Friday, November 20, 2009 Previous editions
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
IRISH designer Peter O’Brien launched his fourth capsule collection with high-street retailers A|wear.
Held at Dublin’s chq building, the catwalk show and pop-up boutique attracted a crowd of 300, including presenter Pamela Flood and Norma Smurfit, all eager to snap up a piece of the limited edition summer range.
O’Brien – who has worked with Dior, Givenchy and at the helm of the House of Rochas – has enjoyed great success with his commercial "couture" venture, one which has earned him a growing audience of fashion fans. "Twenty-three years working in Paris you know what fabric can do and how clothes should be made," says the designer.
"The trick is taking that experience and translating it into something which is workable for the high street."
The translation has obviously paid off. The bijou line, showcased by 10 of Ireland’s top models, demonstrated a wide appeal in capturing the timeless elegance of ’40s Paris. Key to the season is the dress – featured in delicate Swiss guipure, polka dotted chiffon and pure silk.
The palette of mint green, bruised aubergine and duck-egg blue kept the tone flirty; while a weather-worthy mac provided a gentle reminder of where we actually live.
Shrunken cashmere cardis with detachable bows, high-waisted skirts and diaphanous blouses also made covetable cameos – but the main attraction was undoubtedly the price. With separates ranging from €100 to €190, available stock all but sold out on the night – a clear indication of its position in fashion’s emerging democracy.
Peter O’Brien for A|wear is in selected A|wear stores around the country; at awear.com; and, in Dublin, at the chq building from today until July 22.
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