Last week, Arnotts launched their Spring/Summer 2021 womenswear contemporary and classic collections. Usually, a new collection would mean a fabulous catwalk filled with models showcasing a host of beautiful designs.
However, with the disruption of COVID-19, this season's launch had to happen online. To get a better idea of what we can expect to hit the shelves as the world slowly begins to re-open, we spoke with Clara Halpin, Head of Personal Shopping.
Welcoming nine new brands to the shop - including Theory, MUNTHE, See By Chloé, Seven Jeans, Sweaty Betty, Colourful Standard, Weekend Max Mara, Oska and Sarah Pacini - this is an incredibly exciting season, with key trends ranging from Floral Explosion and Feminine Feel to Deconstructed Denim and Athletic Nation.
Athletic Nation
With much of the past year spent within a 5k radius, walking and running become daily past-times for many of us. As the need for jeans fell by the wayside in March 2020, leggings became a wardrobe staple - especially with Zoom calls only showing the top half of our outfits.
According to Clara, the Athletic Nation trend will undoubtedly be popular this year so there's no need to part with your beloved athleisurewear anytime soon. In fact, it might be time to treat yourself to some really good pieces.
"We have Sweaty Betty in now and they're attracting even the most unlikely candidates because they have that great sculpting element on the bum," explains Clara.
"I had a more mature client and I sent her a pair to have as part of her capsule wardrobe, she rang me asking for another two pairs," Clara laughs. "Leggings can be a great addition to your capsule wardobe."
Deconstructed Denim
If you're on any form of social media, you'll have undoubtedly come across posts from Gen Z users claiming that skinny jeans are destined to die with Millennials. According to Clara, however, we should ditch the trends altogether when it comes to jeans and wear what is most flattering.
"It's funny, when skinny came in so many years ago, people didn't want to let go of their bootcuts," she laughs. "There are lovely bootleg styles in 7 For All Mankind and a more relaxed and destructured look is definitely in now."
"Some people will suit a skinny, some will suit a bootleg, some will suit a straight leg - it's all about body shape and getting the right length. There's a real mix but, for me, I think with a higher price point you will get what you pay for."
Floral Explosion
With so much uncertainty in the world at present, it comes as no surprise that the world's designers are looking ahead to the possibility of a bright future. With Floral Explosion and Feminine Feel in the mix, it seems that designers are banking on a roaring 20s to follow the restrictions of COVID-19.
"Florals are massive," confirms Clara. "Queens of Archive and Custommade do florals really well, they're bold. You have big florals, little florals - they're not going away. Over the last few seasons, we've embraced them more and you can mix and match."
"Trainers are going nowhere so people are putting the harsh with the light. The big biker boots with the florals and denim with leather. It's not all overly feminine."
No matter what you wear this Spring/Summer - whether it be leggings, bootcut jeans or floral dresses - Clara insists that colour will have a big impact on your mood so don't be afraid to go bright.
"Colour is massively important and I think Irish designers like Caroline Kilkenny have done a great job. I'm also loving Munthe who have a fabulous emerald green print. See By Chloé has very feminine colours with lots of pink and navy."
