TOPSHOP LAUNCHES RUNWAY TO RETAIL
Topshop made its "Runway to Retail" debut this week at its Unique show in London's Old Spitalfields Market during Fashion Week. For the first time, customers could buy a selected edit from the runway immediately after the show in what Topshop described as "a natural evolution of the brand".
The selection ranged from casual separates (right) and tailoring to the finale dresses that can be bought online from topshop.com and in selected stores across the globe – though unfortunately not in Ireland. The remaining pieces from the collection will launch in some Topshop stores and online on November 11th.
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At the London shop, a pop-up “market stall” opened to the public and guests immediately after the finale. DMcQ
STEAL VS SPLURGE
Crush on this velvet bomber in navy for €39 from iclothing.com or crush your wallet with this bomber for €1,235 from Haider Ackermann. DMcM
CLASSY CAMEL
Blonde and camel are shades that invariably communicate a look of luxury. At Helen McAlinden’s recent show at the Georgian Society headquarters on Sth William Street – across the road from her shop – a long blonde merino cardigan (€385) and a camel cashmere pencil skirt (€195) had that old-school languid elegance echoed in other items such as a cashmere shift and slouchy pants. Detachable cowls were everywhere and shearling hoodies and though many coats seemed cut similarly, some standout items included a silver embossed A-line dress called Anatasia (€1,950) and an ensemble of sharp black leather jacket (€595), tiger print skirt (€195) and a metallic bronze scarf (€125). She’s not afraid of fur either – matching a red racoon jacket (€950, right) and black velvet crop pants (€240). Visit her shop or helenmcalinden.ie DMcQ
STYLE SECRET
"I like my look to be unique, and not to merely emulate runway fads. Although I do introduce trends in a subtle way, I don't abide by them. So my advice would be identify your look and stick with it. It shows you are your own person and not easily swayed." Emma Connell, editorial assistant at maven46
DRIES DRAMA
The decadent Marchesa Luisa Casati, the notorious Italian eccentric who paraded with leashed cheetahs, wore live snakes as jewellery and had a celebrated affair with the poet D'Annunzio, has long captured the imagination of designers. Dries Van Noten's autumn/winter collection (parts of which can be found in Brown Thomas, Dublin and Envoy, Belfast) has artfully recreated some of the spirit of this extraordinary female dandy with leopard-print pants, gold lamé boots and poison green furs modelled at his show in Paris by sooty eyed models – minus snakes one might add. British artists Gill Button designed the show invites (right). DMcQ
WEAR IT
Holy moley. These Marni boots with cutout heel for €750 from Samui are made for walking. DMcM
