Arnotts has become one of my new favourite haunts over the past few months. They have completely revamped their womenswear department on the mezzanine floor by stocking new and exclusive brands like Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Reiss, Boutique by Jaeger and new labels Nevermind and One Teaspoon which are a favourite of mine. It has really upped the ante in the style stakes and with this new insertion of young and funky labels it has begun to compete with edgier stores like BT2 and is finally making Henry Street a worthwhile shopping destination!
I happily headed along to the A/W Arnotts fashion show last week that was held on the top floor in the Conran Shop. Under first impressions the layout was intimate and fun; each chair was a different style - which was a nod at the new boutique-style womenswear department and the eclectic selection we were about to see!
(pictured here model Yomiko wearing a Tara Jarmon dress to launch the Arnotts A/A show)
The catwalk opened with an introduction to this season’s hottest colours: camel and red with touches of leopard print. My favourite look from the catwalk was this Hobbs camel coat and Coast red belted dress with the Abro leopard-print bag. Assets Model Lynn looks prim and office perfect in this tailored look!
Statement coats are absolutely huge this season, as seen on the catwalks of Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, Alberta Ferreti and almost every other designer. Well stylist of the show Jan Brierton dedicated a whole segment of the show just to coats, to showcase how outerwear can be an entire outfit! Without a doubt this pink and red plaid Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood coat as worn by Baiba is the perfect vibrant option to let you stand out of a crowd.
Heritage Fabrics were also huge on the designer catwalks this season, layering countryside colours and outdoorsy prints with structured tailoring was big at Rodarte, Chanel, Jaeger London and Kenzo. Well Arnotts was no different; showcasing various looks from the new Hobbs diffusion line NW3, Max & co and of course the Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection. Here we see the gorgeous Sarah Morrisey in one of the coveted Hertitage looks.Other show segments included; ‘Knits’, showcasing this season’s coolest knitwear just like Marc Jacobs and D+G collections. ‘Glam Military’, ‘Clean Lines’ with suiting and silhouette enhancing outfits and finally ‘Hitchcock Glamour’, showing that elegance of the forties and with inspiration taken from the leading ladies of the Hitchcock era such as Grace Kelly.
It was a show that catered for every age group with an emphasis on dressing the female form, most importantly - there was something for everyone! I have already bought the half-leather/half-trousers from ‘Nevermind’ collection and even got papped at London Fashion Week while wearing them. Next on my wishlist is an Abro leopard print bag and patent black belt from Hobbs.
Keep your eyes peeled for this Saturday’s Irish Independent WEEKEND magazine where I have my ‘Gossip Girl’ inspired shoot showcasing the best buys at Arnotts!
