London Fashion Week – Issa London AW12

Issa London took us on board for a dreamy Trans-Siberian journey from Moscow to the Forbidden City in Beijing. A sumptuous Autumn Winter collection dominated by hues of emerald greens, deep blues, dragon prints and Russian-inspired patterns.

The show started with knee-length printed dresses or tuniques in blue, green and orange with matching leggings and stunning red stilettos with black links around the ankle, or high-heeled riding boots. Fur Cossack hats, sleek wool-cashmere blend military coats and structured capes in knit or grosgrain took over to beat the merciless Siberian winds blowing across the steppe.

Mongolian inspiration can be spotted through the natural prints in blues and greens, or prints of warriors on their horses, as well as in the cropped jackets offering an interesting mix of textures such as rich wool and feathers.

Eveningwear was literally breathtaking with long, structured, satin dresses again in deep blues and greens, along with art deco party dresses with fringes. One of the most spectacular was a floor-length red lace evening gown with a high neckline, long sleeves and an incredibly glamorous back.

The last part of the show offered metallic mint short dresses heavily embroidered, with fur around the sleeves and worn with black velvet leggings. This collection is without a doubt one of the best of the season, taking us so far away from rainy London in the most adventurous yet glamorous way.

Laurie Guillem