Brown Thomas presented its SS26 collections in the elegant surroundings of the Merrion Hotel in Dublin …
Spring-summer 2026 is a season of contrasts, which was evident in the 90-look show presented by Brown Thomas at the Merrion Hotel, and which included highlights from international designers such as Victoria Beckham, Erdem, Loewe, Dries Van Noten and Givenchy.
For Tracey Despard, Head of Fashion Buying at Brown Thomas, it’s difficult to select favourites, but after lengthy buying trips with her team, in close consultation with the personal shopping team to ensure they were selecting pieces that clients would love, it’s a joy to see the new season collections land in store. “We checked in with the team multiple times a day during Fashion Weeks,” says Despard, “determined to secure the most beautiful pieces for the woman who wants to bring a sense of fun and excitement back into her wardrobe.”
Standout looks include Dries Van Noten’s sequinned blazer (the brand opened the show with seven looks, including a bright yellow brocade evening coat and a green sequinned jacket, all paired with its trending 1970s-style trainers for a high-low approach) and Erdem’s exquisite embroidered and embellished coat, which closed the show.
Dries Van Noten.
Florals for spring were presented in new guises; Stella McCartney’s double-breasted Boyfriend suit with floral embroidery offers a modern take on occasionwear tailoring; Khaite’s black shirt with floral appliqué was paired with loose leather trousers; while Alexander McQueen’s gauzy asymmetric one sleeve dress, designed by Irishman Seán McGirr, had a soft meadow floral print.
Prada’s pistachio green taffeta puffball skirt was layered under a loose shift dress (which also featured in THE GLOSS March issue fashion shoot) and was dressed down with technical canvas sandals for a polished yet insouciant summer look. Miu Miu’s preppy SS26 runway mood was carried through with polo shirts, camel chino shorts and a practical stripe-lined navy trench, followed by a cut-out tabard and shirt with navy low-slung slouchy tailored trousers.
Loewe.
For spring outerwear (because we are in Ireland, after all) there was Sacai’s asymmetric bomber jacket with exaggerated zips, Loewe’s bright red single-breasted blazer, and Alexander McQueen’s puff-shoulder trench coat worn tightly belted at the waist.
The Row’s simple tailoring was presented in a relaxed black suit with trainers, followed by the brand’s signature classic trench with cashmere sweater slung over the shoulders, and a funnel-neck jacket (the trending style of SS26) which is guaranteed to be a sell-out. JW Anderson’s oversized double-breasted tweed suit with a peaked wide lapel and asymmetric wide-leg trousers offered a directional take on modern tailoring.
New label for the season, Agua by Agua Bendita’s dresses and matching co-ords are perfect for a garden party or holiday abroad. Louise Kennedy’s pretty pink looks are elegant for summer occasions. Chloe’s capri pants were paired with a cropped floaty floral top for a perfectly Capri look. Zimmermann’s white Victorian-style high collar ruffle top and skirt with lace detailing made an impact. And Victoria Beckham’s signature slinky slip dresses return in new shapes and shades for 2026.
Givenchy.
But it was Givenchy, Celine and Chloé that stood out for THE GLOSS team. For Style Editor Aislinn Coffey, “My number one look was Sarah Burton’s elegant single-breasted blazer and skirt suit for Givenchy. Dries Van Noten is always a favourite, and I adored the olive green embellished boxy jacket. Lastly, I loved Prada’s grey taffeta and lace skirt, paired with a short-sleeve shirt and slingback heels for evening.”
Celine.
For Deputy Editor Síomha Connolly, Givenchy’s white shirt and black midi skirt was the standout from the show, followed closely by Celine. “Celine’s looks were supremely wearable. Michael Rider’s denim nails the relaxed silhouette that’s perfect for elevated everyday wear that manages to look polished yet relaxed at the same time. I loved the oversized trench coat with scarf-print lining worn with turn-up jeans and the slouchy Smiley bag. Along with Loewe’s new Amazona (the mini version in cobalt blue was presented), these are my bags of the season.”
“My favourite look was definitely the Erdem elevated oversized denim coat,” says Contributing Editor Sarah Macken. “It was the simplicity of a barn jacket, with all of the crystal appliqué and embellishment added to it, that made it so beautiful and unexpected – I loved the high-low contrast, and the fact that it was styled with loafers and undone messy hair just added to that allure. It felt achievable, but also very aspirational. I also loved Chloe’s salmon pink blazer paired with flared jeans with a butter soft leather bag – it was a very refined version of attainable everyday dressing.”
In a season that is infused with new energy, thanks to debut and sophomore collections from a number of designers including Michael Rider at Celine, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez at Loewe, and Sarah Burton at Givenchy, SS26 at Brown Thomas offers a multitude of bright, joyful clothing, and an outlook that feels fresh and irresistibly optimistic.
SEE MORE: Hello Spring! The New Season Is Calling At Arnotts
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