Colin Horgan: One to Watch

Colin Horgan is set for big things. Still in his third year at the Limerick School of Art and Design, he recently won the prestigious ''One to Watch'' Award at Kerry Fashion Weekend and his debut collection ''FC13'' showcases a mature level of workmanship you'd expect only from designers with decades of experience.

He describes the inspiration behind his first womenswear collection as the concept of women fighting back, using influences like fencing and railings to create the story. Horgan's use of contrasting luxe fabrics, from perforated lambskin to sheer chiffons add to his juxtaposition of masculine silhouettes and feminine cuts. This detailed mix of industrial zips and soft mesh are what give Horgan's collection a signature style, slightly reminiscent of the great Alexander Wang whilst still retaining a completely original exploration into modern minimalism.

Horgan's collection is available at Om Diva and Atelier 27 in Dublin. 

Some People Say I Look Like Me Da...

The re-emergence of 90s grunge continues to soar this spring and the washed out denim jacket has become almost as ubiquitous with hipsters as an untrimmed beard. Whilst the denim jacket never really went out of fashion for many who view it as a summer staple to complement a pretty dress, this season's the jacket takes on an oversized shape and distressed colour, giving it a worn-out vintage feel.

The ''boyfriend fit'' means it's a unisex trend but avoid adding unneccessary bulk by keeping  the rest of the look fitted, with skinny jeans and a tailored top.

Although denim on denim is a current major trend, avoid looking like a member of Bewitched and team your jacket with black or coloured jeans. If blue denim isn't your preference, go for a distressed black or light grey denim jacket.

 This is a trend that comes back around every couple of years so buy vintage and invest in a good quality name such as Levis or Wrangler. Check out www.shutterbug.ie for endless options.

High street stores such as Topshop and Urban Outfitters offer multiple style options and embellishments, from studs to embroidered detailing. Get creative and customise your own jacket by cutting off the sleeves or adding your own embellishments. The grungy, worn-out nature of this trend allows for imperfect workmanship so get creative with your own one-off piece.

Your Granny's Couch

It may look like your Granny's couch but tapestry print has continued to surge in popularity since it's re-emergence in Autumn 2012. From pea-coats to tapered trousers and everything in between, the high street and designers can't get enough of the carpet-esque print. Whilst spring has seen the trend move into lighter fabrics of silks and cottons the fundamental designs remain the same, and it seems the more kitsch the pattern the better. 

Jeffrey Campbell Cat Faced Litas

Dolce and Gabbana Tapestry Coat

If head-to-toe tapestry doesn't do it for you, go for just a flash of the print by rocking a pair of tapestry shorts or going for a bag in the print and keeping the rest of your outfit minimalist in complementary nude and khaki tones.

Really, O' Raghallaigh?

Since graduating from the prestigious Central Saint Martins in 2010, Irish designer Sorcha O Raghallaigh has been making huge waves in international fashion circles for her bespoke avant-garde designs which have been featured everywhere from Vogue to Dazed and Confused. The dark, theatrical basis for her designs means O' Raghallaigh's pieces aren't for the everywoman but they have already proved popular with the fashion A- List and have been worn by Lady Gaga and Kate Moss. So what does a 27 year old high-fashion designer tipped to be the next McQueen attribute as the inspiration behind her mythical designs? "I think growing up in a Georgian house in Birr meant that there was heritage to draw from. My childhood definitely does reflect in my work because it was very idyllic and there's something special about Ireland and its countryside,"... Nice to know you can take the girl outta Offaly...

O' Raghallaigh with some of her designs during Brown Thomas' Create Exhibition

Leather, Leather No Matter the Weather

It's finally starting to look like summer outside but thanks to the temperate Irish climate that shouldn't mean trading in your winter wardrobe staples for shorts and t-shirts just yet. Irish summer temperatures are closer to what Americans call ''Fall"- that lovely transitional season that sometimes allows you to go out in just a t-shirt but generally calls for layering pieces. The sleeveless leather jacket was seen everywhere on the spring/summer catwalks, from Alexander Wang to Proenza Schouler and is the perfect piece to funk up your summer wardrobe whilst  keeping you warm. Whilst black will go with almost anything, a white sleeveless version will complement your summer colours and give your look a 90s feel. Investing in a 100% leather piece will ensure it lasts for years but if your budget doesn't stretch that far, the high street is stocking some great quality PU options. Layer it over a hoody and boyfriend jeans for an urban daytime look or team it with a classic monochrome colour combo to nail two of the season's biggest trends at once.

