Autumn layers: Top coats from new M&S collection

SEVEN THEMES dominated the Marks Spencer autumn- winter show last night in the company’s Grafton Street flagship store cafe in Dublin. From “Arts Crafts” to “Gothic Romance” and “Modern Military”, in each, the strength, as always, was in the variety of coats and jackets.

From pale matt sequined numbers to oversize herringbones, tartan mohairs and double-breasted, brass-buttoned khakis, all the key trends were covered.

There were graphic printed trousers in dark Haider Ackermann-style brocades with a modish surface sheen, digital print dresses and metallic tweeds. The knitwear was good – a soft and shaggy camel knit and another in gold lurex with an owl print were favourites of the models.

New to Ireland are the leathers, hitherto only on sale in the UK and, at €215 for a slimline black leather and jersey dress and €270 for a clean cut jacket, were the most expensive items in the show.

Stylist Catherine Condell mixed unlikely items together to good effect, such as gold brocade trousers with a black quilted jacket for a glamorous yet everyday look. Notable good buys were little black peplum tops, new ash-grey cashmeres, metallic tweed jackets and accessories including felt hats, snakeskin ankle boots, pearl neckpieces and fake-fur collars.

Menswear encapsulated the modern heritage mood (to be featured in Saturday’s Irish Times Magazine).

For LA-based Olivia Treacy, actor and former Miss Ireland and a model in the show, the standout item was a pale matt sequin coat (€129). “It is so clean and chic and I could wear it in LA, where everything is very casual. I’m a big fan of Marks Spencer’s coats and jackets,” she said.

There was also a glimpse of the new “Rosie” silk lingerie designed in collaboration with supermodel and actor Rosie Huntington-Whiteley where purple, green, burgundy and floral bras and briefs were shown with Missoni-style throws and capes.