Let it not be said that I only write about the fashion that I can afford. i.e. the cheap and cheerful stuff that is so on-trend that it hardly matters if it wears out in 6 months ’cause I won’t be wearing most of it by then. Today though, I decided to forgo a browse in my usual haunts and stopped into Tommy Hilfiger on Grafton Street instead. Their window is advertising the fact that their AW09 Runway Collection is now in store, so it was a perfect chance to look at the upper-end of fashion on the high street. Grafton Street is the only store in the country and I’m pretty certain one of only three both here and in the U.K. that stocks the runway range, so that’s pretty darn exclusive.
The Runway collection is in it’s own section of the first floor and is lit and laid out in a more boutique way than the rest of the collections. These are displayed in a more traditional style; in colour-coded ‘stories’ and the Hilfiger Denim range doesn’t even get a look in, in this store. The dresses in the Runway AW09 collection are stunning, classic pieces in luxurious fabrics like wool-crepe mixes. Some reflect the season’s trends perfectly, like this white, statement shoulder backless dress which reminds me of a dress that Blake Lively wore earlier in the year. Others like this black dress with 4 strips of fabric on the back, are more classic and provided they still fit will be a wardrobe staple for years, I’d like both please.
It wasn’t just the runway collection that stood out when I was wondering around the store; the accessories, like these rubber boots and soft tan satchels are classic pieces and work as great alternatives to Hunter Wellies and oversized slouchy bags.
I also nipped upstairs to the Kidswear department and spied this skirt in the girlswear collection; it’s inspired by the work of Roy Lichtenstein is utterly fabulous and I might just try and squeeze into it too… (always looking for a bargain, me!) 
The new younger varsity-inspired collection (pictured top) has a colour pallet of navy-blue, white and yellow and sees the brand appealing to a younger market. The tiny TH flag motif has been replaced on this range by a larger and more detailed, embroiderd crest and there are soft skinny jeans, plaid and striped shirts, knitted dresses and soft hoodies in the new collection. All in all, its pretty darn appealing. Arnotts Project, next, oh yes.
EDIT: Pricing: Backless dress, €449. Black dress with back strips, €499. Small leather satchel, €199, large leather satchel, €299. Rubber boots, €120. Full ‘Roy Lichtenstein’ skirt, €85.
Clockwise from left: Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Hudson, Blake Lively, Ashley Tisdale and Kate Moss all with gorgeous fringe bags.
At €59 it isn’t the cheapest bag in the world but it is a perfect accessory for all my new summer outfits, the strap is adjustable so I’ll be wearing it long and cross-body to keep my shades and sunscreen in!
Recent months have seen celebs encouraging the trend for jumpsuits / one-piece suits, not only on a day-to-day basis but on special occasions and especially on the red carpet. I reckon if you haven’t already indulged in a jumpsuit, then this summer is the perfect time to step in to one. Even if the idea of them makes you recoil in horror, you can’t deny that if you want to keep bang on trend this season, the jumpsuit is the only way to go.
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