Both Amanda Wakeley (tall, cool, blonde) and Jasper Conran (small, bouncy, blond) paid flying visits to Dublin of late to present new lines of clothing and homeware respectively. Wakeley professed shock that when she popped into the Grafton Street outlet of Principles, very little of her debut range for the group was on offer. Reason: most of the initial stock had already been sold and a rush second order is now going through. Look out particularly for the cashmere blend halterneck dress and full-length tuxedo coat. As for Conran, he insisted everything in his home collection for Debenhams could find a place chez lui. "Except the towels with my name on them; I think that would be a bit too much, don't you?" Yes, we certainly do.
Congratulations to Lainey Keogh, Philip Treacy and John Rocha who were all in New York last week to take part in a jumbo fashion extravaganza organised by Saks of Fifth Avenue. Dinners, shows, window displays and photo opportunities abounded as the trio joined the likes of Alexander McQueen and Antonio Berardi for a promotion of British fashion. Naturally, we're above the pettiness of pointing out that Keogh, Treacy and Rocha are Irish. Meanwhile la Lainey, after three triumphant seasons, has decided not to stage a show at London Fashion Week later this month. Instead, she says "we are making preparations for a big celebratory autumn/winter 1999 show which will be held in London next February".
Memories of 1968? Not student revolts or communist take-overs, but the year the Steilmann label first came to Ireland. To celebrate this anniversary, the company recently held a fashion show and party in Dublin Castle attended by retailers from across the country who came over in a collective hot flush when one male model removed his T-shirt. Hmm, and it wasn't even 11.30 a.m. Otherwise on offer - for spring/ summer 1999, that is - were lots of linen separates (we particularly liked the drawstring pants and duster coats), trouser suits and floral prints. Over the sound system, Shirley Bassey warbled: "It's like history repeating. And I've seen it all before." After 30 years, haven't we all darling.
Despite the earliness of the hour, Bertie Ahern's suit looked decidedly crumpled one morning last week when the Taoiseach turned up to mark the expansion of Marks & Spencer's Mary Street, Dublin branch. The back of his jacket in particular was severely creased even though it was not yet 9 a.m. Rather than a reversion to anoraks, might we suggest one of M & S's new wool and Lycra mix suits (£180 for a two-piece) which tend to stretch with the body and then pull back their shape? Very comfy, and much less likely to crease.
From our Oops-We-Made-A-Mistake department. A fortnight ago, Hem- lines wondered why Inis Meain knitwear does not sell at home. A postcard arrived shortly afterwards from Kitty Joyce of Cleo's assuring us she has been carrying Inis Meain both in Dublin and Kenmare "for the past six years". We feel suitably chastened. Still, at least it proves someone is avidly reading this page.
Fans of MAC cosmetics will want to know of seminars being held next Thursday evening at Brown Thomas, Dublin to introduce the company's new season Earth Goddess colours. The fee is £20 p.p. (redeemable against purchase of MAC products) and places can be booked by telephoning 01-6056666, ext. 1177.
