Issa London’s founder exits label

Fashion

Daniella Helayel, the founder and creative director of Issa London, the brand best-known for designing Kate Middleton’s blue engagement dress, has left the label by ‘mutual agreement’. Helayel, who founded the label in 2004,

will be succeeded by Blue Farrier, who has previously worked at Chloé, Stella McCartney and Anya Hindmarch. According to industry experts, even though Helayel’s exit was by mutual agreement, it has been reported that she had been unhappy for some time and that her exit was not a shock.

In

a statement, Helayel said: "The time has come for me to move on to focus on my art, travel and other interests. Creating Issa has been one of the most rewarding things in my life. I may be leaving, but the Issa girl will live forever in my heart.”

News of her departure comes two years after Camilla Al Fayed, daughter of former Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed, bought a 51 percent stake in the company to help boost the brands global growth.

Helayel will stay on at Issa London until the end of the year to consult on the label’s up-coming collaboration with Banana Republic, which launches in August.

Issa London names Blue Farrier creative director

Central St Martins graduate Farrier will take over the reigns as creative director and will oversee the design and development of the brand and its collections, which comprises of day, work, occasion and weekend wear.

Commenting on Farrier’s appointment, Issa London’s CEO Angelina Ypma, said: "Her vision and passion will be vital as we expand into new categories and markets and continue the development of Issa into a truly global lifestyle brand.”

Farrier, added: “It is an exciting time to join Issa. I'm looking forward to working with the Issa London team in developing the brand to reach its full potential.”

Known for its ladylike draped silk jersey wrap dresses, Issa London became internationally known after the Duchess of Cambridge wore one of its royal blue dresses to announce her engagement to Prince William. Currently the brand is stocked in 350 locations worldwide, and recently opened its first freestanding store in Tokyo, Japan, with plans to open a boutique in Sao Paulo, Brazil by the end of the year.

Image: Daniella Helayel at the Issa London LFW autumn/winter 2011 show