Arnotts Autumn/Winter 2018: Blazers and tweed jackets are back

Blazers and tweed jackets are back. Practical items for trans-seasonal dressing were highlighted today at Arnotts autumn/winter show. Jackets were belted over maxi dresses and longer skirts, or worn with flared and print trousers, a modern bohemian combination already noticeable on the street.

Along with tartans and floral dresses, colour was strong; russet, rust, orange, sapphire and red dominating the collections, while little bags decorated with cat’s whiskers by Kate Spade were a cute touch.

The show, styled by Sinead Keenan, was divided into six sections, the strongest being two - Town & Country with its heritage tweeds and handsome coats and Dark Wonder, glamorous looks weighted with faux fur, silks and velvets for more festive winter nights. Floral dresses and separates featured larger scale blooms on dark backgrounds and abstracted foliage prints. Leopard print was pervasive and most effective when teamed (or should we say tamed?) with biker jackets or as in one outfit with a standout yellow wool coat from Max & Co (€450) shrugged over a navy leopard print dress by Tara Jarmon (€320).

Coats, as only to be expected in Arnotts, offered multiple alluring choices with prices ranging from €360 for a simple, tailored black number by Karen Millen, €365 for one in red herringbone from Gant to €690 for a relaxed check coat from DMN, a new Belgian label.  DMN is a brand to note – its green and navy velvet blazers and pants, pinstripe suits and fresh white shirts were cool, contemporary and sharp.

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Other new brands sourced for the store by buyer Valerie O’Neill include Essentiel Antwerp (heart prints were a feature on dresses and shirts), Cocoa Cashmere known for its stripey knits and Persona by Marina Rinaldi for curvy women. An all Irish popup with Magee, Triona (Donegal weavers), Tissue and Fisherman Out of Ireland called the Irish Collection Edit will launch instore from Monday October 1st and join other Irish brands in Arnotts. They include Niamh O’Neill, Roisin Linnane, Aideen Bodkin, Electronic Sheep, Loulerie and Caroline Kilkenny whose navy silk boat neck dress at the finale, with shoes by Carvela was the star of the show.