FASHION:For the coming season, the design duo behind Quin Donnelly have reinvented knitwear with a bright, youthful twist for a collection that suits both wardrobe and weather, writes DEIRDRE MCQUILLAN

HOW TO GREET spring when there’s a nip in the air? With knits, of course. In new colours. That’s why practised twosome, Carolyn Donnelly and Liz Quin, decided to highlight knitwear in their latest collection. Spring’s new washed-out shades are soft pastels such as peachy pinks and aquas, in yarns that gleam with a hint of metal. “People want newness, an injection into the wardrobe that spells spring while it’s still cold,” says Donnelly. “And they don’t want to spend too much.” There are tie-front cardigan coats over sand-coloured dresses trimmed with polka dots. Even leopard print looks fresh in summery pink and blue instead of the usual black and brown. And to glam up rainy days, they’ve introduced a pink trench, one of three different types of mac – which are always bestsellers.

The shift from suits to tailored dresses shows elsewhere in the collection where navy replaces black for a range of more formal workwear in elegant, high-necked shapes or pinafores that can be worn with a crisp white shirt or zany polka dots. They’re offering four styles of white shirt, some with pleating and mannish double cuffs – and a tunic style with concealed zip. “We’re really hands-on and oversee all the manufacturing,” says Donnelly. “We keep an eye on what’s happening and do our own spin.”

The collection of 120 spring styles from Quin Donnelly arrives in stores today