Designer Helen McAlinden has found new energy and inspiration since her move to 19 Drury Street, where small Irish boutiques provide a refreshing contrast to the international footwear labels occupying Grafton Street close by. This relocation has prompted her to expand her range because, as McAlinden puts it, “we need to provide complete solutions”. This has seen her join forces with ex-Wonderbra model and lingerie designer Sophie Anderton, bespoke glove maker George Horn, who will also create custom leather skirts and jackets for McAlinden, Galway-based milliner Anna Victoria Mulcahy, Rory Hutton, the Irish designer famed for his scarfs now based in London, and bag company My Name is Ted.
Few Irish designers such as McAlinden run their own shop, deliver bi-annual collections and engage with interiors and lifestyle products, as seen in her household and bedding lines for Foxford. She has plans to extend her business even further.
In terms of her upcoming autumn/winter line, expect a collection featuring cosy and well-made separates and coats in neutral tones and high-quality cloth. This will include a cherry-red cashmere coat selling for €550, a winter-white wool-blend shawl-collared coat available for €599 and her well-known trench appearing in stone satin back crepe for €445.
McAlinden’s many years in the industry shape her designs, emphasising on practical yet fashionable attire like the timeless blazer, reinterpreted this season in charcoal grey wool with coordinating grey wide-leg trousers and grey cashmere polo neck jumpers, for a look that is both stylish and comfortable.
Other highlights include functional yet chic dresses, some styled in bright green silk with drop sleeves and side slits, whilst for more formal occasions, a mahogany red A-line full-length skirt inspired by the 1950s is a strong sartorial contender.
Magee has introduced a selection of glen check tweeds in their range, incorporated into lengthy coats, oversized jacket styles and broad pants. They’ve included dark grey and navy denim jeans as a twist. Every item has been engineered to complement the others with an uncomplicated aesthetic, with uses of print being kept to a mere blouse. Stark, deep plunge bras with bold, orange straps completely do away with any traditional frills or lace. These are styled notably with full-length ball gown skirts or wide-leg culottes, transitioning them from undergarments to outerwear.
Moreover, coordination also extends to the colour palette. It presents hues of grey combined with other greys or laced with chartreuse, neutrals either standalone or coupled with mink and beige as well as oxblood combined with black. Additionally, vibrant pops of red, hot pink and purple are sprinkled throughout the collection.
This range is considerate and tranquil, maintaining an effortless appearance that bridges the gap between casual, professional, and evening wear. Proffering a touch of finesse, the collection concludes with burnished copper jersey tops, full-length copper taffeta skirts, pieces made of silk-blends, and silver pleated tops. What’s even better? Every piece comes with pockets.