BT2's autumn-winter collection has a little bit of everything, from luxury labels to looks for the younger, more price-conscious shopper, writes DEIRDRE McQUILLAN, Fashion Editor
“WE ARE trying to nurture newer brands. The world of BT2 has changed as sportswear brands have become less relevant,” said buyer Karen Higgins at yesterday’s preview of the store’s autumn/winter offerings.
Something of a chameleon on Grafton Street, BT2’s shifting emphasis meant the line-up was a contrast of fitted, well-mannered dresses and jackets – like those from bohemian French brand Manoush – alongside military and utilitarian parkas, cargo pants and lots of fun fur.
Some standout items were a purple crepe wrap dress from Sonia Rykiel and some sleek leather jackets and gilets from Selected, a popular, well-priced Danish brand that made its Irish debut in Brown Thomas a few years ago.
As Ms Higgins buys for both BT2 and Level 2 in Brown Thomas, there are often such crossovers of what she calls more “polished” brands with those aimed at a youthful, price-conscious market, with tunics for €50 and denims for €60.
Mink Pink is a newcomer from Australia this season. Its cool, urban look is typically expressed by sequined shifts worn under parkas or studded black shorts teamed with stripey tops and glitter jackets.
Roomier styles, trousers and soft jersey knits could be found in Danish brands like Gestus and Just Female.
For those searching for the right jeans, the new denim collection from Levis, called Curve ID and priced €110-€150, promises a fit for three different body types. In a pared-down season with a return to trousers and fewer complicated details, dresses were less in focus. However, a few glitzy silk numbers emblazoned with images of Campbell’s Soup or Marilyn Monroe (on the Andy Warhol label), and bound to attract attention-seekers, were the exception rather than the rule.