ROSEMARY MACCABEon some of the hip new labels arriving in Irish shops and some existing lines worth a second look

OUT WITH THE OLD and in with the new; it’s not a particularly original concept but, when it comes to fashion, it’s always an exciting one. This year sees the arrival of several interesting and creative new brands on to the Irish scene – and the expansion of brands that may not be new, but have yet to truly find their feet with an Irish clothes-buying public.

At Arnotts, Mark James is the contemporary line by the designers of the hugely successful Badgley Mischka. It’s a young, fresh take on its more established sister. At BT2, Lily and Sarah Allen’s label Lucy in Disguise sets down its roots and showcases its particular brand of vintage cool. At Harvey Nichols, Vince – a label much liked by cool, hip New Yorkers – gives us an idea of how to do minimalist chic, while Iro, at BT2 and Seagreen in Monkstown, gives monochrome a French twist. Lastly, the biggest noise of all this season has been about French label the Kooples, a unisex line of urban separates suitable for both men and women.

The idea of shooting only “new” brands was fortuitously timed. This weekend, Open House, Dublin opens up the city’s architectural gems to the public, and Patrick Davern’s “plastic house” in North Strand provided the perfectly clinical background to our clean lines. His Architecture Republic-designed home will be open to the public tomorrow, October 9th, from 10am to 5pm. See architecturefoundation.ie.