The stylish husband and wife team behind Memo luxury fragrances – Irishman John Molloy and his Spanish-born wife Clara – has just launched a new range of perfumes that are not only clean, green and alcohol free but also moisturise the skin.
Called Hermetica, the collection of 18 scents, divided into floral, green, woody and oriental, is made using patented technology called Inoscent and work with immediate effect on the nose with top and base notes appearing instantly. Unlike conventional alcohol-based fragrances, there is no waiting for a dry down and the scents last for up to two hours. (It is even selling scented tattoos.)
There is also an innovative and inexpensive "try before you buy" service and an online scent profile test. The range sells online, in Harvey Nichols in London, in six Bloomingdales stores in the US and in its new boutique Hermetica on fashionable Rue Marbeuf off the Champs Elysees in Paris. Its first on the Rue Cambon opened in 2016 opposite Chanel and its third will open on Avenue Montaigne (where Dior set up his couture house in 1946) in May. Irish Leather launched in 2013 remains its best seller worldwide. Memoparis.com
TEAPOT PRINTS FOR TEA?
This teapot print blouse called Anna is from Carousel's latest collection known for its nostalgia inspired shapes and quirky prints designed inhouse in Ireland and made with partner factory Good Earth in India. With its whimsical print, the navy blouse called Anna (€45) can be paired with jeans or with a swing skirt and heels. It's one of five new items that are ethically produced on Carousel's own Circus range – they include a yacht print shirt dress €69; a parachute print fit and flare skirt €59; a bicycle print dress €69; and the Ava Geo dress with a floral print €69. Find them in their Dublin, Cork and Galway stores or online at ilovecarousel.com
RAINY DAY WEAR
Launching this spring in the UK is the Norwegian brand BRGN with its totally waterproof outerwear for men and women that is stylish enough to wear when not raining. Founded six years ago in Bergen – famously one of the wettest places in the world – by two friends Karine Lunde, a design graduate, and Ros-Mari Gaundal with business experience, they decided on one of their many walks up Mount Floyen overlooking Bergen to create clothing that was modish and waterproof and not the usual typical Norwegian rainwear. BRGN combines the practicality and performance of sportswear with the aesthetics of a fashion label. Though available only online for Irish customers, there is an Irish angle as BRGN is involved with the sponsorship of the International Beckett festival in July in Enniskillen. Visit BRGN.com
MADE-TO-MEASURE MAGEE
Magee of Donegal tailoring specialists for more than 150 years has introduced a new made-to-measure service which offers a choice of more than 250 fabrics many of which are designed and woven in its own mill in Donegal town. Ideal for an outfit for a wedding or some special event at home or abroad, customers can be measured for a suit or a jacket in its shop on Sth Anne Street, Dublin or its outlet in Arnotts and selected stockists in Ireland and the UK. It takes from four to six weeks for delivery, and a two-piece suit starts from roughly €650. For further information, visit magee1866.com
