If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you must have heard of Issa London. This luxury brand was founded in 2003 by Daniella Helayel and gained a reputation for its elegant dresses worn by celebrities like Kate Middleton. However, the brand has been relatively quiet in recent years, leaving fans wondering what happened to Issa London.
The Rise of Issa London
Issa London first gained fame in 2010 when Kate Middleton wore a blue Issa dress for her engagement announcement. The dress sold out within hours, and the brand suddenly became a household name. The label’s signature style was a blend of vibrant prints and flattering Silhouettes that appealed to women of all ages.
Changes in Ownership
Despite its early success, Issa London faced financial difficulties due to high production costs and low sales volume. In 2013, Camilla Al Fayed, daughter of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, bought a controlling stake in the company. She brought on Jamie O’Hare as CEO and set out to expand the brand’s reach.
Under Al Fayed’s ownership, Issa London expanded its product range beyond dresses to include handbags and accessories. However, despite these efforts, the brand struggled with declining sales and mounting debt.
The Brand Goes Silent
In 2015, Daniella Helayel left Issa London after disagreements with Al Fayed over creative direction. Shortly afterward, the brand went silent on social media and stopped producing new collections altogether.
Fans speculated that Issa London had gone out of business or was struggling to stay afloat. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that Camilla Al Fayed confirmed that she had closed down the company due to financial difficulties.
The Future of Issa London
Despite its closure, there is still hope for Issa London. In 2020, Camilla Al Fayed announced that she had sold the brand to House of Fraser, a UK department store. There are rumors that the brand may be relaunched under new ownership, but there has been no official announcement.
While we wait for news on Issa London’s future, we can still appreciate the impact it had on the fashion world. The brand’s legacy lives on in its iconic dresses and timeless designs that continue to inspire fashion lovers around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Issa London was once a beloved luxury brand known for its elegant dresses and vibrant prints. Although it faced financial difficulties and ultimately closed down in 2019, there is still hope that the brand may be relaunched in the future. Regardless of its current status, Issa London will always hold a special place in the hearts of fashion enthusiasts everywhere.