The Founder Of Issa Is Leaving Her Own Company

Women’s Wear Daily is just reporting that Danielle Helayel, Issa London’s founder and creative director of 12 years, has left her own company. Issa London has been one of Great Britain’s most well-known and loved brands for several years, but reached a new level of heightened success when Kate Middleton wore the headline-making, blue Issa London engagement dress.

So what spawned this split? Issa London is currently undergoing rapid growth. Two years ago, Camilla Al Fayed bought out a majority share in the company and put Issa London into global expansion mode. The brand has recently opened a store in Japan and has also taken part in a collaboration deal with Banana Republic.

Helayel said that she would see through to the collaboration’s completion, which hits stores August 6, but will part ways with the company after that. WWD is citing that the split was mutual and that Al Fayed and Helayel had been unhappy together for some time.

Issa has already named her replacement: Blue Farrier (who has experience at Chloé, Stella McCartney and Sandro), so it’s possible that Helayel has known about her departure for some time.

Issa CEO Angelina Ypma was quoted saying:

"I am [pleased] to welcome Blue as the new creative director of Issa at such an exciting time. 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.”

Helayel followed up by saying:

“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.”

We wish Danielle Helayel the best of luck.

Photo Credit: WENN