Reed Krakoff, Alexander Wang, Tracey Reese, Proenza Schouler SS13

100% Leather, Asos, 59 euro

Coachella: My Favourite Looks of All Time

Well it's that time of year again when every bone within my body cries because another year has come and gone and I have yet again broken the eternal promise to myself that NEXT year I will get to Coachella. The California music festival- a favourite amongst the international A-list- sets the style standard for the rest of the festival season and allows us to forget cold Irish drizzle outside to start planning our summer outfits with all the optimism of Californian weather in Westmeath come June.

Here are some of my favourite Coachella looks of all time

Not quite sure why, but I spent an entire New York summer scouring the shops for this t-shirt

Headband; Oversized sunnies; Denim hotpants; Sleeveless Cardi; Crop top...Vanessa Hudgens wears every festival trend at once but somehow it works.

Rosie Huntington Whitely keeps it cool in the heat

Black is the new neon

Chanel Iman rocked leather knickers just 'cause she could. Wouldn't get away with that in Stradbally...

Right up My Street

Christopher Shannon is the hottest up and coming name in Menswear right now. Fact. The London-based Liverpudlian designer is hugely influenced by streetstyle but gives sports luxe an  unexpected twist with patches of aztec print detail and feminine frills, juxtaposing masculine tailoring with pretty feminine detailing. Whilst the high-fashion styling of Shannon's SS2013 catwalk looks may be too editorial for the everyman, the collection features oversized crew jumpers and hipster button down shirts perfect teamed with dark denim jeans for the trend-aware guy who doesn't want to stand too far out in the crowd. Similarly Shannon's Kiddo range- available on Asos- features more wearable pieces at more affordable prices. An exciting, innovative designer with an original approach to fashion, Christopher Shannon is my One to Watch for Menswear in 2013.

Christopher Shannon Spring Summer 2013

Christopher Shannon Kidda Sweat with Crest Print, 118 euro on asos.com

Galactic Fantastic

Galaxy print is an Autumn/Winter 2012 trend that looks set to stay right through Spring/Summer. The starry pattern has been applied to everything, from oversized tees to dresses to my beloved Jeffrey Campbell Litas. Rock an oversized Galaxy sweater with your pastel skinnies this summer for a daytime look or give the funky trend a subtle nod with Galaxy converse runners- perfect for jazzing up a muted outfit.

The key to this look is an edgy air of effortless cool so be sure not to go matchy-matchy with your look, choosing just one piece in the print and keeping the rest of the look simple. Whilst galaxy leggings have proved hugely popular with the Disco-pant wearers of Dublin, approach this look with caution if you're thigh-conscious as the print is guaranteed to draw attention to the area. Divert attention away from the legs by going for a dark denim jean instead and a galaxy-print top.

Love Makes the World Go Round

It's finally sunny (ish) outside and what better excuse than to start our summer shopping with the season's most practical accessory- Sunglasses! This season we are taking style inspiration from John Lennon, embracing the Beatles' favourite circular shades that defined the retro hippy counterculture of the 1960s. As with all hot trends, this summer's rounded sunglasses come in a variety of shapes and styles, suitable for every face shape and style preference. Small button noses will suit a smaller circled lens whilst an oversized pair works well on large and longer faces as well as disguising a multitude of sins the morning after a boozy summer barbecue.

If you wish to embrace the cartoon element of the trend, go for a pair with a bold coloured or patterned frame. For a more understated high-fashion nod to the trend ala Mary Kate Olsen, go for a simple black or dark brown pair with little or no frame.

This look is not about taking yourself too seriously and the perfect accessory to finish off your festival look. Whilst round is the key sunglass shape this season, it's not a trend I forecast lasting past summer so instead of investing in a designer pair, I suggest picking up a stylish bargain pair like these Jeepers Peepers beauties from River Island for 13 euro.