A village vibe in the heart of Dublin, the Westbury Mall has seen a recent flurry of activity and new additions. Here’s why you need to visit (and shop) …
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James Joyce once said that if he could get to the heart of Dublin he could get to the heart of all the cities in the world; what was particular, he believed, was also universal. Today in Dublin, along a concentrated stretch on Balfe Street lies the Westbury Mall and, within it, a hotspot of boutiques, jewellers and specialist stores that, undoubtedly, hold universal appeal.
The Westbury Mall, adjacent to Dublin’s landmark five-star hotel The Westbury is best known – and loved – for stalwarts such as fabric and haberdashery destination CLOTH, purveyor of luxurious leather gloves Paula Rowan (whose gloves were recently worn by Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior on The New Look on AppleTV+, the new historical TV series about the life of Christian Dior), lingerie specialist Susan Hunter and jewellers Stonechat. Then there’s Stable of Ireland (@stableofireland), founded by Sonia Reynolds and Francie Duff in 2016, the contemporary brand that elevates Irish textiles – and is a great go to for decadent scarves and Irish linen napkins – whose luxurious shopfront on Balfe Street anchors the Mall. (See Reynolds and Duff’s guide to the season’s utilitarian jackets below: we’re tempted.)
A recent flurry of new activity has imbued the Mall with a renewed excitement – and a fashion gravitas. After the success of its pop-up last year lifestyle brand Rae Feather (@raefeather) has launched a permanent store at The Westbury Mall, just in time for all of your holiday dressing needs. We have our eye on cheesecloth sundresses, chic square-neck swimsuits and soft cotton twill striped shirts – some with matching skirts – that are veritable wardrobe staples, and extremely good value, in our opinion. Meanwhile, the brand’s basket bags which come in pack-the-kitchen-sink XL sizes, perfect for a post-swim coffee dash, can be personalised with your initials. The store is manned – womanned – by Sarah Timmis and the atmosphere is easy, breezy and relaxed.
This week, until April 13, the Mall plays host to a pop-up by Inez & Paulie (@inezandpaulie), Katie Byrne’s curated online vintage store that specialises in unique and couture clothing, shoes and accessories, mostly from the 1980s and 1990s, that make a statement. Items such as a soft black leather bomber from the 1992 Versace collection, originally worn on the runway by Elaine Irwin, will appeal to those with a devil-may-care attitude and a penchant for the fashion of 90s supermodels. There’s also a pop-up by British label Stoned & Waisted (@stonedwaisted). Get to know the brand’s considered pieces that are classic with a twist – think: exquisite sheepskin in divine colours, cropped trench coats, wide-leg pleated palazzo pants and silk ruffled blouses in unexpected colours. Wicklow-based model Sophie Anderton has been a fan of both brands for a long time. “Kate Moss introduced me to vintage in the 1990s – she was one of the first models to get into it. We all started wearing vintage in London, it was a huge thing. I particularly love the biker jackets Katie has, I have my eye on the Tom Ford boots and a silver Armani coat. There’s Lacroix, Chanel, Christian Dior. It’s so considered – pieces you really want to wear.”
Sophie has also known Stoned & Waisted founder Rachel Allpress for years – she has been “a massive fan” of her sheepskin coats which Rachel says are a big hit with “the Cheltenham crowd” who know the value of an elegant sheepskin on a bitter day. But that’s not the only string to Rachel’s bow. Look for the amazing leather skirts in navy, tan and blue and extraordinary dresses made from couture deadstock – like a guipure lace number in navy and cornflower blue. Stoned & Waisted is due to return in July, so do plan a return visit.
Equally, watch this space for a return pop-up by Karen and John Redmond’s online store Ecru Studios (@ecrustudiosdublin) – a favourite at THE GLOSS for decadent staples like jeans and T-shirts done right, ritzy velvet Mary Janes, THE best sweaters, and excellent tailoring – coming in the summer.
If you’re in the mood for a jewellery upgrade why not stop by Stonechat (@stonechatjewellers), which has just doubled the size of its premises, creating a workshop with four goldsmiths, so that customers can see pieces being made in real time. Its just-launched range of spinning rings, crafted in silver and 18 carat gold, with optional diamond insets, below, designed by goldsmith and proprietor Ann Chapman are already in popular demand (prices start from €290; www.stonechatjewellers.ie).
Finally, we’ll be dipping into Parfumarija (@parfumarija), the store of classically trained perfumer, Marija Aslimoska, where niche and rare perfumes are de rigueur and the latest drop by BDK perfumes 312 Saint Honoré is a heady mix of pink peppercorn, white musk and orange blossom.
Paula McCoy, Head of Retail and Product Development at The Doyle Collection, which owns the Westbury Mall, says the goal is to create a luxury-focused ecosystem of designers, makers and retailers who all prioritise creativity, sustainability and in many cases, Irishness, in a relaxed, unhurried retail environment: “There is that sense of community, of welcome. Browsers and shoppers can take the time to find out about what they are buying, to chat to the designers and makers. We’d like it to be like one of those gorgeous little arcades in Paris or Rome.”
Sophie Anderton sums it up. “The Westbury Mall reminds me of the Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly – a little treasure trove of gorgeous stores. There’s also a lovely sense of community among the store-keepers.” It’s true: everyone is so friendly and welcoming, no snootiness at all!
We can’t wait to see what pops up next.
