Peter has his designs on Dunnes Stores

TOP designer Peter O’Brien said his partnership with Dunnes Stores has allowed him to offer coats for a fraction of what they would cost if he was working alone.

‘If I was buying those coats from the factory in the quantities that I would be doing it on my own, they’d be €1,500 easily,’ he said.

But with Dunnes Stores helping on the manufacturing side, he was able to make his designs available to more women.

‘I get to make pretty clothes in a painless way and Dunnes get to have nice clothes so it’s a win-win situation, it’s great.’

Known for his exquisite tailoring and beautiful fabrics, couturier Peter O’Brien has debuted his new collection, designed exclusively for Dunnes Stores.

He said he was convinced to team up with the Irish retailer after speaking to Dunnes chief executive Margaret Heffernan. ‘Once Margaret and I had a chat, I felt really happy. She said “I want you to do what Peter does. Don’t dilute it or feel like you have to do it in a particularly Dunnes way”.’

He unveiled the 21-piece range at a fashion show in Dublin’s Gate Theatre, describing the collection as ‘a quiet drama with theatrical elegance’.

The Dubliner has worked with some of the world’s best-known fashion houses, including Dior, Givenchy, Chloé and Rochas. His designs are known for their precision and simplicity, and the structured styles that are cut to flatter. With this latest collaboration with Dunnes Stores, fashion lovers can expect statement coats in double-faced crepe or grosgrain in fit-and-flared and A-line shapes, trapeze-cut tops with flounced sleeves, flowing pleated skirts and high-waisted Oxford Bags-style trousers.

The colour palette is mostly black and navy with pops of vibrant red and orange.

O’Brien has added a pair of sling-back patent court shoes in dark oxblood that can be worn with any of these pieces. And the capsule wardrobe also features three printed silk scarves that showcase some original O’Brien fashion sketches. He said: ‘The clothes are beautifully made in high quality fabrics – they will stand the test of time.’

Prices start at €85 for printed silk scarves and run to €370 for the statement coats.

‘The clothes are beautifully made’