Villagers

CLOTHES LINES:On a recent visit to Kildare Village, there were no signs of recession. The place was filled with locals and busloads of tourists, many of them Chinese. Tax-refunded sales, it is reported, are up 73 per cent on last year. Newly opened in early June, for instance, is a handsome Coach boutique with 40 per cent reductions on previous season's collections. Manbags caught the eye; like black and brown leather messengers down to €299 from €455, a stylish black backpack, €249 down from €375 and laptop carriers €259 reduced from €435. Less expensive were leather belts at €69 and zippered card carriers (good birthday presents) in bright colours €119 down from €180.

Not to be missed is Church’s, a footwear brand now owned by Prada, though the shoes are still made in the original factory in Northhampton.

Visitors can see in a cross-sectioned sample of their impressive construction. A pair of classic loafers, for example, were €150 down from €300. Seconds and samples were all €150 and women’s classic riding boots were reduced from €650 to €390. Nearby, at Tods, the Italian shoes and bags were being closely scrutinised by foreign visitors and at Samsonite the new four-wheel super lightweight (and Ryanair-friendly) zippered suitcase (in silver) was €293, a saving of €126 on the list price.

Elsewhere, there were outstanding bargains in Louise Kennedy, where a long black cashmere coat embroidered with tiny white pearls and beads was €795 reduced from €1,595 (only two left) while a luxurious cream cashmere coat was €395 down from €1,395. A heavy jet bolero had been reduced to €495 from €2,400, while more summery pink Linton tweed jackets were €495.

Brooks Brothers, the US company founded in 1818 and famous for its shirts (it has dressed every US president from Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama) opened its outlet in March and lined its changing room walls with suit and shirting material. Polo button-down non-iron cotton shirts (for men) were €29.40, for example, while a crisp white cotton women’s shirt was €51.80 and a short trench carried a €53 price tag.

In Anya Hindmarch’s bright corner shop, I liked the summertime canvas shoppers in lemon, red, green and navy which were €130, down from €325, while a leather shoulder bag in cream and taupe was €306 reduced from €765, one of many.

The last port of call in the brief visit was to the new pop-up Stephen Pearce shop. It had some terrific discontinued items like a statement salad bowl set in a terracotta square for €72, which would make a good wedding present, as well as more everyday mugs and bowls, which at around €11, were 40 per cent less than the normal retail price.

From now until July 29th, the village is hosting its second Chic Summer Festival, which will feature floral couture installations by the international award- winning florist Joe Massie. The youngest floral designer to win Gold at Chelsea Flower Show for the fourth year running, he will also host masterclasses on making posies with Irish summer flowers.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra will give open air performances on July 20th and 21st, and there will be ballet and impromptu theatrical performances, live sets from fashion blogging DJ Alex Donald and a heritage and genealogy trail.

[ kildarevillage.com ]