BEST FOOT FORWARD The name Christian Louboutin may not have the same sonorous ring as Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik, but the French shoe designer enjoys the same level of superstar status among footwear fanatics worldwide.
Known for his extravagant uppers, and also for his signature Chinese-red soles, Louboutin was in Dublin this week to host the opening of the vast new Brown Thomas shoe department, which, at over 6,000 square feet, is the largest in Ireland. Shoes from Dries Van Noten, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Pied A Terre, Bertie, LK Bennett and many others are displayed in a series of rooms taking over the whole first floor, where big windows allow in natural light. Louboutin's high-wedge ribbon espadrilles and delicious crepe de chine crystal butterfly sandals are just some of the temptations on offer. "Chaussures are like jewels," says the man who made a pair for French film star Arielle Dombasle with a love letter from her husband locked into a see-through heel, along with a lock of his hair and a quill. How romantic is that?
IT'S A 1970s THING
The extraordinary success of H&M's alliance with designer Karl Lagerfeld and his capsule collection that sold out almost the day it hit the stores has given the Swedish giant confidence to commission another designer. And the one chosen is Elio Fiorucci, the 70-year-old Italian designer, a 1970s style leader known for his signature two-angels logo. He's not exactly a household name today, but when H&M took over his former shop in Milan two years ago, the idea of getting him to do a 1970s-inspired collection took root. His new poolside range for H&M, pictured right, consists of 100 items, including T-shirts, bikinis and flip flops, and will be launched at the beginning of June in a limited edition.
ANOTHER DUNVILLE DELIGHT
For fans of LK Bennett shoes, Emme, a gem of a shoe shop in Dunville Avenue, Ranelagh, Dublin, is one of a handful of stockists. Owner Helen Brannigan named the shop after her baby daughter, Emma. When she opened her doors a year ago, Brannigan had no previous retailing experience, but learned quickly to buy with specific customers in mind. "I may be conservative in dress, but shoes are really my thing and I like very classic styles," she says. She sourced her footwear all over Europe, but LK Bennett remains the most popular brand. Current favourites are dressy numbers with embellishments such as crystals or beading. Prices are from €150 to €270. Dunville Avenue continues to develop apace; two more jewellery shops, a beauty salon and a bookshop are due to open there within the year.
DING-DONG DUNNES
I'm a big Dunnes Stores fan, particularly of their Savida range and the great bargains in the household section, but why, oh why do their ding-dong public announcements sound exactly the same as those at Dublin airport? I travel a lot and am highly attuned to the last calls for flights in the departures hall. Given the long queues these days, the minute I hear the tannoy, I get a feeling of apprehension in case I don't have time to finish the coffee before charging to the gate. Back in the city, relaxed and browsing around the St Stephen's Green store, the next minute, it's as if I'm back in the airport departures hall. Dunnes, give us a break and change the tune.