Isabella Oliver sales rise

The British maternity clothing label Isabella Oliver has reported an increase in sales of over GBP 1.5 million in its first year of business.

The company was founded by the former head designer at Victoria's Secret, Vanessa Knox-Brien and by Baujken de Swaan, a marketeer in de consumer goods sector. The firm started trading in 2003 and sells 70 per cent of its stock over the Internet.

Isabella Oliver, named for the founders' children, has recently launched three maternity collections - Essentials, Sleepwear and Loungewear - and has received a great deal of support from the fashion industry and business community. Customers can purchase items via Internet, telephone or mail order.