Brown Thomas revealed its SS24 collections today in an exciting Dublin location …
On the 15th floor of the EXO building on North Wall Quay, with a backdrop of spectacular views of Dublin City, Brown Thomas delivered goosebump fashion moments today, as it revealed its SS24 collection to press.
From an Amaryllis red pleated silk taffeta skirt and crinkled taffeta blouse by Dior, to a cool white sheath with lily motif by Oscar De La Renta, the opening moments of Brown Thomas’ SS24 show hinted at what was to come – and the remaining exits (there were 100 in total) did not disappoint.
There were showstoppers, sure – Richard Quinn’s red velvet mini dress and extraordinary feather dress among them – but overall, a well-judged, moderated elegance prevailed, with gorgeous oversize suits by Balenciaga, desirable florals by Erdem and lots of cool white and black linen and cotton, in chic blazers, duster coats and wrap skirts. There was more than a subtle scent of the 1990s in the air (was it Calvin Klein’s CK One?), as minimalist moments punctuated the prettier pieces, and there was nothing so outré as to be remotely off-putting.
Our absolute favourites? A trio of dresses by Cecilie Bahnsen, one black, one red and pink and one sugar pink – which manage to be both playful and girly and supremely elegant; a delicate shell-pink Issey Miyake dress with soft fold detail, and a black chiffon Dolce & Gabbana ankle-length dress with pussy bow. A coral-pink dress by Roksanda and a sublime black dress by The Row.
Interesting shoes, notably by Ganni (with sculptural fluted block heels) are one of the season’s style signifiers. And if we had to choose a bag from the show, it would be – hands down – the Victoria Beckham clutch with chain handle.
Meanwhile in store at Brown Thomas Dublin, the rest of the SS24 collections are providing the burst of colour and excitement fashion-lovers crave just about now. “We’re thrilled to have the collections in place so early this season,” says Shelly Corkery, Brown Thomas Group Fashion Buying Director. She is particularly excited about the arrival of Courrèges at Brown Thomas. “This French icon is having a huge moment – I expect our Irish clients to love it.” Courrèges’ black leather tulip-shaped skirt reflects the strong 1990s flavour infusing many SS24 collections.
Along with this exciting new arrival, you’ll also find Saint Laurent’s elegant safari style, exquisite Dries Van Noten duster coats, (Miu Miu also has fabulous versions) the wild, wonderful pieces by Richard Quinn and Prada’s super-cool oversized blazers. Dolce and Gabbana’s collection majors on abstract floral prints and Sarah Burton’s last collection for Alexander McQueen places jumbo flowers front and centre on impeccably tailored dresses.
There are more floral dresses at Norwegian label Holzweiler – this time floaty, feminine, with a delicate touch. It’s difficult to keep Victoria Beckham in stock, says Corkery, with another stellar dress collection promising a busy season ahead for the label. (Beckham’s white boiler suit is possibly the coolest piece in store.)
If you haven’t already discovered them, seek out three standout Australian labels – Acler, Christopher Esber and Matteau. Red is a key colour along with black (we love Cecilie Bahnsen’s puffed-sleeved black dress) and white – the summer utility trend is reflected in white cargo shorts (wear them wide to flatter legs) and jackets.
You’ll absolutely need jeans this season – wear them with a sweater with deep v-neck and retro-style sneakers from Hoka, Reebok, Axel Arigato, Veja and Golden Goose.
The It Bags of the season? The Row’s Margaux, Loewe’s Puzzle and Squeeze bags, and Bottega’s Sardine. Boots that graze the knee (see Toteme, Khaite and Isabel Marant), baby doll shoes (black, by Christian Dior) and trophy loafers (Valentino and Loewe, among others) are trending.
Discover clothes and accessories in store at Brown Thomas and online at www.brownthomas.com.
Photography by Photocall Ireland / Kieran Harnett.