Nicky's Rag Tales

There is a huge difference between Fashion and Style. A person can be ‘In Fashion’ while devoid of style. Buying into all the current and fast changing trends can turn a person into the proverbial ‘dogs dinner’. We are very lucky in Dublin to have several independent, one of a kind boutiques that ooze style and Dolls on Clarendon street is certainly one of them.

Petria Lenehan, the owner is one of those few women who have style and an innate sense of what it takes to dress well. Her own style relies on her acute sense of what is beautiful. Cut, cloth, and eclectic design with attention to detail are what you will find in her boutique which has Petria’s very definite and clear stamp all over it. You get the feeling that every garment hanging comes with a lot of thought behind it. Her manner is gentle but business like and if you were vague in what you wanted you can be sure huge thought and experience will help you make the right choice.

Petria lived in New York and studied fashion at F.I.T she then moved to Florence and from there moved to London. Having absorbed all that New York with it’s edgy fashion vibe and Italy with it’s great fabrics had to offer London looked like the place to open her own boutique. It was lucky for us that on a return to Dublin she spotted the possibilities to bring labels here that would be new to the Irish Fashion Scene.

An easy space to browse with a relaxed atmosphere and lots of rails to explore yield designers whose passion and differences are apparent. From this season Petria introduced her own range of beautifully simple knits from Nepal in 50% cashmere, they are timeless classics.

Petria in Petria Lenehan dress, hat and scarf Jo Gordon, Briefcase from Morocco

Very carefully bought accessories ranging from very reasonable to mid price include, Falke, Tatty Divine, Virginie Millefiori, Jo Gordon and Mimi. Shoes from Mellisa sit comfortably in the mix.

Not content to rest on her laurels and in collaberation with her sister Maisha plans are well advanced to open a second Dolls with a cafe on South Circular Road in December. Petria brings with her a passion for the truly beautiful in that understated, timeless and unique style and I look forward to her new venture eagerly.

Dolls is a stones throw from Dublin’s Grafton Street, just behind the Westbury Hotel. 32b Clarendon Street, Dublin 2. t.01-6729004