Issa London Autumn/Winter 2011

Where: Somerset House
Joanne Black style: Jitrois leather leggings, Golden Goose check shirt, black Miu Miu boots, a Brunello Cucinelli cardigan and Prada jacket

Brazilian-born Issa knows how to put on a show. Her star-studded audience – which included Princess Beatrice and boyfriend Dave Clark on the front row – were treated to a collection of leather trousers, beautiful red capes, jersey and stretch wool outfits and wannabe red carpet dresses.

The clothes, however, told a very British story. Prints narrated a day in the capital – among the building and bad habits – and the grey and overcast weather influenced the autumn/winter colour palette. People watching also played a huge part in the designs. Issa describes being inspired by taking a black cab around London – and by watching faces at The Wolseley, Scott’s, China Tang, Annabel’s and Dover Street Market.

As well as fabulous pieces – model Alice Dellal dazzled in a halterneck dress and I already have my eye on the floor-length asymmetric black dress for my upcoming Oscar party – there was some great statement hair on show. Barry Martin and stylist Malcolm Edwards should be applauded for their attention to detail.