Friends and well-wishers spilled on to the street in the rain, such was the response to the launch of 5 Scarlett Row. The latest trendy store to hit Temple Bar is a fusion of footwear, clothing and art.
A collaboration between footwear designer Eileen Shields and gallery curator Vaari Claffey, it's an innovative concept. The space itself is an installation by ThirtyThreeTrees, with the renowned architect Jimi Shields and his partner Maria Vlahos (head gardener at Mount Usher Gardens).
Eileen Shields had previously designed and launched the DKNY footwear line before launching her own line in February this year at New York Fashion Week. Described as "the new Manolos", the shoes are elegant and ladylike, while still maintaining a subtle sexiness. Handmade in cobra skin, antique kid, the softest suede and polished leather, the shoes are works of art themselves.
Most styles are based on Shields's favourite shoes, the ballerina pump and the riding boot. With prices ranging from €230 to €630, and €1,400 for the custom-made python boot, Shields already has a celebrity client base including Bono, for whom she custom made a pair of shoes, and PJ Harvey, as well as 18 stockists in the US.
"Gallery for one", the art gallery space within the store, is being launched with a new audio-installation piece by Belfast-born artist Mark Orange (Eileen's husband) entitled Sam Shouting in the Museum. Periodically, the entire 5 Scarlett Row space will be given over to art installations.
Designer Helen James, who has an accessory collection in the store, was at the launch to wish her friends well. James, who used to work with Shields in DKNY, described the concept as "different and exciting". Her own accessory collection, she says, is "organic and not season led".
A New York contingent including James Haydyn, Fiona O'Shaughnessy and Diane McGee all turned out in support of the new venture.