Just in time for London Fashion Week, Issa has named a new creative director. The British fashion house is promoting Jamie O’Hare, who’s been serving as head of design since last fall. Previously, the designer, who holds a master’s degree in design from the Royal College of Art, racked up stints at Max Mara, Roberto Cavalli and Chloe, where he oversaw the See by Chloe line. His first collection for Issa will debut for Fall 2015 at London Fashion Week on February 22.
O’Hare replaces former Creative Director Blue Farrier, who was appointed in the spring of 2013. Before exiting in October, she was credited with Issa’s evolution from a brand known for fit and flare dresses favored by Pippa Middleton and Kate Middleton to one that offered a trendier bent that included a looser silhouette, wearable separates and new product categories like swimwear.
Issa originally began in 2003 under Brazilian-born and London-based designer Daniella Helayel. By 2005, celebrities and fashion editors alike were fawning over the label’s signature silk wrap dresses. But it wasn’t until Kate chose a long-sleeve, sapphire blue Issa dress for her official engagement announcement to Prince William in 2010 that the brand received global attention.
[via WWD]
