Floral wrapped dresses, checkered separates and any number of trenchcoats and blazers defined the vibrantly colourful spring show in Arnotts this morning.
Held in the store’s new dedicated events area on the top floor, its broad sweep – some 60 outfits – highlighted the scale and scope of the many brands from which any customer of any size or style could choose. “There are short hemlines, long hemlines, shorts, skirts, suits – there is something for everyone,” said buyer Valerie O Neill, making her point decked out in a floor length coral dress. Saturated shades of mimosa, citrus, cherry and blue dominated the presentation.
Flower Power, which opened the line-up, was a mixture of flirty floral dresses, many with asymmetrical hems and ruffles teamed with boxy tweed jackets, striped blazers or solid colour coats like one in purple by Set for €340. A blowsy floral jumpsuit by Marella for €350 would certainly make an impact, though sometimes flappy floral trousers can look like pyjama bottoms. Clashing prints and botanical motifs appeared even in city shorts, the best loose and easygoing like a pair by Marella in cream box check for €140 with a pearl cable knit for €240.
For those fearful of florals, the Black and White section offered dizzying polka dots, black and white and zebra stripes even on footwear, but a standout combo here was a gingham top €175 and black full skirt by Humility, a newly introduced French brand using natural fabrics, silk, organic cotton and wool. Checks and Balances spoke for itself with check trouser suits, blazers and some knitwear though generally shirts and tops figured more than jumpers – one exception being a bright yellow knit by Set for €160 underneath a yellow check coat for €89 by Warehouse.
A section devoted to navy featured a particularly chic dress with white cuffs and collar for €270 and an oversize jacket embellished with sparkling hearts, one of the more expensive items at €625, both by Tara Jarmon. Staying Neutral was plain and down to earth with flattering shades of khaki, beige, tobacco and amber in shirt dresses, suede jackets and buttoned skirts. Want a trenchcoat? There were at least a dozen from which to choose from €89 upwards and worn casually over a filmy dress, a trench takes care of a city break in spring or summer. A comprehensive show produced and styled by Sinead Keenan with jewellery by Loulerie and footwear from Arnotts Shoe Gallery.
