Winter is definitely coming. I can feel the evenings drawing in and the fire is now lit at night. We’ve been robbed of a decent Summer in Ireland but it’s time to put the summer clothes that never got worn away and think about Autumn/Winter dressing. Luckily knitwear is a huge trend which is in all the collections both designer and high street and Polo necks are definitely back in a big way. So make sure you have at least one in your wardrobe. Fine polos can be layered with sleeveless cardigans and Jackets and the chunky ones will look great with jeans or trousers. It is possible to be both on trend and warm this Winter.
One rule of selling in our showroom is that you never rush customers, or worse run out and leave it while customers are there, but not being a person who always sticks to the rules, that is precisely what I did yesterday. Three customers arrived in together and I ran to Brown Thomas to meet with Joy Jaffe and view the latest new collection just arrived from Raoul. I just had a hunch that this was one appointment not to be missed and boy was my hunch correct.
Raoul launched in 2002 and started life as a menswear shirt company with its own store and by happenstance and great forethought (due to women asking first for shirts and then clothing) evolved into a full women’s wear collection in 2008. It’s resounding success is in no small part due to the enigmatic and hugely talented Joy Jaffe who appeared on the Times list of most influential names in fashion in 2002. Joys background and roots lie firmly in the business of fashion and with her unique blend of marketing and brand management skills she has steered Raoul in the right direction for success.
The Raoul collection is simple in its concept and uniquely stunning in its execution. What’s more surprising is the pricing which puts it inthe excellent value category. Beautiful detailing and leather accents in quality fabrics which are cut to fit are key to this collection. This is a confident collection with pieces that can be worn in several ways and accessories that are perfect partners yet would happily stand alone. Raoul is now available exclusively in Brown Thomas in Dublin.
Sligo is the destination this Autumn as the Appletiser StyleFIX road show comes to town on Saturday 24 September. Everyone who attends this event will enjoy high-impact fashion shows throughout the afternoon showcasing a whole host of the newest season’s trends on the catwalk. With a range of stylish stores, from Pull & Bear, River Island, Monsoon and Accessorize to Oasis, Exhibit and TK Maxx, there will be something to suit every style and budget. The StyleFIX crew will be teaming high waisted trousers with elegant blouses for an elegant runway look. For a fashion forward twist, they will be adding fur, leather harness accessories and a few cuff bracelets to bring the looks bang into the new season. Quayside shoppers can expect to see some classy sheer maxi dresses and pleated option. If you are heading to Sligo or are already in the beautiful county log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/AppletiserIreland for weekly updates.
Next thursday (which happens to be my birthday) Mary Portas opens her shop called simply ‘Mary’ on the first floor at House Of Fraser Oxford Street London. It’s been a year long project from the great Mary Queen Of Shops. I’m a huge fan of all about Mary and am really hopeful that this will be a great success. Targeted at the over 40′s who Mary Portas says are “invisible” in fashion retailing and with a carefully chosen range she has put her reputation firmly on the line. So to Mary the Brave I say the very best of luck.
All the collections I previewed and sold for Autumn had one common thread, cable sweaters and cardigans in good old-fashioned Aran style. So, not just for the American tourist it’s time to embrace your inner Aran! I am heading to the nearest Irish Aran sweater shop to get the real thing. On the video below is the best Aran shop in Limerick city and just listening to the story of the stitches and knitting patterns will add great story value to this Iconic traditional Irish designed knitwear.
September is gearing up to be a great month for fashion. Apart from London Fashion Week when I will be putting my eye over the catwalks I’m putting Thursday 8th September into my diary now for the Vogue’s Fashion Night Out. This great fashion event has been running with huge success in New York, Milan Paris and Tokyo for the past couple of years. Vogue Magazine is partnering with our Brown Thomas in Dublin. Opening the doors from 6-11 pm there will be fantastic event and general great fashionable fun. Look alike celebs, make up artists and Irish designers on hand are just some of what is promised. I am looking forward to the Style events and DJ’s rocking the shop! If Dublin does it anything like the other cities then we are in for a big treat. The 8th of September kicks of the Dublin Festival of Fashion so watch this space for more on that….
So get your glad rags on and turn up to Brown Thomas on 8th September, oh and don’t forget your toothbrush because there is a great competition for five lucky winners who will end up staying the night in one of Dublin’s best hotels.
My lack of regular blogging is due entirely to the business of fashion. I am smack in the midst of the “season” and madly selling in Fashion City at the moment. The short window of opportunity taking forward orders for next Spring and also selling the amazing Diva dresses equals total wipe out at the end of the day. All good news for business and the current “take it while you can” business model have me very focused at the moment.
One distraction that has had me glued to the telly and listening to BBC Radio 5 Live for updates is the awful rioting and looting that is going on in the UK. One horrific video that has swept the media is that of an unfortunate Malaysian student who is in the UK on a college scholarship. From a good Muslim family he was traveling on his bicycle when he was assaulted and had his bike stolen. Whilst huddled in a pool of blood on the pavement he was then “helped” up and during this encounter with more yobs(who were pretending to help him )had his backpack rifled and his wallet and phone stolen. It is all there for all to see and was taped by people from a flat opposite who were too frightenedto venture onto the street. I am incensed by this disgusting behavior and frankly have no time to those who talk of “disaffected” youth who are also “victims” of society. Where is personal responsibility in all of this, where is good parenting and education and old-fashioned morals? I can’t help going on a rant here because I find this so very upsetting.
Levis have just pulled this video from the UK and watching it I can see why though it is really of little consequence now.
I am unequivocal about my views on anyone who in any way is seen to promote or is soft on child abuse. The recent Irish Presidential candidate, David Norris who resigned his bid for the top job was right to resign and wrong to plead on behalf of a friend who was convicted of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy. In my book there are simply no shades of grey and it’s about time we put children first.
French Vogue magazine has gone to another low today with its photo shoot of a ten year old child provocatively dressed and pouting with full on make up. A beautiful child, but a child nonetheless. A Fashion coup or a paedophiles dream?. Why any parents would pimp their child to be paraded in this way is beyond me and all I can say to Vogue Magazine is shame on you.
Stacked loafers made an appearance last winter but watch out for them this year for a chic choice which may offer style and comfort. Who knows, we may have got a heel that looks good and can be worn for more than twenty minutes without having to reach for either painkillers or alcohol in order to erase the grimace that slowly spreads across faces in an effort to continue to bare the pain as it rises from the high heeled feet upwards!
