Sonia Rykiel once said, “How can you live the high life, if you do not wear high heels?” We’d beg to differ, given that the ballet flat is officially the shoe of the autumn season. Classic, comfortable and chic, it’s a no brainer. And, while the ballet flat has always been popular, new styles are elevating the much-loved staple to high-fashion status. Cue: the Nicki Hoyne Collection, which takes the flat to the next level, remixing the classic shape with point-toes and ankle straps, it also reinvents the ballet flat in playful finishes like glitter, leopard print and unexpected bright colours.

Main image: Designer Nicki Hoyne at the Nicki Hoyne Collection pop-up at Kildare Village.

Calling all fans of Nicki Hoyne’s fun-loving footwear: there’s good news! You can shop the designer’s much-loved collection at Kildare Village, where a chic pop-up has just opened. The Nicki Hoyne Collection pop-up at Kildare Village celebrates the brand’s latest release: the Mary Jane mule. It’s the perfect point-toe mule (we love the leopard-print pattern the most) that boasts a contrasting, colour-pop strap. Comfortable and stylish, pair yours with jeans and a white tee for daytime, or slip on a pair with your favourite dress for after work drinks. Visit the pop-up, try the full collection in real life and see exclusive new colours in some of the brand’s best-loved pieces. 

While you’re there, try a pair of tassel flats or better yet, a pair of the point-toe ankle boots which are sure to see you through the autumn months. The pop-up will also host an edit of the designer’s much-loved leather crossbody bags which, in true Nicki Hoyne fashion, come emblazoned with pattern and colour.

Focusing on slow fashion, each piece in the Nicki Hoyne Collection comprises 100 per cent leather and is made by skilled craftspeople in Spain, with a focus on ethical production. It’s Hoyne’s aim to have a fully-fledged sustainable brand in the coming years. So, whatever your investment – a crossbody bag in vivid polka dots or a ballet flat that will see you through every occasion – you’re guaranteed a timeless piece that will yield dividends for seasons to come.

The Nicki Hoyne Collection pop-up at Kildare Village is open until September 14.

Along with unmissable savings, Kildare Village is adding a host of exciting brands, with serious fashion kudos, to its roster for autumn. Demonstrate your style prowess with a trip to American Vintage, the underground label loved by the cool crowd for its luxurious staple pieces, that opens on September 26. 

The contemporary label, founded by Marseille native Michaël Azoulay in 2005, is known for its dedication to colour, specialising in chic basics in a spectrum of rainbow shades. Choose from cool knitwear (the brand’s mohair cardigans enjoy a cult fashion following) and quality T-shirts. The silhouette is simple, the details are boyish, and the pieces are planet-friendly, too. 

Meanwhile, fresh from the launch of Bash, Claudie Pierlot is the latest French fashion label to drop at the Village, opening on September 2. Expect plenty of Parisian style hits we love: excellent jeans, hyper-feminine blouses and cool tailoring. The brand will join the stable of newly-launched names such as Italian fashion house Missoni and contemporary womenswear label Joseph Ribkoff.

Claudie Pierlot at Kildare Village opens on September 2; American Vintage at Kildare Village opens on September 26.

So much new fashion, so little time. Thankfully, at Kildare Village, the personal shopping team are on hand to distil the latest trends and breadth of new brands into your dream capsule wardrobe. Visiting Personal Shopping is a smart way to familiarise yourself with Kildare Village’s exciting and ever-expanding brand mix – which now includes more than 100 fashion and lifestyle brands. 

Book in for a classic 90 minute slot, perfect for a broad spectrum wardrobe overhaul, a special occasion focus or a personal style consultation. The 40 minute Perfect Palette appointment offers expert colour analysis and an individual seasonal colour swatch for each guest. Or, the Style Saturday experience is the perfect opportunity to gather a group of family or friends for a pre-booked style masterclass.

With a team led by Clara Halpin, Deputy Director of Personal Shopping – who is joined by internationally trained Personal Stylists Jess Colivet, Sinéad Kelly and Cathy O’Connor – there’s no shortage of style, or savvy sartorial wisdom, amongst this coterie. 

If you can’t make it in for an IRL appointment, try the unique virtual shopping service at Kildare Village, a five-star experience that puts customers in private contact with their chosen boutique via email, telephone call or a personalised video consultation. Talk to an expert, get some style advice and have your purchase shipped directly to you, from the comfort of your own home.