HELP! IVE FALLEN FOR HENRY HOLLAND

March 6^th saw Henry Holland visit BT2 on Grafton Street, Dublin for the launch of his collection in the store. As avid fans of his work, Fiona and I took the opportunity to visit the store in the morning to meet the designer. After waiting around the store for the press interviews to finish I seized the opportunity and introduced myself to him and after a brief chat and a photo opportunity we were invited back to the store that evening by the man himself. For a party, no less.

        Having stressed enough about what to wear just to meet him in the morning, we were definitely panicking over what to wear to the party that evening. I opted for something of a dressed-down look, black tee with bright lettering, black skinny jeans and black converse. It was only when I realised that it was a fashion show that I felt under-dressed… An oversight on my part really.

        Being back in the store that night gave us more of an opportunity to take a look at the House of Holland collection now on sale there. The two collections available are pre-Spring and Spring/Summer. The former is inspired by all things Americana, cheerleaders, pom-poms etc. and includes varsity knits and stripes. The latter, Buzz Kill, is the House of Holland take on 90’s grunge. Buzz Kill features a considerably darker palette than we’d be used to in Henry’s clothes but to great effect- the collection boasts iconic prints with a vintage feel. Both collections still retain the colourful, irreverent styling that has become synonymous with House of Holland.

        The party could be described as colourful and irreverent itself; soundtracked by cult 90’s cover band Smash Hits, the night was a veritable ‘who’s who’ in the world of Irish fashion journalism. Anyone who’s anyone was (or should have been) there for the unveiling of the line, exclusive to BT2 in Ireland, as models took to the stages in front of the band to show off the range.

        DSLRs, Blackberrys and Nokias alike were aloft trying to get snaps of the clothes. Luckily we got a few ourselves: 

As the night drew to a close and it was time to leave, I decided I was not leaving without saying goodbye to the man of the hour and thanking him for such a great night. Gracious as ever, he thanked Fiona and I for coming to see him twice in the one day and we even managed to get a hug. The goody-bags from the night had House of Holland tights (appreciated a bit more by Jessi and Fiona than they were by me) and the Rave Nana A/W Lookbook which was very exciting.

Free drinks, excellent music, beautiful models and House of Holland clothing, what was not to love? The night was one to remember but it was a bit of a transition to go back to doing assignments the next day...

-80 x