Who, what, where: the designers, the trends, the little extras…
WIDE LEG TROUSERS
They are a non-negotiable investment in the wardrobes of stylists and fashion influencers this season. They work with almost everything from silk or cotton shirts, to simple knits or T-shirts with a pair of sneakers, loafers or strappy sandals. For longer legs, Gallery 9 in Naas recommends the versatile Carrie Pant in linen by Anine Bing, €260. They advise customers to size up for a roomier fit; www. gallery9.ie.
Exclusive to Costume is minimalist French label Soeur. Its Felix front-pleat trousers are great for that borrowed-from-the-boys look; www.costumedublin.ie. Selling like hot cakes: Marks & Spencer’s crepe wide-leg trousers, €55, which come in ten sizes with three different leg lengths and colour options. The Savoir collection at & Other Stories is also a must-see. Dropping monthly (fingers on the buzzers) this limited edition line is worth every penny of its higher price. Check out the relaxed-tailored responsible wool trousers, €149; www.stories.com.
PARISIAN POP-UP
Designer Helen Cody is taking her couture collection to Paris for a two-week pop-up exhibition in a gallery in the historic Jardin du Palais Royal, just a short walk from the Louvre, from April 17-30. Visitors will be able to see and buy one-off pieces, or commission a design. It’s fitting that the designer, who once lived in Paris, will celebrate a special anniversary in her favourite city. “This is the first time I have shown my work in Paris; it’s a gorgeous way to celebrate 30 years in fashion.” Follow @helencodydublin for updates. www.helencody.com.
THE LATEST
Louis Vuitton’s latest collection includes this beautiful Monogram canvas Ivy Wallet bag. It features a removable gold shoulder chain and an adjustable cross-body leather strap. The bonus is it’s also bigger than you might think. Image; Ivy wallet bag; €1,400, at Louis Vuitton, Brown Thomas, Dublin.
LOAFING AROUND
The comfortable shoe trend we will be adopting this season? A pair of versatile leather loafers, part of the ongoing preppy trend. If you’re looking for the perfect pair, which only get better as they age, Russell & Bromley has an impressive edit. From classic snaffle-bit and backless versions to 1990s-inspired chunky heel or heritage loafers. New season collections land this week. Russell & Bromley, 76 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
NEO LUXURY
Kerry-based designer Colin Horgan counts Lady Gaga, Bree Runway and Chaelin CL as private clients who all appreciate his progressive designs and finish. His new SS23 collection, Imposed Faction, in pink and red, denim and lilac, is inspired by the idea of interrupting existing silhouettes. “I liked this idea of glitching, exhausting and shifting proportions. I wanted there to be a progression from previous seasons while introducing more romantic and sensual elements.” Horgan’s stockists include Emporium Kalu, Naas, Co Dublin, and Havana, Dublin 4. www.colin-horgan.com.
A REAL PEARL
Channel the SS23 pearl trend (even the boys are wearing them) with Mulberry’s chunky silver Amberley necklace with baroque freshwater pearl, €570, at Mulberry, 24 Duke Street, Dublin 2.
THE ARTIST’S WAY
Louise Kennedy’s SS23 collection is suffused with vibrant pink and orange – she loves the bold colour choices of fashion illustrator Steven Stipelman, and also cites the influence of “colour field”, a style of painting that emerged in New York City the 1940s which makes layered and juxtaposed colour the subject of the artwork. Louise doesn’t underestimate the power of colour to boost the mood: “Orange is an invigorating colour, promoting feelings of rejuvenation and vitality, while pink represents warmth, calmness, nurturing and safety.” The neutral-loving minimalist can also find much to cover in this collection: we adore the chic white Amara blazer, €1,295. www.louisekennedy.com.
