SILK TO LOUNGE AROUND IN
The Irish-based silk boutique Ethical Silk, founded by Eva Power, has just launched a new loungewear range made with eco-friendly silk and tailored in a Fairtrade unit in Jaipur, India. The collection includes soft silk robes (€180), palazzo pants (€120), slips (€95), vests (€60) and camisole and shorts sets (€120). All come in four colours – natural ivory, lunar grey, and two handprinted block prints, teal and grey/coral and grey, which means all the pieces can be matched and interchanged with different colours and prints. The company, which also produces pillowcases in responsibly harvested silk, contributes 10 per cent of its profits to charity, 5 per cent to Focus Ireland and 5 per cent to an Aids Centre in India run by the Presentation Sisters. theethicalsilkco.com
STEAL VS SPLURGE
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This summer is all about revealing the often ignored décolletage and shoulders. Touch on the trend with this off-the-shoulder top for €31.25 from asos.com (left) or let loose with this €406 top from MSGM at Harvey Nichols (right).
GROGAN EXPANDS
Susannagh Grogan continues to wow customers with her handrolled silk scarves, made in her studio in Dún Laoghaire. She is currently celebrating her 10th season in Brown Thomas, and her scarves are now also sold in BTs in Galway and Cork. New this season is a small collection of wraps, T-shirts and tunics in floral prints and graphic stripes. Prices range from €80 for a silk square up to €300 for a tunic. This Fiesta tunic is €250. susannaghgrogan.com
STYLE SECRET
"Forget the heels and invest in killer flats. Nothing says stylish like a cool outfit you're actually comfortable in (being crippled is not glamorous). I wish I knew that when I was younger. I used to wear absolutely killer heels to all events, and instead of actually enjoying them, I was worrying about my circulation." Margaret Urbanowicz, blogger
SUSTAINABLE STYLE AND SLOW FASHION
A new book called Slow Fashion highlights the growing importance of sustainable fashion worldwide. The author, Safia Minney, is founder of People Tree, the sustainable and Fair Trade clothing label. She profiles the designers, labels and eco-concept stores across the globe taking the lead in this area. No locations in Ireland are cited, unfortunately.
The book features an interview with Andrew Morgan, producer of the documentary The True Cost, on the scale of fashion's impact on the environment, and with Eileen Fisher, who describes her efforts to make her supply chain 100 per cent sustainable. It is published by the Oxford Publicity Partnership and costs £19.95. Pictured above is Andie Redman, model and People Tree ambassador.
WEAR IT
This limited edition brooch from M&S gives us sparkle envy. Fasten it onto any outfit and prepare to come over all modern-day-Diana.
