GUESTS AT Harvey Nichols’ autumn/winter fashion show, last night celebrating its fifth birthday in Ireland, had the opportunity at the finale to see a number of signature creations specially flown in for the occasion from top designers.
One, a plush navy dress with a feathered hem modelled by Laragh McCann was from fashion’s hottest new arrival, Hakaan Ildirim from Istanbul who will show in Paris this season for the first time. From London’s Christopher Kane came black leather shorts with an embroidered shirt and from Erdem a pretty swallow-print puff-sleeved satin dress. The flamboyant burnt orange satin dress with train that closed the show was by Stella McCartney, all to order from the London store.
These items summed up the theme of the entire show styled by Paula Hughes, mixing a minimalist approach with a 1990s gothic twist through labels like Alice Olivia, Sportmax, Marcus Lupfer and American Retro. It was staged against a spectacular graffiti backdrop featuring a central image of a Cape Crusader, “Super Fashionista” masterminded by artist Helen Steele . “It’s about female empowerment with a big nod to Gothic and grunge and a bit of fun” said Steele.
The Dublin catwalk show played host to one of the night’s big international style celebrations with Harvey Nichols teaming up with Vogue to co-host this year’s Fashion’s Night Out, brainchild of US Vogue editor Anna Wintour. It involved 16 countries simultaneously showcasing international designers with special edition merchandise, T-shirts and tote bags designed by illustrator and printmaker Sanna Annukka on sale at the event.
The many variations of the cape, a big trend this season, were highlighted from Alice Olivia’s embellished black numbers worn with jersey trousers and wedge shoes to those of Vivienne Westwood’s in grey wool with grey skirts and thigh-high boots along with Missoni’s signature striped variations. Wedge and ankle boots predominated and two new shoe ranges were introduced – Opening Ceremony from the US, and those of jewellery designer Lara Bohnic.