Ladylike look to the fore with leaner silhouettes for men

In a departure from their usual format, Arnotts yesterday previewed their autumn/winter collections at a breakfast fashion show at the Morrison with models mingling with guests afterwards.

Pride of place amongst the new season's arrivals is Orla Kiely; the store will be stocking not only her fashion and accessories, but also homeware and furniture.

Others making their debut at the store are Goat, a British brand known for high-end fabrics and sleek styling, 2nd Day by Day Birger et Mikkelsen from Denmark, Jill Stuart from New York (shapely lace dresses) and the offbeat D.Efect from an ex-Acne Lithuanian husband and wife team.

"Our customer is still looking to invest in new and exciting things every season", said buying director Deirdre Devaney. Peter O'Brien's collection launching on September 10th will include scarves, gloves and bags for the first time.

The show styled by Niamh O’Rourke mixed menswear and womenswear well, menswear featuring the leaner, narrower silhouette and womenswear notable for softened masculine elements such as oversize “dome” shouldered coats.

Growing confidence
According to menswear buyer Valerie O'Neill, brands known for tailoring are becoming more casual while casual brands are becoming more tailored.

Worth mentioning is a new breed of Irish male models who walk with style and assurance echoing the growing confidence of menswear directions generally in fashion.

For women, the overall look was ladylike. Dresses were of the sheath or 50s fit and flare variety and skirts pencil and knee length.

Coats ranged in colour from one in mustard by Orla Kiely (€595), in red crepe by Goat (€710) to a flamboyant shadow check cape by Vivienne Westwood (€470) and a clean-cut navy tweed and neoprene number by Missoni (€700).

For men, prices were lower – a dark navy peacoat from Superdry was €170 and a quilted Barbour €199.

Accessories included bags from Lulu Guinness whose "Paint Project" bags, a collaboration with digital artist Joseph Steele, go on sale on July 12th.