“Healthy SexyWalk” is the motto of a Spanish footwear company called 5yMedio founded by a former clinical psychologist called Clara Alfaro, specialising in super stylish and comfortable shoes that are sexy and feminine.
Sleek, good-looking and well cut, they are lined with kidskin which makes them feel like a glove with “anti-fatigue” and anti-slip soles. They can now be found in Ireland exclusively in Atrium in the Powerscourt Centre at €175-€275.
The colours are vibrant – silver leather (perfect for the shiny season), deep purple velvet, prune and mulberry leather and burnt orange suede as well as black. There are seven styles including shoes and boots whose heel heights are carefully kept to a comfort level. Sizes are from 36-40.5. www.5ymedio.com
Luxury knitwear
Making its debut this winter is Castanea, a new luxury Irish knitwear brand. The name is the Latin for “chestnut” and the woman behind it is designer Paula Marron who chose it because of her own surname.
Graduating with a knitwear collection from NCAD in 2004, she was spotted and hired by the late Rachel Mackey with whom she gained experience before working for Lucy Downes at Sphere One for nine years.
Last January she went out to Nepal to find manufacturers with the idea of starting her own small collection, but succeeded in making it a 30-piece one in cashmere which is now on sale in Havana in Dublin, Samui in Cork and Kalu in Naas, Co Kildare.
There are chunky and fine three-ply knits in flattering shades of soft pink, pale greys, plum and biscuit as well as black and winter white with prices starting at €395. The knits have appealing feminine touches – little flared cuffs, wrist ties, curved sleeves and removable arm bands in contrast colours. Visit www.castanea.ie
