Thrill of the new: Brown Thomas reveals the fashion trends worth your spend this season (spoiler: an Aran sweater stole the show)

Statement-making dresses, spring florals and suiting, pops of neon and skin reveals, and lots of fine, sharp tailoring. Such was the memo coming from Brown Thomas’ new season presentation on Tuesday, showcased in a modern office block overlooking Dublin's docklands. From fresh, new designers added to Brown Thomas’ roster – see The Row and Carolina Herrera – to traditional luxury brands offering a contemporary twist, the store’s spring-summer offering hints at anything but the ordinary. Here are our top five trend takeaways.

Sunkissed Season

Designers drenched styles in mood-boosting summer shades which left a warm, bohemian feel for the season. Prada opened the show with the epitome of such: a silky dress with warm, buttery yellow and green ombré tones, which was soon followed by Victoria Beckham’s pops of colour, most notably, the lime green dress made famous by Kendall Jenner. Not reserved for dresses, though; the warm shades found their way onto a relaxed, coastal three-piece by Dries Van Noten that sang of beach days and brighter spirits. These colours were amped up by Alex Perry, the standout being the coral gown and cape worn by new Irish model Sheila O’ Callaghan from Not Another Agency.

Body Beautiful

Part Y2k-influenced, part hangover from last season’s popularity, cut-outs and skin reveals are back to add a daring side to the season. Fabric slashes were evident across lace, sheer, and satin, and we are likely to see them take off in dress form especially. There was a romantic, feminine take on this from Victoria Beckham, whose full-length gowns were complemented by shapely cut-out panels that reached from the nape of the neck to the front. Mugler’s offering scaled the more extreme ends, with latex-like leggings featuring sheer side panels and a star-printed, sheer mesh top.

Ornate Garden

Naming a spring where florals were not ‘in’ would leave us pretty bereft of answers. But, it was the literal, art-like interpretation from the London label Roksanda that caught people’s attention. Its fuschia pink midi dress was adorned with a bunched, sculptural flower that, judging from the audience’s reaction, gained popular approval. Still hitting on this ornate look but in a quieter way was Dries Van Noten, whose collared jacket had a panel of ruffled floral fabric overlaying a dress. Always a purveyor of beautiful, wearable blooms, Erdem closed the show with six floral dresses in strong colours – including one in the Pantone of the year, viva magenta.

Back To Black

An unlikely shade to dominate a spring-summer landscape, black was undeniably popular among designers. Always an easy, no-frills colour, it took a lighter touch for the season with sheer fabrications like crochet, tulle, and lace, complemented by frills, ruched, and floral-printed detailing, most notably on Cecilie Bahnsen, Dries Van Noten, and Erdem’s pieces. An appreciation for fine tailoring translated to all things black, as suits, blazers, and coats looked extra-slick in the shade, and are likely amongst the items we already have in our wardrobes.

Quiet Luxury

Functionality and longevity are ingrained into most designers' collections this season, which is heartening because it reflects what most customers desire. So it was little surprise when a Celine aran knit – elevated by the inclusion of the brand's double C ‘Triomphe’ logo – was the piece that turned heads. Paired with dark wash bootcut jeans and chunky black boots, it is a coveted look we all can wear. It was reminiscent of how Kate Moss’ runway appearance for Bottega Veneta’s spring collection stole the show; wearing a checked shirt, white tank top, and loose-fitting jeans, it was accessible for everyone. The same sentiment was echoed by Loewe, whose houndstooth oversized blazer and denim two-piece would look just as good as a set as they would separate – versatility is always the winner.

All clothing and accessories available at Brown Thomas Dublin and at brownthomas.ie