In a towering modern office block overlooking Dublin’s dynamic docklands, Brown Thomas presented its SS23 collections …
It was a simple but luxurious Aran knit that turned heads at this morning’s Brown Thomas show. Handpicked from Hedi Slimane’s SS23 Celine collection, the humble Irish sweater has been elevated with the inclusion of the double C ‘Triomphe’ logo of the French fashion house, with a high neck and a variety of intricate stitches.
Celine.
Paired with straight leg, frayed hem jeans and chunky boots, with a Celine logo cap and mini leather bag, its simplicity was what stood out about this look. Perhaps because it’s an outfit we can actually see ourselves wearing a variation of every weekend this spring. In fact, Celine’s edit in the show was a perfect example of the high-low mix that we long to achieve. According to Contributing Editor Sarah Macken, “as the Y2K trend takes hold and daywear nods to a definite glamour, there’s solace to be found in great denim, clean lines and shoes you can walk in. Trends may come and go but the high-low mix is a veritable forever look.”
Roksanda.
On the other end of the spectrum a riot of luminous colours paraded down the runway, marking the arrival of a bright new season. From Victoria Beckham’s pops of pink and green (courtesy of that Kendall Jenner dress) into Dries Van Noten’s blurred floral prints and Roksanda’s fuchsia exaggerated 3D rose dress, this lesson in colour made an impact. Erdem’s prints in full bloom and Emilia Wickstead’s bouquet of roses marked a more sophisticated approach to summer florals – we long for an occasion to wear these beautifully crafted pieces.
Loewe.
Loewe made an impact on Style Editor Aislinn Coffey. Jonathan Anderson’s logo jeans (expertly paired with a check blazer and oversized white denim shirt) and denim two piece for Loewe stood out. And if you’re looking for a new season styling trick, give your favourite pinstripe shirt a new spin and pair it with red track pants. Isabel Marant brought a soft touch to the utility trend with wide leg combat trousers (ease into the trend by wearing with a structured shirt or blazer and heels) as did Dior, pairing a khaki shirt dress with a wide leather belt and knee-high leather boots.
Isabel Marant.
The return of Roland Mouret caught Editor Sarah McDonnell’s attention. A white dress with cape (that could easily be worn by the fashion bride) was serene. In fact, capes were spotted throughout the show multiple times, most notably in a vibrant coral Alex Perry gown – worn by new Irish model Sheila from Not Another Agency – and Roksanda’s floral print floor-skimming maxi.
The feminine, flattering dresses at Cecilie Bahnsen are sure-fire wedding winners, with easy-to-wear options in black, green and red for a new season of events. Sail into summer with Zimmerman’s playful prints – from pretty florals to intricate sail boats, this collection is calling out for a trip to the sun. The Australian brand has naturally mastered the art of high summer dressing.
The Row.
Givenchy, Mugler, Alaïa and Rachel Gilbert brought the glamour and sexy edge, with sheer detailing, metallic touches and silver linings throughout. But it was the simplicity of The Row that shone through in four easy looks – with their black leather loafers offering the finishing touch on many outfits throughout the show – the easy elegance of Dries Van Noten’s black blazer with a statement button closure and fringe detailing, and Celine’s white tuxedo blazer with wide leg jeans and sandals that struck gold.
Elevated basics, pared-back luxury, low key forever pieces. Call it what you will, this season, a quiet sense of style speaks volumes.
Dries Van Noten.
Watch the backstage video below. www.brownthomas.com
