CLOTHES LINES:It's not often that a new jewellery business makes a big impression, but worth noting is Coldlilies, founded by two college friends, Ciara McKenna and Kim Knowles, one a barrister, the other a management consultant.
Their “style edit” selection of jewellery from 12 independent designers is guided by their belief that everything should be unique, wearable and not more than €250. “It’s an upgrade from costume jewellery,” they say. “Every piece is exclusive and most are made with precious metals and semi-precious stones.”
Joining established names such as Una Burke and Merle O'Grady are newcomers such as Daniela Cardillo (who works with horsehair and spikes), Chupi Sweetman-Pell (who makes bow necklaces and cupid arrow bracelets) and Niamh Walsh (zany box rings). The name Coldlilies comes from the romantic Yeats poem He Remembers Forgotten Beauty. coldlilies.com
Boutique of the week
Taking the plunge in Howth with a new boutique is Carmel Brennan, who calls it Ellen B after her late mother. Situated on the Clontarf Road, the boutique stocks a well edited selection from European and Irish brands including familiar ones such as Fabiana Filipi from Italy, Rene Lazard, Tara Jarmon, iBlues (see jersey dress, right) and Transit. Lisa Shawgi’s knitwear is becoming another favourite. “It’s a haven for women who like key pieces and there’s parking right outside the door,” says Brennan.
* The Abercrombie & Fitch superstore on College Green, Dublin will open on November 1st and not October 26th as mentioned in this column
Swooning over cashmere
I met Lainey Keogh in Paris during fashion week where she was showing in the Westin Hotel and two of her fans, one a leading authority on Moroccan embroidery, were filling her order books for spring.
The pair were swooning over her new shapes and colours. “Everybody loves Lainey,” Isabelle Denamur told me. “The way she treats cashmere is unbelievable, it is light, it’s extremely flattering and sensual and I cannot go anywhere without my Lainey. I will die in it,” smiled the textile expert, a former Paris model. Irish fans will have an opportunity to buy Lainey knits at a special sample sale from October 18th-20th at the Shelbourne Hotel.
Preen label comes to Cork
They sew together and have grown together and Preen, the London label founded by Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi whose fans include Kristen Stewart, Scarlett Johansson and first lady Michelle Obama, is now being stocked exclusively in Ireland this season by Samui in Cork. Clodagh Shorten keeps her brand portfolio sharp and up to date with labels such as Rick Owens, Camilla Skovgaard, Vanessa Bruno and others. She’s also introducing Paul Smith’s tuxedos and the new woody fragrance from Comme des Garçons called Wonderwood.
