Fashion designer Helen McAlinden who works closely with Foxford tweed in Mayo, brought it to the fore at her autumn/winter show in the newly restored City Assembly House in South William Street, Dublin, across the road from her shop.

The tweed from Foxford included an oversize houndstooth wrap worn with skinny black jeans, a black leather biker jacket and a tote, thus neatly nailing several trends in one.

Foxford tweed was also used boldly in a peplum skirt with a close-fitting black jersey top in another daywear special for those with snake hips.

It is good to see Irish tweeds being used by Irish designers and those specially woven by Magee for her classic hacking jackets and coachman coats were subtly coloured in soft pastels, giving a fresh new look to familiar styles, while knits came in coordinating dusty pinks or in berry shades.

For evening, simple black dresses with origami sleeves and a mid-length black tuxedo worn with a sheer body and crepe pants had McAlinden’s signature, clean-cut look.

Best of all for evening was a shot silk full skirt in berry red with a black organza top that closed the show on a more romantic note.