the rugged homeland of the native Navajo Indians. This was the inspiration for her collection this season. Cara Delevigne opened the show for Issa and wowed us instantly with an amazing hat with a plume of long feathers. Hats from Piers Atkinson graced the catwalk and added a dramatic element to the pieces.
Bold geometric designs from the native Navajo Indian’s blankets, to wide brushstrokes mimicking the flow of the Colorado River, the prints in this collection are simple yet exquisite and feel enriched with tradition. There was sumptuous shearling and furs that really felt like we were out in the wild. Wrapping us up warm in luxury and floor length glamour.
Colours in this collection are earthy; deep greens, warm browns, purple hazy blues – but a pop of colour in bold red and the colour of the season; orange add a wider scope and some notion of sunshine to this tour of the land we are receiving.
This season long sleeved polo necks are worn under dresses. Necklines are high (we saw this at Mulberry too) and sleeves are long. The models wore knee high boots from Aquazzura that worked so well with the long dresses. Materials flowed loosely but were cinched at the waist with brown leather belts. Silk chiffon kaftans printed with majestic eagle feathers, embroidered with plumes and beaded fringe gave a sense of power from the warrior tribes they had been inspired from. There is depth to these pieces, you can feel the mystic.
Issa might be all about day dresses and looking fabulous at all occasions, but evening dresses are always sumptuous in the collection. This season, show-stopping embroidered evening dresses are de-rigueur. Glamourous shapes cut from heavy crepe de chine with mirrors and crystals giving embellishment. A touch of sparkle in an already rich portrait of country life finished the show off perfectly.
Thanks to LG Electronics for allowing me to be a guest at the Issa London show. LG home appliances returns to London Fashion Week as the official Garment Care Supplier for the fourth consecutive season, celebrating its unique couture care 6 Motion Direct Drive technology.
Images courtesy of catwalking.com
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