Hemlines

If Jean-Paul Gaultier, then why not John Paul II? Rumour reached us last week that the Pope was planning to bring out a range of T-shirts, sunglasses and other assorted items, so we telephoned the Vatican press office for further details. Rather disappointingly, we were told His Holiness had not personally designed a fashion range but had granted permission to a division of the Pontifical Council for lay people to use his pronouncements and signature on clothing and accessories. These would be sold to raise funds for young people wishing to attend World Youth Days. However, sadly, a spokeswoman for the youth section of the PCLP confessed she knew nothing of this proposal. So, for the moment it looks like there will be no opportunity to wear your faith on your sleeve.

Loath though we are to give any further publicity to Richard Branson, a man whose appetite for media coverage appears to have become insatiable, it must be admitted that the new Virgin line of clothing is really not bad. We spotted the menswear in Massimo on Duke Street in Dublin and thought quality and price equally good. Styling is sharp without being intimidatingly cutting edge. Brushed fleece shirts in this season's favourite colour, for example, retail at £79.95, chunky black shoes are £115 a pair and moleskin suits - taupe or navy - cost £255 for the jacket and £125 for trousers. Then there were great zip-front sweaters for £89.99, none of them thankfully the garish-hued variety preferred by Mr Branson. At the moment, Massimo is the only stockist here but more will follow next season when womenswear should also be available.

Check out this month's American Vogue which has a spread photographed by the universally loved Mario Testino on the Aran Islands. Lots of sweaters by the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Ann Demeulemeester and Commes des Garcons and red-haired, freckled children kept to a minimum. Best of all, there is not a single toothless elderly man and his best-friend donkey lurking in the background of any pictures.

A quick mention for next Monday's fashion show in the National Concert Hall, Dublin in aid of the Arthritis Foundation of Ireland. Clothes come from Arnotts (John Rocha, French Connection, Timberland and Giant), tickets cost £12.50 each and further info, etc is available from 01-6618188.