Feminity and easy elegance were the keynotes of the spring/summer collection from Anthony Ryans which was unveiled at a charity fashion show at The Ardilaun on Monday night.
The event, which was in aid of the Galway Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland Voices for Galway speech therapy project, was fast paced and exciting opening with the “Can, Can” by Regina Rodgers’ School of Ballet. Other highlights included performances from the Performing Arts School.
The show ushered in a versatile summer palette of aqua, cool white, fresh coral, silver, perfect pink and tomato red - the colour of the season. Orange popped up too injecting a dash of unapologetic colour into the hottest looks.
Light summer evenings inspire pretty shades of pinks, lilacs and cool peppermint, mandarin, lemons and limes underpinned by the usual staples, purple (this season’s darling ) black, red and navy.
Brightness and hints of summer not just came from the cheery hues but from the use of girly florals - the spring herald - prints, floaty fabrics and pretty accessories.
Each colour capsule featured interchangeable pieces linked by colour or texture from pastel floral motifs to graphic retro designs reflecting a warm relaxed summer mood.
White stole the show when combined with navy or black while cream proved an easy colour to dress up for day or evening.
The little summer dress is an essential in every party wardrobe. Deceptively simple cuts and body-skimming lines dominate. Fun polka dots popped up in shift dresses offering easy style. Pretty dresses, many with floral detail and ruching, were a big hit with the audience. They came in delicious colours, hinting at dreamy sunny days.
Top looks from Ryan’s Bay department were very short, flirty dresses that skimmed the body and looked particularly fetching in shades of yellow and orange. A grey jumpsuit from the same section looked great when teamed with an oversized belt and handbag. For those who dare to bare there were striking red shorts teamed with a short black jacket.
Clean lines and shapely silhouettes were brought together with the innovative use of contrasting fabrics, textures and colours. Outfits were easy to dress up or down to illustrate a soft, romantic mood or something more edgy.
Trousers came in many shapes, including cropped. There was lots of white around and Ryan’s offered many choices which looked great when teamed with stylish knits, uncomplicated jackets or girlie cardigans. Red and white was a stunning combination.
Beach wear veered from the prim and proper all-in-one swimsuit in red/black to bright and breezy bikinis combined with sarongs.
Women dressing up to meet the night could do so in unadulterated elegance by choosing any of the full length gowns from Ryan’s. They came in shades of grape, ivory, cobalt blue and Grecian white and ranged in price from €225 to €400.
