Catwalk Report: Issa

By Lucy Hutchings. Photographs by Mitchell Sams. on Tuesday 18 September 2007

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Issa SS08

AS THE LAST SHOW on Saturday night, Issa had quite a challenge to keep London's fashionistas interested. After a long day of shows and lots of running between venues, by the start of Issa's spring/summer 2008 collection most of us were ready for our beds. Luckily designer Daniella Helayel put on a show that was as much about spectacle as the clothing.

As the lights dimmed Shirley Bassey's version of Get the Party Started rang out, with the Grand Dame herself in the front row of the circular catwalk. This was the 'summer of love and freedom' for Issa, and as four models took to the catwalk in cartoon logo dresses and devils horns, the mood was certainly set for summer holiday fun.

Models accessorised bikini bottoms teamed with jackets and pussycat bow blouses, with surfboards, visors and golf clubs, the paraphernalia of the active and sporty Issa girl.

For glam evenings, beaded mini dresses and jersey maxi dresses kept Issa's reputation for great gowns intact. As the show ended, a great swathe of printed silk jersey fell from the ceiling as a gymnast took to the stage in beaded bra and knickers and swung like a trapeze artist. A fitting theatrical end for this energetic show.