In the 13 years since Nikki Creedon opened Havana, it has remained one of the most chic fashion destinations in Dublin, writes Deirdre McQuillan. (Styling: Catherine Condell. Photograph: Barry McCall).
It's 13 years this month since Nikki Creedon (left) opened Havana in Donnybrook, a boutique that continues to be one of the most chic and classy fashion destinations in Dublin. It reflects her own style and enthusiasms. "I have to be excited about everything I sell," she says, though she admits that one well known and hugely popular brand and a perennial best-seller "nauseates me; I can't stand it and itch when I see it". Many of the clothes have a hard-edged femininity, very much encapsulated by the Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester, whom Creedon has championed for years.
With a preference for cool, monochromatic clothes - "a neutral palette with the flash of colour from Lainey" - Creedon herself is the best advertisement for her shop. She is usually dressed in asymmetrically cut black and white attire, mostly dresses and coats from John Rocha, Yohji Yamamoto or Comme des Garçons, individualist labels that she has consistently promoted in this country.
These photographs typify the Havana look and include some of the gorgeous cardigan-style suede coats by Rick Owens that often sell out before they hit the rails.
"I want the shop to be always exciting and forward-looking, and I absolutely love the shop floor," she says, stressing that service is the key factor in Havana's success. "It's not about spending a fortune on a dress that's out of season a season later, but more about being proud of the fact that you're still wearing something you bought four years ago. We don't do disposable fashion."
For Christmas, she will have interesting silver jewellery, fragrance, cashmere scarves and "amazing" beaded belts and cuffs from an Italian designer.
"People get bored very quickly, so you have to keep their appetite whetted." No better woman to do so.
All clothes from Havana, 68 Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4 (01 2602707)
Make-up: Christine Lucignano. Hair: David Cashman for Reds. Model: Sorcha Tunney @1st Option.