Irish fashion focus: Arnotts’ Rachael Armstrong — ‘With lockdown over we bought as much colour and sparkles as possible’

She keeps up-to-date on trends, with one eye always on the Arnotts woman. “We want to bring our customer on a journey, so she doesn’t feel like it’s getting stale.”

​While Scandi fashion is the trend of the moment, the Arnotts customer remains loyal to homegrown brands. “All the Irish brands did amazing for us last year,” Armstrong says.

“We see our Irish designers diversifying, like fee G embroidering the arms of their sweaters and using bold prints.

“Róisín Linnane also designed these beautiful oversized silk pieces, which are timeless, and any age could wear them.

“The Arnotts girl wants to get wear out of her pieces day and night. You can wear one of our dresses on a night out with heels or during lunch with runners. Even Uggs, since they have made a comeback.

“The main thing with Arnotts is that the ladies love dresses and love colour; with lockdown being over we bought as much colour and sparkles as possible.”

After the Covid tracksuit years, the temptation to get kitted out in a sparkly dress and strappy heels is surely set to peak for this spring-summer season.

Armstrong has made sure to buy for every event on the social calendar.

“We have our customers who want to come in and get everything — the hat, the shoes, the bag — and have a day out with their daughter.” But beyond hard-working event dressing, the styles are proving a hit with the celebs.

Doireann Garrihy was spotted in their Kitri feather-trimmed navy two-piece suit, and the TV presenter isn’t the only one shopping in this Irish department store.

“Vogue Williams is very loyal to Arnotts,” Armstrong says. “She wears Essentiel Antwerp’s neon looks.”

So whether you looking for Scandi fashion, Irish designers or just a pop of colour, you can shop in store or online at arnotts.ie.