HONOURING KARL
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Spring 2023 Costume Institute Exhibition, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”, (from May 5-July 16), will celebrate Lagerfeld’s work, featuring 150 designs from his 65-year career. Essential reading: two new biographies are William Middleton’s Paradise Now and Alfons Kaiser’s Karl Lagerfeld: A Life in Fashion. As for the Met Gala, the dress code is “To Honour Karl”. We’re taking notes from Anna Wintour, who wore a vintage outfit from Lagerfeld’s SS83 debut collection for Chanel to a White House gala in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron.
SPRING SORTED
Solstice, a bright new collection from Ireland’s Eye, will launch on March 21, offering super-soft wool cashmere separates and accessories in a new palette of colours. Head of Design, Maria-Christina McPadden explains, “I wanted to create bright, strong pieces with more masculine shapes while still having softness, warmth and optimism in grounded knitwear from our heritage.” From cropped to oversized silhouettes, with deep, scalloped V-necks, wide waistbands, oversized sleeves and contrast stitching, prices range from €129.95 to €59.95; www.irelandseyeknitwear.com.
NEW YORK CALLING
Sustainable Irish designer Aoife McNamara will be showing at New York fashion week this September and launching in the US thereafter. To celebrate, McNamara shot her latest campaign in the Big Apple with Irish model Thalia Heffernan. This featured newly released pieces from her Season 8 Rewilding collection, including the Sky Dawn blouse and Burren Navy Long coat, inspired by nature. www.aoifemcnamara.com. Image; Tara Marzuki.
#DE-INFLUENCING
Seemingly every product that’s marketed lately goes “viral” – but are they actually any good? The latest TikTok trend of “de-influencing” convinces you NOT to buy. It’s easy to get sucked into impulse purchases on social media, so this is a welcome breath of fresh air in a world of over-consumption from people who have tried and tested and tell you what’s not worth the hype! Follow this trend that stops you from spending unnecessarily – so you can focus on the pieces you really want and need.
SMART SUEDE
After 20 years as a model, Swedish Elsa Hosk is now proud creative director and designer of her own label Helsa, which she launched late last year. The collection is inspired by Elsa’s Scandinavian roots: “When thinking about the brand, it was very clear it had to be my love letter to Scandinavia,” says Elsa. “Everything I’ve taken and learned from growing up there, the nature, art, minimalism, architecture, simplicity, craftsmanship. But also the values, family, feminism, equality, taking care of nature and our earth, were all at the forefront of my upbringing, and I wanted Helsa to embody these things.” It may be simple and minimalist, but gorgeous fabrics and very considered detailing elevate blanket coats, cashmere turtlenecks, maxi skirts and oversized blouses into something very special. Find Helsa at www.revolve.com and www.frwd.com.
THE BIKERS BACK
A leather jacket really doesn’t have to cost the earth. Take this one from Next, for example. With an oversized fit, it’s looks cool yet elegant when layered over fine knits and tees, €272; www.next.ie.
SNEAKER LOVE
This season’s favourite fashion sneakers? Retro minimalist kicks (#retrocore) are back with a bang. The best ones to shop now are Adidas Samba or Gazelle 85s, €130; www.adidas.ie. Mango’s off-white leather and suede panel sneakers are also worth checking out, €59.99; www.mango.com.
ONE STOP SHOP
Before any spring wardrobe refresh, make sure to check out Oxendales, whose latest collection has just launched online. It’s particularly good for wardrobe classics like a go-with-everything midi dress in block colours or feminine florals, from brands such as Nobody’s Child and Joanne Hope. Suitable for all body types, these work-to-weekend saviours can be layered with some bright, affordable knits or a relaxed-silhouette blazer. Shop online now at Oxendales. ie or download the Oxendales app from the app store available on android or IOS. www.oxendales.ie.
Image; Pink tie-waist shirt dress, €49; purple floral dress, €62.50; www.oxendales.ie.
NEWS FLASH
Mark your calendars: Phoebe Philo’s inaugural collection launches this September. We’re expecting nothing less than exceptional, smart, beautiful clothes. Registration opens in July. @phoebephiloarchive
