Nicky's Rag Tales

I came across Icelandic label Elm in Malibu California of all places last year and came home with a fabulous black dress, an unlikely purchase in a heatwave but I so fell in love with it that I just had to have it.

I arrived at Monica John’s new home beside the Westbury Hotel in Dublin with the vague knowledge that they were showcasing a collection this afternoon so I was surprised and happy to discover the Elm collection with the three women designers on hand to show the collection to invited Monica John customers. Ursula Davey, Manager and assistant buyer whose Mum Ailish was one of the models on hand explained that this was their first season with Elm which is exclusive to Monica John in Ireland.

ELM is the collective designers initials. Three Icelandic women who have collaborated to produce a thoughtful, contemporary yet timeless and ageless collection which I absolutely adore for it’s grown up quirky detail, beautiful fabrics and cut. An incredibly well thought out and intelligent collection which if I could afford it would dominate my wardrobe. Pieces that caught my eye included the white shirts which are key to the collection which is dominated by black with greens in three hues coming in as a strong accent colour. A black dress with green shawl taffeta statement collar as well as black slouchy trousers tapered at the ankle as well as fabulous statement skirts are definitely on my wish list. Prices are as you would expect for this collection which sits in the mid to upper price range. Clothing that if bought with great thought would definitely be worn again and again.

Monica John is now looking very at ease in it’s new home. The customers who came for the preview were most definitely impressed. ELM sits comfortably beside the Pulls collection from Holland as well as Marc Cain and Oska

Monica John is now located beside the Westbury Hotel at 19 Westbury Mall, Dublin 2. T. 00353 21271399 E. monicajohn@eircom.net

Over the past few weeks the Spring Summer Collections from the major designers have been staging shows in Paris, Milan, London and New York. I’ve been keeping an eye on the press and commentary but was fascinated by Alexander Mcqueen whose show was streamed live over the internet last night. It’s titled Plato’s Atlantis. Watch it and then let me know what you think. I was pretty gobsmacked.

Over the years I have sat ramp side at many fashion shows, some memorable many not, but none like the one I attended last night with my BF Joan as I found myself (camera in hand ) at the Marie Keating Foundation ‘Survive and Thrive’ Fashion show at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. This was no ordinary charity fashion show littered with various methods of gathering in often much needed funds. It differed because it was not an event that took but was one which gave. It gave to a vibrant and very alive audience of those women and their families who have either survived Breast Cancer or who like my friend Joan are undergoing the gruelling treatment that gives the greatest chance of survival. This was the fifth year of this event which will definitely survive on the Irish Charity Social calendar if the energy and commitment apparent last night has anything to do with it.

Professional Models from Assets Agency (who gave their services free) shared the catwalk with women connected with Breast Cancer. While the professionals were beautiful the biggest cheers were heard when women strutted their stuff in true survivor style. Tears and laughter were the order of the night which started with a Champagne reception (none of your plonk here!) and an array of goodies on sale.

Please excuse the wobbly photographs as the atmosphere was catching and I was bopping to the music at the same time as clicking my camera!

All the clothes were styled and supplied by Marks and Spencer and Arnotts

The Marie Keating Foundation can be contacted by phoning 01-6283726 or by email info@mariekeating.ie

Pink has emerged as one of Autumns breakout colours. It suits everyone in various hues and in various quantities. Some of us can wear it almost top to toe but for others less is the best policy. When you are fed up with black, navy and grey add a splash of pink. Team with silver accessories and black to toughen up the look. October is breast cancer awareness month so what could be more appropriate? Check out The Mater Foundation for information on Breast Cancer and the Mater Foundation Breast Cancer Appeal.

All the above clothes can be found at ASOS

This is the bra that doubles as a gas mask and it’s inventor Dr Elena Bodnar has just won the Public Health Prize at the recent 2009 Nobel lg Prize award ceremony in Copenhagen. The bra converts to a gas mask and supplies an extra one for a friend.
Appropriately the prize for Economics went to four executives of Icelandic banks!

It’s that time of year when I’m thinking about what I really want to add to my wardrobe for Autumn. I’m looking for pieces that will stand the test of time and will be worn and used over and over offering value and justifying the cost. I’m fed up of cheap and cheerful purchases of clothes that are worn once or if I’m lucky twice and that I thought were great value! In these times It’s better in my opinion to be very sure of what you spend your money one and only buy good quality that will last. Here are a few of the items that are on my wish list for this Autumn.

This skirt for me is one of the best of the Autumn offerings, it’s got it all going on, draping, tweed and oh so stylish. Flattering around the bits I need to hide too!

This bag from Billykirk is a copy of a WW2 Mab holder from Belgium and is one of those forever pieces that can only get better as time goes by, a real heirloom bag that if I am lucky enough to get will be fought over by my girls. It costs $325 from Billykirk.

As you can guess by now I’m a V. Westwood fan and since I’ve been predicting the return of the suit for so long finally it seems to be back. I think this one ticks all the boxes for me. Vivienne Westwood
is available from Net a Porter.

All Saints do a fabulous leather Jackets which top my list of Autumn wishes. This one is right now and another forever classic which will be worn and worn again and again.

I love my laptop and at the moment I’m carrying it in a trendy Knomo orange bag I bought in Selfridges but I think this satchel will be the next laptop bag. Not a traditional computer bag but it will certainly strike a cool look when I’m working on the move. It costs £64.99 and is available from Cambridge Satchel.