A GOLDEN SEASON FOR FASHION
Brown Thomas is forging ahead when it comes to new looks, says fashion Editor Grace Cahill
IT’S no secret fashion is built upon a constant need for reinvention and change. And although some trends may be repetitive, there’s always something refreshing about each new collection as the season pass..
Bringing something different to the racks is what excites customers every season and that’s what Brown Thomas has done for the season ahead. Fashion director and head buyer Shelly Corkery told me of the importance of refreshing and rebooting the store’s collections after the unveiling of the AW17 show on Tuesday.
‘We are always integrating new brands into the store,’ Corkery says. ‘It’s important to move forward while still driving our established brands, like Dolce & Gabbana and Prada.
‘What I really love every season is seeing the edit of new labels sitting up against the big boys leading the way,’ she added.
Carefully handpicked by Corkery for the upcoming season are three brands — Deplozo, Off White and Jourden — which will join the prestigious repertoire of international labels already on the floor.
Particularly exciting this season is Balenciaga, currently under the helm of designer Demna Gvasalia, whose series of trophy utilitarian coats — some cinched at the waist, others oversized with broad shoulders — opened the show.
Spanish label Delpozo, under architect Josep Font’s direction, has gained momentum over the last few seasons for pushing the boundaries of clothing constructions.
Other strong contenders this season are Erdem, whose pink, floor-length satin dress with a centre piece bow detail graced the slender physique of Sarah Morrissey; Alessandro Michele for Gucci, who played with clashing colour prints and textures, and Irish designer JW Anderson’s collection, which moves away from his signature masculine silhouettes and embraced a sweeter femininity with ruffled dresses.
‘Delpozo is really special for us this season. It’s a new brand for us. The hero tailoring with archi-
tectural structures is stunningly beautiful. Erdem’s collection is really fun — lots of print, but it’s less girly and more sophisticated,’ Corkery says.
‘All the shimmer, metallic and lurex going through pieces at Gucci has created a really glamorous feeling. It’s definitely a very romantic feminine season, but there’s an edge of minimalism through brands like Céline and Stella McCartney.’
Trends this season include Hero Tailoring — oversized outerwear in clean, simple lines evident in Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and new French label Jacquemus.
The mood of Soft Romance, meanwhile, is one of feminine allure with ethereal silks, chiffons and lace.
Soft knits and oversized cardigans are worked over silks by Zimmerman, Erdem and Chloé.
Contrasting these sweet, feminine tones comes Artful Architecture, which highlights the collection’s edgier looks — a clever use of architectural tailoring at new brands like Delpozo and structural engineering on the evening wear of Saint Laurent and Roland Mouret.
Fashion is as much about newness and innovation as it is about ideas and creativity.
And one thing Brown Thomas does exceptionally well is embrace and welcome change. Corkery and her team insist on shaking up the fashion floor every season and mixing fresh, new designer labels with the old established players.
That’s why customers love it..