Haute couture and haute cuisine seem like natural companions: both have to do with the good life. Now the dress designer Richard Lewis and Lakeshore, which makes gourmet food, have cooked up a competition. Those participating have to cook a meal, using Lakeshore products, and the winner then chooses a day and an evening garment from Lewis.
News of the competition spread quickly at Richard Lewis' spring collection, which was shown in Dublin Castle. So desirable was it that many would happily toil over a hot stove to get one garment, never mind two.
The colours he has chosen are brown, slate, indigo and coral; the fabrics are his favourites, matt and wool jersey, slub silks and chiffons, and the style is of the casual mixed with the formal.
Cardigans and jumpers and knitted jackets might be worn with outlandishly full, ruched silk skirts referred to as "baroque", or the same knits might appear with palazzo trousers or sleeveless dresses. The simplest garment is given the couture touch, with applique work or hand-painted chiffon stoles. But it is very understated. Skirts and dresses are cut close, then flare out to just below the knee or ankle.
The idea of putting a T-shirt with a richly coloured and ruched silk skirt may seem like a small idea, but, as they say, it is often the simple thing that is the cleverest, and Richard Lewis' new collection works like a dream.
Those wishing to enter the competition should write to Lakeshore, Ballinderry, Co Tipperary, for details. It is open to both professional and non-professional cooks.