Fashions follow economy right back to the 1980s

A Donna Karan silk evening dress from the Harvey Nichols autumn/winter collection.
Photograph: Eric Luke

THOUGH NOT quite yet Dynasty , a hint of power dressing has definitely made its way into the Harvey Nichols autumn/winter collection this year.

Perhaps it's a reflection of the current economic mood, but Jenny Dyer's jewel-yellow knee-length dress with structured shoulders and demure neckline took this reporter back to the 1980s. And a Chloé chiffon print blouse and bubble skirt, pin-tucked at the front, for some reason brought Duran Duran to mind.

The Chloé piece was teamed with one of Padraic Sweeney's handbags in brown leather with aqua marine fishtail detailing, a work of art in its own right.

Large clutch bags were everywhere, from a simple elegant version in black and gold by Stella McCartney to a buy-it-quick Jimmy Choo in green.

Peep-toe shoes were also popular, with versions by Choo, Chloé and Christian Louboutin, with one mock-croc patent shoe by McQueen offering to add six inches of impact to any outfit.

The show was staged in the Dundrum Town Centre with minimal fuss - black backdrop, polished concrete floors and lots of dry ice. Designers featured included McQueen, Balenciaga, Lanvin, McCartney and Donna Karan.

A sleeveless black wool coat with panels of vintage lace, by McQueen, stood out for its elegance, as did a black lace shift dress by Roberto Cavalli, a Martin Grant navy bustier dress and a dark green silk evening dress by Karan that floated round its model like tinted mist.

A camel-coloured coat by Dyer, fitted to the waist with a belt and swing skirt was a feminine relief from militaria.

Paula Hughes, who styled and produced the show for Harvey Nichols, said shoppers should consider buying a few special pieces, and recommended teaming simple dresses with some of the "adventurous" shoes in the collection.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times