Having recently taken a break from designing, Daniella Helayel, founder and former Creative Director of Issa London is back with a lust-worthy new label, Dhela.
A favourite with the likes of Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Lopez, Issa London was adored for its ultra-feminine silhouettes in luxurious, colourful fabrics. In 2010 the Duchess of Cambridge wore a royal-blue Issa dress to announce her engagement to Prince William. “It was a wonderful surprise,” Daniella says. The wrap-style dress became an overnight sensation and the brand’s collection went on to sell out across the globe in the weeks that followed.
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Daniella Helayel's new label, Dhela, draws inspiration from soirées in St Tropez and Marrakech
In 2013 the Brazil-born designer made the decision to leave Issa. “I took a couple of years for myself," she says. “I did a lot of yoga and allowed myself the chance to reset and re-evaluate”. Two years later, the label closed.
London-based Daniella returned to the fashion world in 2016, teaming up with British high street label Monsoon to launch a capsule collection of vintage-inspired belted dresses in eye-catching prints. Explaining where she draws ideas from when designing new pieces, she said “I’m inspired every day, from the colours in nature to glamorous women, and great songs to interesting new exhibitions and galleries that I visit”.
Featuring bohemian-inspired dresses and jumpsuits, Dhela's debut collection is sure to be a hit with the A-list
Daniella has now launched a brand spanking new label, Dhela, which has been picked up by Harvey Nichols and worn by singer Ellie Goulding. The debut collection features an array of ethereal dresses in exotic prints and slinky colour-block jumpsuits inspired by soirées in St Tropez and Marrakech. “I’m back where I belong; designing and creating again,” she says.
Story: Kate's favourite Brazilian designer Daniella Helayel on her homeland's fabulous fashion
Having dressed some of the most celebrated women the world over, Danielle certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to style and it’s only a matter of time before her designs are welcomed back into the A-list’s wardrobes…
Read the full interview with Daniella Helayel in HFM, out now.
Dhela can be shopped at harveynichols.com and dhela.com