When it comes to the bustling and competitive Fashion Month, London Fashion Week always holds a little extra charm for those of us across the water, as Irish designers often present their collections alongside heavyweights like Victoria Beckham and Roland Mouret.
And at Simone Rocha's ethereal show, the Dublin designer put Irish heritage - and Irish faces - front and centre.
Bringing the fashion crowd somewhat out of the city to Alexandra Palace, a restored Victorian building that was originally opened in 1873 as the "People's Palace", Rocha told a story of beauty and decay, offsetting her delicate and romantic creations with a crumbling set.
Irish actresses Jessie Buckley, Olwen Fouéré, Simone Kirby, Charlene McKenna and Valene Kane walked the runway, showcasing how diverse Rocha's designs are when it comes to age.
Activist Sinéad Burke put it best in her front-row Instagram stories when she said Rocha's collection was "fast forward Peig Sayers", offering a modern and romantic take on the traditional Irish image of long skirts and heavy shawls typified by the Kerry seanchaí and writer.
Voluminous Victorian-inspired coats were layered over pristine white dresses edged with intricate embroidery; a full black dress gathered at the knees was offset by a flash of black tulle underneath; wafer-thin dresses were embellished with prints of peeling wallpapers on silk; and contemporary tailoring met antique style in a black blazer festooned with airy, printed ruffles.
Particularly notable was the all-over red sequin gown that resembled a Victorian nightdress, with sloping shoulders, gathered hems and a bib neckline. Worn with vivid red socks, it was a strkingly modern take on vintage shapes.
Accessories were similarly vintage-inspired but bang on trend: the handbag that resembled a giant pearl; the silver flats with an embellished ankle strap; the raffia platforms worn over slouching woolen socks.
It's to Rocha's credit that you could imagine pairing any one of these with a pair of jeans and a jumper, as well as with more luxurious outfits.
Makeup was typically minimal, allowing the stark beauty of her models shine through the dramatic and exaggerated silhouettes.
It was a starry affair all round, as front-row guests included Jade Parfitt, the singer Paloma Faith, Jasmine Guinness and Anna Wintour as well as Rocha's parents, John and Odette.
The combination of her fashion-forward tailoring and design, the emotional look back to the women of Ireland that came before her, and the captivating setting of ageing theatre made for a show not many people will forget soon.
