We’re not sorry it’s Autumn – not when getting dressed is so much fun …
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Launching its AW24 collection in the Fern House restaurant at Avoca Kilmacanogue, Avoca honoured its 300-year-old weaving tradition by inviting third-generation weaver Martin Kenny to demonstrate weaving the very Donegal yarn that is used in Avoca’s AW24 coats. If Martin was amused by 40 peacock ladies of the press assembling for breakfast he didn’t bat an eyelid.
Avoca’s Mill in the village of Avoca, Co Wicklow, is one of the oldest in Europe, a remarkable heritage the company has correctly identified as a valuable USP. The fact that Avoca is still weaving the fabric used in its own collections is incredible, says Brian Handley, Avoca’s new managing director who has spent his first few months in the role visiting stores and immersing himself in the brand’s history and operations.
After a welcome by Maoliosa Connell, Director of Marketing, Creative & Buying, models appeared wearing these new season tweed coats and blazers in teal, raspberry, salmon, moss green, olive and burgundy. They were styled by Catherine Condell with jeans and merino wool scarves in dazzling colours. They looked spectacular. These are the star pieces of Avoca’s fashion collection which has become more focused in recent seasons, honing in on the customer who loves an elevated everyday style, gorgeous tweeds for the weekend and glamorous eveningwear that won’t break the bank.
Navy rhinestone velvet jacket, €255; and matching trousers, €135; both Never Fully Dressed; at Avoca.
Head of Retail Buying Kate Coughlan has bought across an interesting range of labels. A big draw is American Vintage – expensive-looking easy cropped pants and sweaters in cream and grey are the epitome of quiet luxury. We loved the corduroy jumpsuits by FRNCH, sheeny-shiny raincoats by RAINS, silky camis by Part Two, velvet blazers and embroidered knitwear by Never Fully Dressed, and sequins and sparkles for the party season by Second Female. A great denim range (including a new line by Never Fully Dressed, and Salsa, among other brands), gorgeous patterned jackets by Never Fully Dressed, quilted velvet jackets by FRNCH, a denim jumpsuit by Atelier Reve, a navy pleated skirt by Part Two and corduroys by Citizens of Humanity also caught our eye.
Bow tie embroidered shirt, €149.95, Never Fully Dressed, at Avoca.
After the successful, sellout launch of their first sleepwear range, Avoca has designed new quilted robes and luxury pyjamas, with matching accessories, from scrunchies to weekend bags. They are just delicious and make you want to head to bed early.
Black fringed dress, €89.99, black wide trousers, €89.99, both Selected; both at Avoca.
The menswear collection includes new additions Aquascutum Active, American Vintage and Seinse. Send your man to Avoca for timeless pieces like the iconic RAINS parka, a quilted Barbour gilet or a charcoal corduroy shirt and matching trousers by American Vintage – surprisingly wearable and cool, even for the non-model man.
Turquoise tweed coat, €495, at Avoca.
Somehow autumn always feels like the right season fit for Avoca. We left the show desperate to get into jeans, trainers, a raspberry pink tweed coat and a bright scarf. Shows should leave you feeling inspired about getting dressed. This one certainly did.
Samira blazer, €139, Philo Trousers, €89, FRNCH; both at Avoca.
Main image: Sasja wool blazer kalamata, €159.99, Selected, at Avoca.
Avoca’s AW24 collection is available in stores and online at www.avoca.com.
