AUTUMN fashions took to the catwalk yesterday when 21 Irish clothes manufacturers launched their collections in another phase of An Bord Trachtala's "Look To Our Own" campaign.
There was eager anticipation in Fitzer's Restaurant in the RDS as the models wafted down among the tables. But there was to be nothing challenging as manufacturer after manufacturer opted for the safe and conservative. Next season, now in the shops, looks pretty much like the last deeply sombre in its dark greys, browns and olives. The line is close cut.
Lack of dash is not peculiar to Irish clothes. It is the look everywhere, though it is not really a look at all more like a continuation of last season.
Some good use is being made of tweed (Michel Ambers, Loretta Bloom and Brian Tucker). And teamed with tight leather trews does wonders for lifting it out of the boring. Black and white checks are another favourite and, as ever, look smart as can be.
Attempts at sophistication, while rare, include leopard prints, for jackets and dresses, well Coordinated with black by Gold or, in a large size (16-24), by Personal Choice.
Good, strong colours like red or electric blue only appear after dark. Then is the time for quite alluring dresses gorgeous chiffons by Liza Lovell, Traffic and Regine. There is more scope for individual whim in evening wear which goes from Baby Doll to ankle swirling grandeur.
Caution rules, however. A neat, fitted short skirted suit is an absolute must. Trousers are a close second. Pared down, without any soft touches, these are everyday clothes for just about everyone. It may all be a bit middle of the road but Irish manufacturers know what they are about clothes, according to Mr Jim Mongey of the trade board, which will win increased sales here and abroad. And that's what it's all about.