Lacy lady: Havana in Donnybrook, Dublin 4 is closed for renovations and will reopen with its full autumn stock on display on August 1st. From July 17th, however, the Havana premises will showcase a collection of vintage French laces customised and reworked into modern shapes.
The antique pieces, collected by former model Maura McKillen, have been remodelled into capes, skirts and dresses. There are some 50 pieces in all. Bloomers, for instance, have become shrugs, and skirts have been turned into dresses (right) with satin and velvet ribbons. The whole collection is very pretty and feminine. Prices start at around €100.
Tyrrell & Brennan move: A reader rang to ask if Tyrrell & Brennan had closed down, as she had seen a For Sale sign on its premises on South William Street, Dublin 2. However, the good news is that the company has moved to bright, new premises on 13 Lower Pembroke Street (near Louis Copeland), from where Niall Tyrrell and Donald Brennan will continue to run their customised ready-to-wear business, but by appointment only. Their spring/summer range is currently on view, as well as a selection from their forthcoming autumn/winter collections, and highlights from their new couture bridalwear. Book an appointment on 01-6788332 or see their website www.tyrrellbrennan.com.
Birtwell will be back: Celia Birtwell's romantic prints for Top Shop sold out almost completely within two days of arriving in the St Stephen's Green and Jervis Street outlets in Dublin. Birtwell was a 1960s icon, responsible for the prints of celebrated designer Ossie Clark, whose free-flowing clothes epitomised swinging London of that time. This collection for Top Shop launched with six classic archive prints on silk georgette and voile blouses and dresses. Owing to its success, a second collection of archive Birtwell prints will be launched later in the year, probably in October.
In the pink: Stephanie O'Toole's new jewellery shop, China Pink, on Dunville Avenue in Dublin 6, adds another sparkle to the small, independent shops in the area. The jewellery is mostly French-made and is bold and colourful - the kind of pieces to dramatise a simple dress or give a new look to a favoured item. Prices range from €35 for earrings up to €720 for a necklace.
China Pink, 38 Dunville Avenue, Dublin 6, 01-4982709
