BAGS OF STYLE
These exquisite silk bags are made from antique shawls from the 1920s and whose patterns inspired the Missoni family who purchased the looms. The fabric is so fine it changes colour when stretch over plain silk. Made with antique handles, they are from Cathy White’s latest collection which she is selling at the RDS Christmas Fair from the December 4th-8th and though her Instagram feed cathywhitebags. White’s bags have a particular following among brides-to-be and cost from €165-€195 depending on the value of the handle. This collection has taken her most of the year to complete, and the pieces are heirloom quality.
ANTIQUE BARGAINS
One woman with a keen eye for beautiful objects is Joanne Galvin, owner of Aria Boutique in Celbridge, Co Kildare, which specialises in vintage 1950s jewellery, handbags and shoes as well as what she calls “quirky collectibles”. These lovely kitten heels, for instance, by Yves St Laurent from the 1950s, were worn by a woman in New York for her wedding and customised with flowers. In satin with a leather sole, they are for a slender foot, size 3.5 and cost €175, a fraction of the original price. Galvin has a selection of items by YSL, Dior, Prada and Ferragamo and some lovely jewellery including these 1950s clip-ons in yellow tone crystal, claw set that dazzle in the light €90 and a necklace in amethyst glass set in gold tone €45 from the 1950s with matching earrings from the 1980s for pierced ears €25. Aria Boutique is open Wednesdays - Saturdays from noon-6pm at Roseville House, Upper Main Street, Celbridge. 0831376672. Facebook: Aria Celbridge.
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY GRANT
In a first for an Irish fashion designer, Mary Grant marks 25 years in business with the launch of her book “inspired by 25 years of empowering women” and her latest collection in which four of her customers feature in a shoot. Grant’s style is a familiar one, well known for its dungarees and pinafore shapes with asymmetrical cuts, flattering tunics and knits with a carefree modern look – are the kind of comfortable clothes she wears herself. In her book, which is filled with useful advice on clothing care (wash all blacks together to keep colour pristine; ditto for whites though never wash whites with towels; go nude when it comes to underwear), she also cautions against spending a lot of money for special occasions, says don’t wait for sales and gives tips on how to assess one’s wardrobe. Her collection is on sale instore in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre and online at www.marygrant.com where the site is updated daily. Prices range from €100 for layering pieces up to €400 for signature items. The book (an ebook is also available) is available in paperback at €15.99 and hardback €19.99 instore and from bookstores and Amazon.com
