Clothes Lines

Yet another book on Chanel. But Amy de la Haye’s new book is different to some of the others in that it focuses more on the designer’s creative output than on her controversial personal life.

The third in the V&A’s Fashion Series, it shows how Chanel evolved from a small millinery business to an empire over the course of 60 years. Her principles held true throughout her life: a dress that is not comfortable is not right, pockets must be placed for use and buttons must fasten. Elegance in clothes meant the freedom to move easily. The book is lavishly illustrated and includes this photo of a young Diana Vreeland in 1937 wearing a black sequined bolero, high waisted trousers and a cream silk chiffon and lace blouse.

Chanel; Couture and Industryby Amy de la Haye is published by the VA (£19.99).

Tiffany heirlooms

Lance Neirby, a master craftsman with Tiffany Co in New York was in Brown Thomas, Dublin last week with his workbench and tools demonstrating how Tiffany’s new sterling silver bracelets and cuffs are made from antique patterns. These historic designs, originally used for nautical trophies, trays or teapots, have been adapted into ornate and very beautiful wristwear. Three types are on sale in The Marvel Room in Brown Thomas – a hammered silver spiral cuff (€760), a sterling silver cherub wreath cuff (above, €760) and a floral wave bangle (€490).

Castleknock collaboration

Since it opened in spring of last year, Bronagh O’Sullivan’s chic little shop Bow Pearl has become something of a mecca for canny shoppers in Ranelagh, with its proud mantra of no dresses costing more than €100. O’Sullivan’s latest venture is a collaboration with Irish designer Emma Manley. Manley is to develop a limited edition, vintage-inspired Bow Pearl label. Starting with jackets, it will be made in Ireland from Irish fabrics at prices from €155-€160. The two Castleknock women have been friends for years, went to the same school and both had stalls in the Cow’s Lane market. New labels at the store also include hair accessories by Wicklow-based designer Lynne Astrid Baillie, Maggie Me and Danish knitwear and leather specialists Gestuz, whose red leather jacket is pictured.

Best boot forward

Looking for the perfect pair of winter boots? Every winter, I go hunting and can never find the workhorses I want. If you don’t want to exhaust yourself heaving them on or off, zips are a must whatever your leg shape. Laces, forget it. Wedges? No thanks. Some boots are either far too high for a purposeful stride or have elongated or pointed toes that make the foot look twice its size. Wellies have gone upmarket and so have their prices, while peep-toes are ridiculous for Irish winters. A few years ago I bought a pair Jimmy Choo riding boots and now well worn, they have more than paid their way. This boot from Pace in Foxrock has a nice tapered shape, a zip at the side and costs €285. It’s by Marika. It almost fits the bill.