FASHION: By Deirdre McQuillan.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
Anthropology may not be the usual route into fashion, but that was the path taken by Dr Denise Meagher, who has just opened a new shop in Nenagh, Co Tipperary. The shop, called "The Business", is the result of two years of research, she says - travelling in Ireland, the UK and Europe examining boutique styles in order to open something a little different in her home town. Clothes are sourced mostly from Paris and London, though her big success is with Diane Von Furstenberg's signature wraparound dresses. She is proud of the unusual staircase in the shop, made locally by the Greenmantle company, as well as the chairs, which come from Senegal. The shop has café jazz on the ground floor, and sells books on interiors as well as coffee and glasses of wine. Plans include the introduction of a nail and hair extension salon. "After years of being miserable trying to conform to a career that didn't suit me, I have finally discovered my creative side."
SHOE-INS
With a cunning mix of fantasy, practicality and a dash of retro, it's no wonder that Office shoes keep a firm grip on fashion pavements. Office is about to open a second Irish outlet, in Dublin's Henry Street, at the end of September. There fans will find everything from embroidered cowboy boots, zebra-striped Mary Janes, punched, peep-toed platforms (red suede no less!), printed wellies (everywhere this season), and all sorts of high heels at down-to-earth prices. Hard to choose which style to feature, but the "Sioux" demi boot with its pink velvet ribbon and black lace edging is a cute number, as is an animal print, pointy T-bar. Did we mention the tribesmen's boots, the cut 'n' shuts or the interlace scallop court? Find out for yourself. Until September, the only Office outlet is in the Liffey Valley Centre, Dublin.