Inis Meáain has just unveiled its latest pub jacket from its spring 2018 collection at Pitti Uomo in Florence, which is bound to appeal to savvy style-conscious metropolitan males on both sides of the Atlantic and other fans of the Irish brand. It's in knitted linen, buttoned high and there's also a longer version with pockets. Dubbed a pub jacket 20 years ago by the owner of the famous Louis menswear store in Boston, this cardigan/jacket was based on a 1910 photo of an Inis Meain fisherman wearing what was then called a bháscóta bán. View the collection at inismeain.ie DMcQ
Bohemian Brides
New York-based, Kerry-born designer Don O’Neill – a man who has dressed Oprah Winfrey, Amy Poehler, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood – will make a special appearance at Folkster’s first bridal showcase at Temple Bar’s Smock Alley Theatre on Sunday, July 16th. The runway show will feature more than 40 new bridal gowns, along with an edit of some of the shop’s styled bridesmaids’ looks.
Celebrated for his award-winning label Theia, O’Neill will chat about his intricate designs, worn on many an interesting aisle and runway in Ireland and elsewhere while Folkster’s owner, Blanaid Hennessy, will unveil an “elegantly bohemian and exclusive collection” of their own.
A team of stylists, led by head of bridalwear Roisin Hennessy, will be on hand to arrange appointments both in Dublin and Folkster's store in Kilkenny. Tickets (€10) for the show at 5.30pm can be purchased from www.folkster.com/tickets. DMcQ
Steal vs splurge
Take an outfit up a gear with these these Aiyana pointed-toe court shoes on sale for €60 from Dune (above), or splash out on the Pigalle Follies 100 suede pumps, €545, from Christian Louboutin. DMcM
Inspiration from Japan
Irish and Japanese fashion designers will be making their mark at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny with a new exhibition called Hi! Fashion organised by London-based Irish fashion curator Gemma Williams. The author of Fashion China who worked for Irish Design 2015, she has assembled womenswear and accessories that explore the visual correlations and contrasts between designers on the two islands. The exhibition celebrates 60 years of sartorial history, showcasing garments from Sybil Connolly, John Rocha, Lainey Keogh, Richard Malone, Simone Rocha, Una Burke and others along with Japanese designers including Kansai Yamamoto, who created costumes for David Bowie during the 1970s, milliner Maiko Takeda, favoured by singer Bjork, and visionaries such as Issey Miyake. Though mounted as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival, the exhibition will run from August 12th to November 12th and is supported by the Japan Foundation. DMcQ
Goes-with-everything jewellery
If streamlined, contemporary goes-with-everything jewellery is your thing, you will be hard pressed not to fall for the new collection from Stonechat Jewellery. Designed and handmade by four in-house goldsmiths in the Dublin's Westbury Mall shop, the delicate pieces combine sculptural, simple lines with creative shapes that make an impact. Ann Chapman, owner and designer at Stonechat Jewellery believes in streamlined looks and this new collection typifies her signature. The attention to detail can be seen in a gold necklace with a simple sphere (€150), or a silver necklace that showcases a dramatic gold square (€850). Our favourite is the rose gold shard square stacking ring (€380) for a smart blend of edge and elegance. DMcM
Wear it
Summer is the season to have a bit of fun with your wardrobe. If you don't feel like going totally off script, a patterned tie like this limited edition bee-print tie for €23 from M&S is an easy way to inject your outfit with a bit of colour and whimsy. Wear with a white shirt into the office, or against navy or red shirt for a more relaxed approach. Do not tie around your head. DMcM
Style secret
“I like simple and for me less is more. In a world full of trends I like to remain classic and wear what makes me happy. I believe in buying less and choosing pieces that will last a long time.” Margaret O’Rourke, Mo Muse.
