Fashion news, compiled by Dierdre McQuillan
Suits you, sir
Ever heard of a gadget-friendly suit - for high-tech males? Remus Uomo's new design, called the Novonic E Blocker, it is aimed at guys who like the idea of incorporating high technology into stylish suiting, according to the company. It's a crease- and stain-resistant travel suit with an inside pocket made from a specially coated yarn that forms an electro magnetic barrier to protect against mobile phone and Bluetooth rays. The suit is also washable and designed to be comfortable in all climates. In six different colours, black, navy, charcoal, silver grey or beige, at the moment it can only be found in Ryans of Galway where it costs €370. Other Remus stockists around the country are to follow in the new season.
Clifden class
Helen Russell's Passenger boutique in Clifden celebrates its first anniversary next month, and continues to surprise visitors with its sophisticated mix of labels from Yohji Yamamoto and Paule Ka to American Vintage and Kenzo. Russell, who worked as a stylist and costume designer before opening her boutique, went on a buying trip "with a wish list that included Kenzo, because I love the prints and the trousers." The Paris-based brand Paule Ka has been a particular success, as has Malene Birger from Denmark, but Russell has also found customers for Jenny Dyer's classic cashmeres and Irish designers Helen James and Joanne Hynes. Hynes, whose blue Italian brocade skirt (€245) and blouson sleeved jacket (€395) is pictured left, will be in the shop in Clifden today, when there will be attractive discounts on her clothes.
All that glitters
Seamus Gill is rightly celebrated as a silversmith of outstanding craftsmanship, one of less than a dozen left in Ireland. In 2004 he made history by winning the Excellence in Metals award in Philadelphia, the first non-US artisan to do so, and recently his contemporary version of a silver freedom box was presented to Bob Geldof when he was awarded the freedom of the city of Dublin. Gill's new range of jewellery, his first in four years, called Flowing Curves and currently on display in Designyard, is made with a silversmithing technique involving hammering a flat sheet of silver into two opposing curves, like a Pringle crisp. It makes pieces such as bangles comfortable to wear, and the silver, plated in 22-carat gold, highlights the shape and sheen of the jewellery. The collection consists of neckpieces, earrings, brooches, bangles, rings and earrings, with prices from €185 up to €630. Further information from Designyard, 01-4741011 or www.designyard.ie. Today, Gill will be giving two lectures at Collins Barracks on the art of silversmithing, as part of the museum's celebration of Irish contemporary silver.