Designers mix it up for men and women at BT2

THE PREVAILING look at yesterday’s preview in Dublin of BT2’s autumn-winter collections was casual and slimline. Typical combinations were skinny jeans with cardigan-style jackets (Isabel Marant, MSGM), often in metallic tweeds or with gold embroidery.

That narrow silhouette was echoed in menswear brands such as Diesel, JLindeberg and the new British label Farrell, “devised” by singer Robbie Williams.

“Guys need to have something that will elevate and smarten up their jeans, something more than hoodies and polo shirts,” said menswear buyer Paul O’Connor.

Showing menswear and womenswear together makes sense in a season where the driving force is androgyny. The Kooples nailed the trend and the colours with a narrow, shiny dark green trouser suit. Sandro’s printed burgundy leopard leggings with a boyish burgundy Crombie further emphasised the chic streetwear approach from these French brands. Common to both sexes were the revived aviator jacket and chunky knits.

Skirts were mainly short, many pleated or printed, dresses skintight with some exceptions, particularly an elegant navy caped number from Maje and a black and gold brocade shift by Victoria Beckham. Cos’s offbeat colour mixes and weighty fabrics sometimes didn’t work, though a dress in a bold green, black and white print was striking.

Noticeable throughout was the footwear: many handsome and practical ankle boots, 1940s-style platforms and suede stilettos in rich colours, some with thick snakeskin heels.