Despite the chill, spring was in the air yesterday as House of Fraser staged three fashion presentations in Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin showcasing its spring/summer collections.
Styled by the store's personal shopper, Sally Ann Flanagan, and aimed at a broad customer base, the shows were divided into current themes and trends like "Global Traveller", "Carnival" and "High Seas", at prices to suit all budgets.
Shorts and striped tops featured alongside duster coats and summer dresses. City wear was both chic and practical with a mix of tailored jackets, striped cropped trousers and trench coats accessorised with leopard print scarves, white snakeskin bowler bags and shrugs.
Highlights were Mariad Whisker's dramatic striped summer coats and black and white print dresses.
The store's current campaign of "most wanted items of the season" includes hot catwalk looks like skinny jeans, buckled patent belts, wooden bead necklaces and luxurious lingerie.
Store manager Jean Ann Taylor said the average spend in the store is €75 per person. She added that Monday to Friday opening hours were extended last October to 9pm.
"We have 50,000 loyalty card members. People come to spend, not browse, and there has been a huge uplift in accessories. There is also a huge demand for larger sizes."
Irish design features among the store's international brands.
Apart from Whisker, House of Fraser also stocks Aideen Bodkin and Régine, but according to Ms Taylor further Irish brands are currently being considered.
In July the store will open a Foxford shop which will be the first outside Mayo to carry the company's full interiors range.