Spinning dreams: Carolina Bucci, a handsome Florentine craftswoman, transforms simple woven friendship bracelets into luxury items with her innovative use of 18ct gold thread and silk.
Her family tradition of manufacturing jewellery goes back to 1885, and her bracelets and belts woven on traditional textile looms with gold and silk threads have become her trademark. Her collections are wide and varied, and although precious, have a colourful and carefree spirit. One, for instance, in yellow or white gold with coloured enamels, called Carnevale, was inspired by Venice. Bucci's fans include high-profile celebrities in the US and UK, where she is now based. She was in Dublin recently for a private viewing and sale of her work, hosted by her friend Susie Smith, soon to be the new Mrs Adam Clayton. Prices are from €300 to €8,000. www.carolinabucci.com.
Make an impact: Johann in Sandycove, Co Dublin is a small shop with a big wow factor, and in August it will celebrate its third birthday. Specialising in accessories, it offers those little extras that add impact, whether it is shawls, bags, scarves, belts or jewellery. At a recent charity event, owners Jackie Lohan and Rose Johnson assembled friends and customers ranging in age from 21 to 65 years, and in sizes from eight to 18, to act as models, showing that neither size nor age is any barrier when it comes to flair. Prices start at around €16 for necklaces, and go up to €205 for a shell and moonstone pendant. Johann, 19 Sandycove Road, Sandycove, Co Dublin.
Get the message: Having started out as a fledgling business in Cow's Lane in Dublin three years ago, the Irish streetwear label Propaganda is now stocked in 20 shops around the country. Propaganda, known for its funky T-shirts, hoodies and zany graphics, is also starting to sell its current season's military-inspired images in the UK. At next weekend's Oxegen festival at Punchestown Racecourse in Co Kildare, Propaganda will be selling more than 50 different T-shirts and tops from its marquee. Humorous T-shirts with slogans such as "Your Pub Needs You", "The Revolution Will be Amplified" and "Chopper" have been consistent favourites. The company has also collaborated with JOR, one of Ireland's leading graffiti artists, on a number of artworks going on display in Gravity skate shop in Galway during Galway Arts Festival, as well as at Oxegen and the Electric Picnic festivals. Irish outlets for the brand include BT2 in Dublin, Limited in Belfast and Primetime in Cork. Prices range from €35 up to €85. Further information from www.propagandadublin.com.