Deirdre McQuillan's fashion file
WEDDING BELLE
Nathalie Durieux is a gem of a shop, up a little side street off the Boulevard St Germain in Paris, and it sells some divine wedding dresses. Durieux, a Parisien who trained at Esmod, worked for many years with a couturier, and set up her own label 10 years ago. At first she designed daywear collections, then specialised in wedding dresses, and opened her shop in 1999. Her dresses are spectacular in every sense: fairytale, delicate creations in silk, mousseline, organza, silk gazar and taffeta. One of the most striking is a high-collared Edwardian-style gown made from pleated silk gazar, while another is straight out of the 19th century - all elaborate trimmings and crinoline skirts. She hand-paints some of the fabrics herself and is in such demand that it takes five months to complete an order. Prices are from €1,500 up to €5,000. Some of her creations can be viewed on her website at www.nathalie-durieux.com.
PICK OF THE BUNCH
Floral prints are blooming, particularly on coats, in one of the most ladylike seasons for a while. At Marks & Spencer, botanical prints are delicate, and in one case, almost like antique upholstery fabric. M & S is also offering a cream jacquard print, even more discreet, as well as an obligatory tweed alternative. Prices are €159 for the jacquard, €135 for the tweed and €119 for the prints. There's also a cream and pink floral printed mac for €139. Take your pick of the bunch.
SWEET MUSIC
Browsing around one of my favourite department stores, Le Bon Marché in Paris, I was struck by how gentle, soothing and discreet its piped music is, lulling the customer into a kind of trance that makes them buy more or at least feel like exploring the shop. It's in such contrast to the noise and endless thumping drumbeats so beloved of Irish and British department and high street stores, which only succeeds in making me, for one, want to rush for the exit as quickly as possible. Please, managers of shops, give us enthusiasts a break and try out less frenetic, ear-splitting noise. Sales might just increase.