Issa London Spring/Summer Lookbook 2011

The Issa woman is celebrating a decade of effortless style and elegance – incorporating signature elements of past collections, but with her eye constantly on the future. Inspiration is derived from the subtle chic of Audrey Hepburn and the controversial, yet constantly well dressed Wallis Simpson. The Celebration collection epitomises the power of a woman. From the great love story of Wallis Simpson and The Duke of Windsor to iconic moments in Grace Kelly's wonderfully glamorous life, the Issa woman embraces romance and beauty; a timeless, ageless celebration of femininity.

Delving into their archives and re-discovering that very first dress: a high-necked, long sleeved piece provided the starting point for AW11's refined, polished collection. New, heavier jerseys are introduced to complement the fluidity of signature styles; including beautiful jacquards with print artwork and dotty flock wool dresses to give a more structured shape. This Celebration collection is glamorous with soft, delicate degrade stripes of embroidery on nude tulle as well as more opulent, encrusted dresses covered in embellishment.

A playful twist on classic Issa prints sees elements taken from a decade of archives, reflected, reversed and over-laid to create the ‘Celebration' prints with a hint of nostalgia. Distinctive markings of the Okapis inspire bold prints with a sophisticated simplicity for glamorous evening wear while the delicacy of owl wing and pheasant feather prints offer a subtle easy-to-wear alternative.

The Issa woman embraces tailoring with stylish cropped jackets and fitted dresses in structured knit intarsia to create a traffic stopping silhouette; before changing into daring, draped evening gowns in Issa's luxurious, staple silk jersey for late nights of romance.