It was early in the morning, but lovers of fashion will rise at dawn to see the latest designs. Guests to a special preview of the Spring/ Summer 2002 collections at Brown Thomas were greeted with glasses of colourful juice to kick-start the day.
The tall and elegant Paul Kelly, managing director of Dublin's Brown Thomas, said "there's a huge urgency to get things in early. Lots of products are pre-sold". Some items "do not actually hit the floor", so hungry are customers to buy items they see in catalogues and magazines. "Christmas was fantastic," he added. "I can't see a downturn happening." The show was just "a very small sample" of what's in store for the season to come.
Seated in readiness for the show was designer Helen Cody, who is known in particular for her handbags. Her work will next be on show at City Hall on Tuesday, February 5th, when the designers at the Design Centre in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre show their latest creations. The show is in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland, said Cody.
She looked relaxed and tanned after a three-week holiday in Bali. What else would a designer do on her return but check out the latest looks at Brown Thomas?
Graham Cruz, designer and singer with Dove, cut a dash, wearing a grey sealskin coat, a gold lamé scarf and denim, of course. In his capacity as fashion editor with GI, he was there to enjoy the show.
Michael Leong, hair stylist to the stars, was in attendance as well, working behind the scenes with the models. He was recently involved with Popstars, turning the members of the new group, 6, into . . . into, well, pop stars.
As for the rest of us, we had to decide by ourselves between Gucci, Chloé, Prada, Galliano, Joseph, Miu Miu - and all the rest of them. It's really hard to know which look to favour this season.