The Irish weather means we ladies know the importance of layering and we have had more than our fair share of practice.  A brand that appears to be here to support us is Rag & Bone and they promise we will be very warm next fall.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright sent out their latest collection that is in fact all about beautiful asymmetrical skirts over fabulous skinny pants, amazing belted sweater dresses over soft, sheer sleeved blouses, intricate feathered vests over brocade and bronze tailored jackets, eye-catching cropped shearling jackets over cozy knits, and huge belted blanket wraps over everything. 

With what would have been considered breaking a lot of fashion rules up until recently, as seen with some collections for autumn/winter 2011 and spring/summer 2011, there were also wild and passionate mixed prints such as chevron stripes, brocade, tapestry print, lace and ikat.  These were all worked together in a muted fall palate of bronze, maroon, greys and pops of orangey, tangerine reds.

The layering story did not just apply to the physical appearance of the collection but also to the artistic and creative ideas behind the designs as the line sheet descriptions for the show were labeled “black Goadress,” “Rani skirt,” and “Taj jacket,” and there was obviously an Indian influence.  This was beautifully demonstrated in an understated manner in the shimmering bronze fabrics and the asymmetrical skirts layered over pants that recalled saris.  Further, the knits, leather and belt detail created a merging of cultures as there was also an obvious Scottish and Irish Viking meets old England Sherlock Holmes detail influence.  

Overall with the show the coats and shoes were pretty spectacular within the collection and don’t forget to check out Brown Thomas to catch the latest looks for each season.