When Kate Middleton appeared in a sapphire-blue Issa dress on the occasion of her official engagement announcement, it became the dress that launched a thousand clicks as women all over the world clamored to get their hands on the figure flattering frock. Truth is, Issa had been on the rise for years--the company was founded in 2003, but by 2005 sales were steady and the brand had a number of celebrity fans. It all started when Brazilian-born, London-based designer Daniella Issa Helayel, unable to find dresses that she liked and that suited her Brazilian figure, started designing for herself. She had worked in New York as a fashion consultant and buying agent for several Brazilian companies before deciding to turn her own style needs into an actual business. Since then, Issa dresses have become an international must-have and are now sold in 31 countries. Predominately crafted with soft silk jersey in distinctive colors and unique prints, Issa dresses are sexy yet comfortable, work day or night and are ideal on women of all shapes and ages.