Issa Stockists

Daniella Helayel created Issa when she couldn't find a dress to wear - and decided the answer was to design her own. Her first collection, in 2001, was picked up by Daslu in Brazil; the second, a year later, by Maria Luisa in Paris and by Barneys in New York. Now the Brazilian designer oversees a label that sells around the world.

Helayel, now based in Chelsea, London, believes the secret is to make dresses that both flatter and feel good.