Christian Louboutin bags
He is known for his red soles and now his new bags feature high-gloss red leather bases. The new range from Christian Louboutin, which has just arrived in Brown Thomas called Rubylou, consists of handbags, shoulder bags and cross-body bags with prices starting from €790 all with flashes of red on leather and chain straps. Florals are invading fashion and this pink item in fine calf is called the Watersnake Fiori; others come in soft suede or glittering with gems and lucky charms with luminous linings like Piste Aux Etoiles, which costs a hefty €1,550 – around the same price of two pairs of his famous stilettos.
Stripe it
Go-faster stripes, once the province of racing cars to give them a sportier look, have been a growing fashion trend thanks to Chloe, Gucci and others worn in various alluring ways on the street with trainers or heels. What makes them so popular is the way in which they elongate the leg even on the shortest frames. This red number, a "man pant", with soft blue and white stripes is from Me+Em and has a slightly flared leg shape finished with a vent which also serves to elongate and slim the leg line. It costs €192 from www.meandem.com
Silk stories
The word fashion means to make and for those handy with patterns and the sewing machine, Roisin Cross Silks has always been a maker's mecca for luxurious fabrics. Judith O'Sullivan, who took over the business from Cross some years ago, has moved premises from her base in Dún Laoghaire to Kill Lane in Deansgrange "from period old world to business park near the NCT centre", she says, where she has relocated her mix of silks, wools, lace, bridal materials and trimmings into a bright new space. The silks come from India, China and Thailand, wools and textured cottons from Italy and lace from France. The company now offers a dressmaking service for those who know what suits them which involves three to four fittings over a four to six week time frame. For further details visit www.silks.ie
