Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of Kate Middleton's favourite designers rocked London Fashion Week Saturday with a collection of sweeping gowns in animal print with plunging necklines that would make a royal bride blush.
Issa London's autumn-winter 2011 collection was the hottest ticket in town after Kate wore their sapphire blue dress to announce her engagement to Prince William last November, prompting the frock to sell out almost instantly.
A packed crowd turned out to see if Kate herself would make an appearance for the catwalk show, but if they were disappointed by her no-show, Brazilian-born designer Daniella Helayel soon raised their spirits.
Embracing a seventies theme with gusto, Helayel kept to her trademark grown-up glamour with effortlessly stylish dresses in autumnal browns and oranges and bright animal prints sent out to a pumping disco soundtrack.
Whether full length gowns with boat or deep V-necks, or simple mid-thigh frocks, the clothes draped smoothly over the models' bodies as they strutted down the runway to classics such as "I'm Every Woman" and "Celebration".
The outfits were jazzed up with gold accessories, from big round earrings to bracelets, metal belts and draping necklaces worn on the front or on the back alongside the bare skin of cut-out backs.
In a recent interview with AFP, Helayel said the key to her clothes was "multi-function".
"They can be worn from morning till evening, from the office to dinner and updated only by changing the accessories," she said.
"Issa is all about effortless glamour, whether on the beach, in a board meeting or out for the evening. At Issa I make dresses to suit women of all different shapes, sizes and styles."
The designer used older models Yasmin Le Bon - looking sexy and curvy in a blouse and skirt - and Brazilian Andrea Dellal in an orange, floor-skimming dress with cut out back to showcase her broad appeal.
After designing the engagement frock, Helayel was briefly a favourite to design Kate's dress for the April 29 wedding at Westminster Abbey, but most commentators now believe the bride will pick a British designer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments