Shop these essential autumn updates …
Irish fashion brands for women have been proliferating at a great rate so it’s good to see menswear labels launching too. Kempt, whose quiet early summer launch was missed by many, has at its core the idea of helping men dress stylishly and comfortably in the mornings without having to think about it too much. Founded by Christian Lawlor, Kemptwear (pictured above) offers a capsule collection of shirts and trousers, modern day-to-day staples, all made to last. The pieces to buy? A blue striped Oxford cotton shirt, €95, will work with pretty much anything. Ditch tailored pants and don a pair of Kempt’s navy chinos with a slight stretch, designed for comfort and fit; www.kemptwear.com.
Prince of Wales wool check blazer, Boglioli, €935, at Brown Thomas. Cashmere roll-neck, €145, www.arket.com. Spirit Zulu Time watch, Longines, €3,050, at Paul Sheeran Jewellers, Johnsons Court, Dublin 2. Longston suede Chelsea boots, Belstaff, €350, at Brown Thomas. Nothing Phone 1, €469; www.ie.nothing.tech.
For autumn, neutrals are no longer a supporting act, they’re taking centre stage in menswear. Try a cashmere knit with a tweed blazer for a contemporary alternative to a two-piece suit. This season, dressing head-to-toe in tonal neutrals is a style statement that’s easy to make. If you really must have a pop of colour, accessorise with bright socks (www.uniqlo.com). The latest tech? Experience the newly launched Nothing Phone 1, the most anticipated smartphone of the year. This design-led, environmentally conscious device is waterproof and looks good – and different; €469; www.ie.nothing.tech.
Other Irish menswear brands to note …
ETHICAL SILK COMPANY
Elevate duvet days in a mulberry silk robe by Irish label The Ethical Silk Company. Lightweight and temperature regulating and a damn sight smarter than a jersey shortie set. €235; www.theethicalsilkco.com.
HANNA HATS
Donegal company Hanna Hats has been in business since 1924, its stock-in-trade smart hats made from Irish wool in contemporary styles, from tweed newsboy caps, €80, to handcrafted walking hats; www.hannahats.com.
ILK
This gimmick-free Dundalk-based slow-fashion brand Ilk (meaning family, community) was founded by a small team passionate about making clothes and making them right. Its signature super-soft men’s workwear Jocelyn jacket, €169 is made from cotton drill with contrasting buttons (all garments are made from organic fabrics and deadstock). We like the neat-fit Porto trousers too, €100; www.ilk.ie.
MAGEE 1866
Look out for three new tran-seasonal outerwear styles this season: the Sheelin quilted jacket, the Melvin shirt jacket and the Moross duffel coat. New knitwear, designed to be layered, includes the Clifden turtleneck and Port fisherman rib cardigan – both feature the fleck of Magee’s Donegal heritage tweeds; www.magee1866.com. Grey Shannon cashmere blend crew neck jumper, €100, at Magee 1866.
KILDARE VILLAGE
Do you hate shopping for clothes? This autumn get advice from stylist Lawson Mpame at Kildare Village, where the men’s personal shopping suite provides the privacy and space you need to actually enjoy getting kitted out. While you are there, check out Tod’s suede shoes and boots from previous seasons – classic suede lace-ups never go out of fashion.
