Fashion by Deirdre McQuillan.
SUITE TASTE
Next Wednesday and Thursday, Beth Haughton, owner of the ultra-chic Cork boutique, Beth, will be taking a suite in the Merrion Hotel in Dublin with what she says is a sneak preview for Dubliners of what her shop is all about. "I like people to get excited when they come in," she says. Thrills on offer include Gina shoes, Australian cosmetics line More, Serfontaine jeans from LA (the fourth-best selling designer jeans brand in the US), and the wonderful Orca bags featured here. Everything is exclusive to Beth because, as she says, "it keeps me interested too". For tickets call Beth at 021-4891155
THE NEXT WAVE
The best surfwear brands - Quiksilver, Billabong, Ripcurl - are from Australia. Hammerheadz in Greystones, a year old this month, carries these brands, including some great accessories. Wheelie luggage from Roxy, the female version of Quiksilver, will certainly make a statement on an airport carousel. The bold floral print case costs €129.95 and it has a matching mirrored beauty bag for €49.95. Hammerheadz is on Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow (01-2016500).
CARRYING COLLECTION
Somebody once defined a bag as a private space in a public world, but a new exhibition in Paris takes that definition to its limit. Le Cas du Sac currently running in the Musée de la Mode is probably the most comprehensive compilation of bags ever mounted, with nearly 500 exhibits from all over the world, from the humble plastic carrier bag to the iconic handbags of the 20th century. The first part is all about the domestic, professional and travelling functions of the bag, while the second looks at religious, symbolic and ceremonial aspects. Visitors will be struck by the Mali hunter's bag, and legendary items such as the Kelly, the Lady Dior, Nina Ricci's "telephone" bag or a beautiful item that belonged to Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister. Allow at least a morning to enjoy the show, which runs until February 20th, Tuesdays to Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission: €6.