CLOTHES:An Irish dress designer who has been based in London for the past 16 years has returned to Ireland and now offers a private fashion collection from her home in Leopardstown, Co Dublin.
Maire Forkin, originally from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, is an honours graduate of both London School of Art and Design and the London College of Fashion, and has worked for both haute couture designers such as Catherine Walker and with Savile Row tailor William Hunt, as well as with high street retailers including Wallis and Dorothy Perkins. “It was now or never,” she says of her decision to come home.
Her autumn/winter collection of elegant coats and glamorous dresses consists of 18 pieces, suitable for a variety of occasions. Viewing is by appointment and clients can either choose off the peg or have something made to order, the latter taking four to six weeks. Prices are around €480 to €550 for coats, depending on fabric, and €360 to €550 for dresses. Her collection can been seen online at www.maireforkin.ie and she can be contacted at 086-1721563
Rocha on a roll
On Tuesday John Rocha made a personal appearance in the Donnybrook boutique Havana for a customer night celebrating what owner Nikki Creedon believes is one of his most striking and exciting collections to date. “This one is going to be a wild success,” she says. “There are some great coats, great jackets and a lot of soft fabrics like embellished chiffon and organza for daywear. There are wonderful reds and lots of navy and black.” Havana will also be stocking his horsehair handbags and wooden wedge heels. “For me, it is one of his strongest collections to date and the shapes are flattering and yet edgy. The collection is in store now.
PHOTOGRAPH: AGATA STOINSKA