Gallery showing for Arnotts with strong colour palette

Those wanting to catch an exhibition at Dublin's Hugh Lane Gallery in Parnell Square yesterday morning got more than they bargained for as Arnotts took it over to unveil its autumn winter fashion collection.

The northside department store kept the creativity flowing, showing its new-season collections in the artistic surroundings of the gallery’s sculpture hall, in between paintings from Lane’s personal collection.

Retro references were everywhere, with details from the 1940s right up to the 1980s. A silk rosette dress from Raoul and a printed suit from Tara Jamon being two of the show’s highlights.

Dark and decadent burgundy colours were elegantly imagined in everything from outerwear to men’s suits. The 1970s influence was clear in the inclusion of classic camel colours for women and men.

“It’s about clean looks, smart tailoring and colour for men – colour is very strong for autumn. From burgundy to jewel tones and right up to the more earthy tones of camel,” said Valerie O’Neill, director of menswear at Arnotts.

For menswear it was all about tailoring, doubling up of coats and roll-neck knits in a slimmer silhouette.

Playing with texture, layering and the dressed-up dressed-down aesthetic, stylist Niamh O’Rourke combined faux-fur stoles for women with elegant eveningwear and sultry sequins with earthy outerwear.

Irish Design

It is the

Year of Irish Design so it was no surprise to see more designers being introduced to the department store’s already extensive roster.

“I think the Year of Irish Design is so important and we’ve always had a correspondence with Irish designers,” said Rachel Armstrong, womenswear buyer.

"We're delighted to introduce Natalie B Coleman and Caroline Matthews who bring a whole new level to the floor that really appeals to our customer."

New arrivals to the Arnotts men's fashion arsenal include an extensive Calvin Klein collection. Absent, though, from yesterday's catwalk was Polo Ralph Lauren. It will be arriving in the Henry Street store in August with a new shop-in-shop concept.

Hugh Lane Gallery director Dr Barbara Dawson said she was actively collaborating with businesses to make the northside of Dublin city centre a multifaceted destination.