For the most part, fashion shows on the horizon will be virtual shows, as a slew of designers announced their withdrawal from the upcoming fashion month calendar. The coronavirus pandemic has led to events being postponed or cancelled: instead fashion films and virtual presentations are taking their place. Always forward thinking, Shelly Corkery, fashion director at Brown Thomas, has collaborated with photographer and filmmaker Perry Ogden to showcase the store’s new season launch.

Ogden filmed the best of new season international designer collections against the backdrop of some of Ireland’s most beautiful and dramatic landscapes, from the misty hills of Connemara to the striking stone of the Burren. The short film celebrated the country that we live in. To find the most beautiful and unique locations, Odgen went on a road trip to discover the best of Ireland. “I love hitting the road,” Ogden told us. “I just got in the car and started looking around and talking to people”. The result? A really beautiful film of many parts, styled beautifully by Darren Feeney. The theme was based around adaptation: being flexible while living within our new normal. The key? Styling new, carefully-chosen pieces in a new way within your existing wardrobe.

L-R: Dolce & Gabanna, Khaite, JW Anderson

“People have reflected on their wardrobes after six months spent at home,” says Corkery. “They are buying better and thinking more clearly about their purchases.” Customers are likely to have taken stock of what they do own, and will be looking to fill the gaps this season.

What better way to update your wardrobe than with the beautiful collections of Dior, Khaite, Isabel Marant and more, as seen in the Brown Thomas fashion film this morning. We may not be going very far (Corkery advises investing in updated knitwear and denims that can be dressed up or down) but there is still reason to get dressed up. New brands for this season include Bernadette, with their bright floral-printed dresses, and JW Anderson, whose modern tailoring and perfectly draped dresses and coats are easy, elegant pieces that will update your wardrobe instantly.

L-R: Victoria Beckham, Valentino, Bottega Veneta

Looking at key purchases as we move into an autumn that remains somewhat uncertain in terms of work, social and personal life, the focus should be on classic pieces that will stand the test of time yet have an element of modernity to give us that sense of newness we are all craving. Our top picks include Khaite’s oversized grey coat with military detailing and Dries Van Noten’s beautiful print dresses, as spotted in our September issue shoot – they will add all the exuberance your wardrobe needs now. Victoria Beckham’s three-piece pinstripe suit heralds the start of a new term for those tentatively returning to the office, as do Valentino’s printed shirt dresses.

L-R: Erdem, Dior, Alexander McQueen

Bottega Veneta’s laid-back style is very cool for this season, the yellow puffer jacket will be the most worn item in your wardrobe, from school run to weekend walks, while their square neck knit dress will add an air of insouciance and is perfect for any small gatherings without looking too try-hard – their ‘jeans and a top’ combo is also second to none. Erdem’s ethereal floral dresses are always an elegant choice, and the pointed houndstooth collar this season adds a modern update. Take notes from Alexander McQueen and belt everything from knitwear to your winter coat – and wear boots with everything (look to Prada, Paris Texas and Isabel Marant). For evening wear, stylist Darren Feeney opted for a suitably 50s-style take, with tailored strapless circle skirt dresses by Dior paired with kitten heels and no accessories. So even if you are celebrating at home, dressing up is more glamorous than ever.

The AW20 collections are available in store and online now: www.brownthomas.com