SS26 brings optimism, lightness and covetable clothing at Brown Thomas …
Fashion editors, journalists and stylists gathered for an exclusive sneak peek of SS26 at Brown Thomas, an evening that felt at once novel and buoyant. The message: good times lie ahead. With a host of new creative directors – including Irish designers Jonathan Anderson at Christian Dior and, prior to that, Seán McGirr at Alexander McQueen – freshly installed at some of fashion’s most storied houses, there’s never been a better time to start afresh. The theme of new beginnings was present for Brown Thomas SS26 both in the venue and the seasonal collections which were a confectionery of jaunty florals, colour pops, monochrome tailoring, khaki shades and artisanal textures from fashion heavyweights such as Loewe, Dries Van Noten and Chloé, in addition to buzzy labels like Khaite and Zimmermann.
A three-course seasonal supper was created by chef Eric Matthews.
Erdem SS26.
Guests sipped on Veuve Clicquot champagne, living out a Mannequin moment, as they had Level One of Brown Thomas, Grafton Street to themselves for an exclusive after-hours viewing of the new collections, some of which comprised samples that were fresh from the designer ateliers of Paris. Post-reception, a long table brimming with flowers was the setting for a three-course seasonal supper created by chef Eric Matthews, which featured Astara Caviar and was thoughtfully paired with Château La Coste wines (both of which are available to buy at Brown Thomas). At each table-setting rested a personalised bouquet made by Mark Grehan’s The Garden, themed to hint at the spring runways in the most discerning of ways: a bouquet of fritillaria and tweedia referenced the delicate pastel tones seen at Jonathan Anderson’s collection for Dior.
White drop-waist dress, Zimmermann, €1,900, at Brown Thomas.
Stylist and creative director Aisling Farinella artfully steered a conversation with the Brown Thomas buying team, led by head of fashion buying Tracey Despard. On the agenda was the return of fun: Irish customers love glamour and there’s a host of girlish dresses with playful hemlines to accommodate this swirl of femininity. The fresh visual identity of Chanel – reinvigorated by Matthieu Blazy – garners excitement and a renewed interest in the brand’s runway looks from a clientele with fresh verve. Florals for spring, spoken about ad nauseam in the fashion world, receive a welcome refresh via retro prints at Celine and trapeze shapes at Erdem. Fashion editors were taken by the artisanal texture trend for SS26, with beading, pompoms, lace and tufting – as spotted at Roksanda and Prada – seen as a novel way to look different without trying too hard. French label Loulou de Saison’s leather separates were noted by womenswear buying manager Rachel Armstrong as an if-you-know-you-know kind of buy.
Blue floral blouse, Chloé, €2,300, at Brown Thomas.
The Irish presence at international fashion houses – see the aforementioned Anderson – was discussed across womenswear and menswear. Particularly at Dior, with Anderson’s homage to sportswear brand Canterbury via tracksuits bottoms and trending half-zips with vertical logos. Equally, the popularity of Irish menswear brands Almost Home, accessories label Common Lines and street style favourite Pellador was noted. While the just-dropped Sacai x Carhartt designer collaboration – which leans into the current appetite for the workwear aesthetic – came recommended by menswear buying manager Emer Keating, with honourable mention for how easily Carhartt’s jeans flex into womenswear, exemplifying that borrowed-from-the-boys look.
Blue jacket €3,600; blue shirt, €780; skirt, €1,600; all Miu Miu at Brown Thomas.
Blue appliqué textured shirt, Khaite, €2,800, at Brown Thomas.
Our favourites? An off-white scarf jacket by Swedish brand Toteme, a striking cream blazer with stitching details by Tom Ford, a balloon-sleeve white blouse by Dries Van Noten and a bejewelled scoop-neck dress by Erdem which is sure to wow for the coming events season. Whimsical polka dot prints provide a welcome distraction to the global agenda. The MO, according to Brown Thomas, is to “reconnect with the joy of dressing through an overriding sense of airiness, lightness and optimism”. If this season marks a fresh start, then good times shall be paired – aptly – with great clothing.
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