Look out this winter for sweaters from newlyestablished knitwear designer Edmund McNulty. Still in his mid-20s, McNulty has set up business in Carlingford where he produces a collection in wool and alpaca. The colours are mostly classic neutrals such as charcoal and chocolate, with dashes of tangerine orange.
A distinguishing feature throughout the line is a train track-style over-stitching pattern in the design which separates blocks of colour on the garment. This gives the sweaters a definite, but not too aggressive, individuality. These are the kind of pieces which will happily find a home in every man's weekend wardrobe. Outlets at the moment include Monaghan's in Dublin, Design Ireland Plus in Galway and Craftworks in Belfast and prices average £140 for a cardigan and £110 for a sweater.
Fresh new scent of the season comes from the French house of Lanvin which has just released Lanvin l'Homme. This is a clean, casual fragrance based around a blend of citrus and spice. The former is provided by such elements as mandarin mixed with bergamot while the latter's presence can be detected in sandalwood, cardamon, amber and musk. Other notes include lavender, mint and sage.
Packaging is equally clean and sharp with the sleek glass bottle bearing more than a passing resemblance to a handgrenade, particularly since its chrome cap flips open. In addition to the eau de toilette, the line incorporates an aftershave and aftershave balm, an allover cleanser and a deodorant spray. Now available from good pharmacies nationwide, with prices starting at £15.
Coolest name for casual hats, also produces a great line of clothes which are understated and undemanding. The current collection has a slightly retro quality about it, together with a sense of the sporty.
There are polar fleeces, hooded tops and sweatshirts in orange, brown, black and blue, all carrying the Kangol logo. Shiny finishes on zip-front jackets and matching pants are likely to be especially popular; they have just the right straight-from-the-track-andonto-the-street spirit. Look out for them nationwide now.