Compiled by DEIRDRE McQUILLAN
Socks in the city
For socks with a bit of class, check out Archie Foal, a London company selling long and boot-length socks that come with a detachable button garter for extra flamboyance. They’re made in the Scotland from an Italian yarn that is a mix of merino and angora, and is as soft as cashmere but more durable. Designed with both Scotland and Shoreditch in mind, they look great over boots or with short skirts, and come beautifully packaged, in a variety of colours. Samui in Cork has been quick to spot and stock the ladies socks (€85), and they are also available at Khan in Blackrock.
Home-grown talent
Katriona Lea, an Irish MA student at the London College of Fashion pulled off quite a coup this week. She persuaded Barry McCall to photograph the work of Paul Costelloe, John Rocha, Peter O’Brien, Eilis Boyle and other Irish designers that use Irish textiles, which he did using Trim Castle as a backdrop. Many others rowed in to help her, from Morgan the Agency, which supplied models Sarah McCall and Oisin Kearns, Powerscourt Townhouse, which agreed to stage the exhibition, and Donegal Yarns, which supplied wool for the project. Ireland’s Hidden Wardrobe with Barry McCall runs until next Monday, November 28th. Pictured right is a Ruth Duignan design using Irish fabrics. The white hat is by Linda McKay.
Winter warmers
They’re called Spirit Hoods and they’ve attracted a huge following on both sides of the Atlantic. These faux fur, animal-inspired accessories from Los Angeles – essentially a scarf, hat and gloves in one – come in a variety of animal styles including husky, grey wolf, snow leopard, grizzly bear and panda. Each supposedly signifies a different spirit; for example, the forest fox represents someone who is cunning, attentive and a master of disguise. Although they’re fun, they also have a pro-wildlife message and 10 per cent of all sales go to non-profit organisations that protect endangered species. So, if you wear a panda hat, you help a panda. All sorts of celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Fearne Cotton and Lady Gaga’s stylist Nicola Formichetti have been spotted wearing them. In Dublin, kids spirit hoods cost €140 in Brown Thomas and adult versions are €145 from Lara boutiques in Dame Lane and Terenure. They can also be bought online at spirithoods.co.uk.
