This winter, Harvey Nichols is touting key urban looks at less intimidating prices, writes Deirdre McQuillan. Photographs by Bryan O’Brien
THESE THREE OUTFITS by Issa, Dolce Gabbana, and See by Chloé, are some of the head-turning items from the new winter collection at Harvey Nichols in Dublin.
At its recent show in Dundrum, red, a hot colour for winter, stood out both in this party dress by Issa and in a handsome cocoon coat by DKNY. For evening, there were cool monochrome separates in houndstooth organza from DG, while Phillip Lim’s black velvet and bronze brocade number was both sophisticated and beautiful.
The show focused on brands such as Sportsmax and Phillip Lim, offering key urban looks at less intimidating prices. “It was different this time,” says Dee Breen of Harvey Nichols. “We wanted to highlight contemporary brands at more accessible prices than high end. People are updating their wardrobes, but are being more selective about what they buy” – something which confirms a trend being reported in many other shops and boutiques. “They’re tending to go for one great winter coat, for example, rather than spending on separates.”
Although not featured here, metallic leggings have been sell-out items – instant cool under a dress, tunic or jacket in a season when punk references, such as slashed latex, zips, studs and spikes, abound. Accessories fast forward any outfit and Louboutin’s studded stilettos or Balenciaga’s caged ankle boots have price tags and looks not for the faint hearted. A safer alternative is black patent print pumps from Alexander McQueen. As for Dee Breen, her “investment” pieces this season are a Balenciaga handbag, metallic leggings from Sass Bide and a pair of grey python skyscraper shoes by Camilla Skovgaard, a hot new Danish footwear designer. dmcquillan@irishtimes.com