Clothes lines

Compiled by DEIRDRE McQUILLAN

Dotty prices

Launching this week is Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with the celebrated 84-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose retrospective is currently running at the Tate Modern in London. Marc Jacobs met the artist in her studio in Japan in 2006 where the idea of joining forces began. The collection covers ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches and jewellery. For an artist who sees her life as “a dot lost among millions of other dots”, this collaboration spreads her polka dot infinity in wearable new ways. But buyer beware, prices are scary. This polka dot trench, for example, costs €3,980, the shoes are €830, the bag €1,800 and the bikini top and bottom €250 each.

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK The Third Policeman

One of the most talked about vintage shops in Dublin is the recently-opened The Third Policeman in Rathmines. It is home to a collection of clothes, accessories, some furniture and other finds. Owners Denise and Alistair Elliman have a background in antiques. Myles na gCopaleen and his theory about the exchange of atoms may have inspired the name of the shop, but it’s a real emporium of interesting things that have caught the owners’ well-trained eyes. On a recent visit, I saw everything from Marabou-feathered boleros and jewellery to suitcases, shoes, old naval attire, furs, china, chairs, mirrors and some wonderful vintage dresses.

The Third Policeman, 121 Lr Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, open Tuesday-Sunday, noon-7pm, tel: 085-848 7763

Clean-cut Persil fashion award winner

Hannah Furlong from Borris, Co Carlow, a 21-year-old NCAD student is this year’s winner of the €10,000 Persil fashion award. She has a bright fashion future, according to Peter O’Brien, one of the judges. As part of her student training, Furlong, who graduated last month, interned with Louis Copeland where she perfected her tailoring skills and eye for detail and finish. A limited edition of a red neoprene coat, adapted from her winning design, has been produced by Dunnes Stores, where it is currently on sale in selected stores for €50.