Spring in full swing on Dublin's rooftops

Clerys launched their spring summer collection this morning with a cherry blossom themed show on the roof of the department store.  For their first catwalk of the year Clerys were out to impress and spring was in full swing in the former restaurant space. Guests munched on sweet canapés in a spring-blossom filled room, complete with a swing and a white picket fence.

The show was divided into themes ranging from “Global Traveller” to “Luxe Layering”, and this journalist’s personal favourite “On Safari”.  For every theme, stylist Sinead Keenan put together outfits that felt far more expensive than their reasonable price tags. High street giants like Miss Selfridge, Benetton, Vero Moda and Oasis were mixed and matched with higher-end brands Crea Concept, Fee G and Sahara to name a few. The beauty look was fresh and dewy, with hair pulled back and dotted with flowers, cheeks flush and eye make-up minimal.

Not altogether shockingly, florals emerged as a key trend, with Benetton particularly nailing the sugary bloom colour palette. In contrast to this the bright red, navy and yellow featured in the nautical themed segment provided something of a breath of fresh (sea) air. Breton stripes paired with polka dots, prints and tweed were a new take on a familiar theme. One particular red parka by Windsmoor stood out as not only Paddington chic but a practical summer piece.

Khaki has been an emerging trend appearing on most designers catwalks for spring summer ’15 but Clerys took their own slant on it and paired the colour with animal print, making a safari theme.  Blogger and stylist Ciara Doherty had her eye on a Warehouse khaki shirt, while I now have my heart set on a tan suede jacket from Mango and leopard print trousers from Miss Selfridge.

The final stand out theme had an ethnic influence; with kimonos, scarves and dresses layered and in bright pinks, greens and yellows.  Detail embroidery and clashing colours resulted in an eclectic and stylish collection. A favourite among the attendees was a long pink dress from East, which unfortunately won’t hit shop floors until April.