New high-end fashion label takes cues from Co Louth

Delicious decay

A new luxury ready-to-wear collection called De Generation by Róisín Bowling takes its inspiration from the abandoned ruins of Stephenstown House in Co Louth and the family who lived there. Fabrics are wool, silk and cashmere and her debut collection incorporates contemporary rust dying and hand felting techniques. The textures and colours resonate, according to the designer, with the continuous decay of the once-loved family home. Bowling, one of this year’s talented graduates from Griffith College was born in London but moved to Ireland at the age of five and grew up in Dublin. Her target customer, she says is ideally in the 25-35 age bracket. She has won an internship with designer Alison Conneely where she will work until September. In the meantime she can be contacted at bowlingroisin@gmail.com  DMcQ

Alexa’s own label

Model and journalist Alexa Chung has been listed as one of the top 500 most influential individuals in the fashion industry by Business of Fashion, and named Style Icon at the British Fashion Awards for three years running. Her new label Alexachung, the first under her own name has just been bagged by Brown Thomas exclusively in Ireland. "I just love making clothes and dreaming up new outfits," she says. Taking cues from her personal style icons such as David Hockney, Jane Birkin and David Bowie she has also included a slogan T-shirt with an illustration by her father. Prices start at €85 to €1,315. DMcQ

Arty scarves

Scarf makers and artists are joining forces these days, the latest being a collaboration between Sarah Swan and Peter Homan. Abstract images of Sandymount Strand by Homan, which is where Swan and her family live, are featured in Swan's collection of five oversize printed scarves in cashmere and cotton in generous 90cm by 200cm sizes (€249 and €300).  They can be worn as a wrap, tied with a belt or simply left like a stole. There is also a scarf designed for men (€120) with Swan's signature Mandala logo bringing over two dozen different designs in her Dublin collection, many of which feature images of historical Irish or Italian settings and floral motifs. Find them in Kalu, Naas; Havana, Donnybrook; JuJu Greystones; Pace in Foxford and Ellen B in Clontarf and Malahide. sarahswandublin.com DMcQ

 Wear it

We can't think of a cooler accessory to pack in our summer holiday suitcase than this red tasselled fan (€14.99) from parfois.com. DMcM

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Style secret

“My preference for most things in life is clean lines and no fuss, less is always more! I tend to wear block colours, tailored pieces and quality fabrics – paired with a statement piece of jewellery and I’m ready to go!” Ann Chapman, Stonechat Jewellers.

Steal vs splurge

Orange is the new black in this Gusset Shoulder Bag, €50, from Gionni available at Kilkenny, Debenhams, Shaws and Pamela Scott,or risk the jail time with Paloma, a small studded textured leather tote, €1,526, from Christian Louboutin. DMcM