Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1532915
Considering Isaia's very engaged customer base, the timing seemed right to bring women's back. The brand's liaison with celebrity clients, LA stylist Naz Meknat, says, "We have a lot of women who come in with their husbands, grab a jacket or cardigan, put it on, and say, I want this. I sold a men's coat in size 46 to the wife of a client because she wanted it so bad, and then sometimes they will do made-to-measure. Women love the fabric, the quality, the style." Creative Director Damiano Biella began designing the collection by first looking at the men's line, then spinning it for women. "You can see natural crossovers," says Shay. "Damiano took a small percentage of the crossover and feminized everything around it." Much time was spent in fabric and moodboarding to identify the core look. The fall test was ultimately a bigger collection than it should have been, according to Shay, but Biella "is so talented that Gianluca went right into production with it." The collection has sartorial roots, but there's a sexiness in the details. "And that's the whole goal!" says Shay. "How do we give you the make of a garment with the quality that's tied, literally, to one of the best men's brands, but give it to you with a sensibility that is more feminine?" As for accessories, the focus is on apparel, with a handbag or two and a belt featuring the brand's " Our intention is not to be a mass brand. The focus is on the quality of the product and ensuring our customers find incredible pieces that are special to them. " — JAMES SHAY, PRESIDENT, ISAIA CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Safari looks have oversized buttons and cargo pants. A sleeveless turtleneck is paired with a long cardigan "in fabrications lighter than your T-shirts," says Shay. A cotton/linen-blend halter dress can be reinterpreted in different colors or patterns. BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M