Issa London’s statement new resort 2016 collection is a welcome representation of the brand’s ongoing shift towards a more luxuriant womanliness, now in the capable hands of creative director Jamie O’Hare. For his sophomore effort, O’Hare designed with the modern jet-set in mind, draping animal prints in vibrant Mediterranean hues and outlining the decorative swathes with strong silhouettes.
Taking full advantage of the shapeliness of the Issa woman’s form to ensure a sizzling sojourn in the year ahead, Issa’s new resort strengths were certainly tied up in the rich ruching, folds and smocking that flow from strong shoulders. The form of some pieces even echoed the chic effortless lines Halston pioneered at his peak, adding a larger scope to the ready-to-wear fashions London is producing. Quite a feat may we add. O’Hare’s grasp of Issa traditions married with his ambitions to electrify its codes in a number of gowns finished off with a boho glam that’s inherently British.
Issa’s take on baroque prints, something we wouldn’t of glimpsed a season or so ago by a long shot, was the highlight of resort 2016. These, above all else, were a testament to the potent new mood. The variety that this collection flaunts is a wise move too, especially when a creative director puts all of his gusto into channeling a more decadent aesthetic and at the same time juggling with the intention to keep it all timeless nonetheless.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Issa London