Louis Copeland has suited and booted some of the best dressed men in Ireland, and his "Groom's Guide" provides a few simple steps to ensure all husbands-to-be are looking their best for the big day this summer. Firstly, black tie is out. Copeland thinks a perfectly fitting two piece can be just as suave. Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton blends or a luxurious linen mix are perfect for summer attire. There is no substitute for a made-to-measure design and Copeland recommends having some fun with decorative linings, coloured buttons and personalised monograms. A tie and pocket square in complementary tones and patterns provide the perfect opportunity to show some personality but when it comes to the groom's wedding shoes, Copeland and his team suggest keeping things classic in style. The Canali suit pictured costs €1,449. See Louiscopeland.com – DMcM
Steal vs splurge
Fly high with this feather clutch bag for €34 – misguidedcom – or fluff it with this Margo tulle floral-appliqué – €390 at Koturclutc.
Style Secret
"The one thing I wish I'd realised sooner in life is that no one else really cares what you're wearing so my advice is to break free from whatever self imposed style shackles or hangups you have, don't worry about what you think other people think, and just go for it. It
can feel quite liberating!" Darren Kennedy, presenter
Embroidered talent
The super talented Louise Kavanagh from Drimnagh whose passion is embroidery, one of this year's NCAD graduates, was the only Irish finalist in the recent Mittelmoda fashion competition in Milan. Kavanagh, who interned with Proenza Schouler in New York and is planning to return to the US, displayed her skills with this white cotton poplin coat and dress overlaid with hand-embroidered characters and slogans and tufted embellishment. She called her collection "Make America Fake Again", stemming from her childhood idea of the American dream. "It's a visual response to the sickening culture of consumerism", she says. louiseagh@gmail.com – DMcQ
Wear it
Ghost has just opened at Kildare village and there is a lot more available than silky bridesmaids’ dresses. Its vintage-inspired pieces, particularly this Annabelle printed dress (RRP €265, Kildare Village price €133) has us longing for a garden party invitation.
Fashion history
The first of this summer's Lost Fashion History of Dublin tours led by fashion historian and writer Ruth Griffin starts on July 15th. She will delve into the Liberties, a once-thriving hub of silk and poplin weaving. On Saturday, August 19th, she will conduct a tour of Merrion Square which once housed the famous Irish fashion designer and entrepreneur Sybil Connolly who at the time was as well known in the US as Elizabeth Taylor. On Saturday, September 30th, she will illuminate the lost history of Sth William Street, once the "rag trade" centre of Dublin, and the final tour is of O'Connell Street where she will unveil some of its hidden sartorial secrets. Tickets are €15 per person per tour and can be bought on her website ruaruth.com – DMcQ
