On Tour
People often ask me what happens on one of my #Lost Tours, what it involves and how I could possibly explain the story of fashion in Dublin over the centuries? I usually reply by saying that I try to showcase the city of Dublin through a fashion lens and use everything from architecture, ghost signs, past and present businesses, pictures, anecdotes and quotes to give a sense of times gone by and to illustrate the style icons who peopled our city.
One of my most popular tours is the Lost Fashion History of Grafton Street Tour which takes in the much loved stores which exist on the street and the ones we have lost over the centuries from Crotty’s Waterproofers (pictured above and now where Dunnes Stores is) to Switzer’s, Brown Thomas, Barnardos, Weirs, Richard Alan and more.
If you missed the tour you can take a stroll with me now in pictures and get a glimpse of the day. These pictures were snapped by my very talented volunteer Tra My and give a great feeling from the day, and if you still have a hankering to go on a Lost Tour I am running my Lost Fashion History of The Liberties Tour this Saturday and I have some spots left which you can book here.
My Lost Fashion History of Grafton Street Tour called in on the following places…
Anthony Peto on South Ann Street is a gorgeous Parisian style boutique on a street that would have traditionally been a millinery and dressmaking street. It is so wonderful to have an independent store like Anthony Peto showcasing handmade hats from straw boaters to trilbys for men and women. The unique salon style setting also gives an idea of how a millinery store might have looked in the past and certainly has the service you would expect from a bygone era. If passing by go in, they are very friendly and make sure you go down to their basement section, it’s divine.
Weirs & Co on Grafton Street have been trading since the mid 19th Century. Its the place where Dublin’s great and good bought the very best jewellery, watches and silver. The store still retains its Edwardian shop fittings which were made by Pollard of London. See pictured below. Their sumptuous red carpets, amazing service and sparkling jewels in the original cabinets make a trip to their store a magic way to glide from past to present day.
J. M. Barnardos have been in business since 1812 and it is still owned by the Barnardo family. The business was set up in 1812 by their ancestor who was from Prussia and very early into their sojourn they were bestowed with the great honour of being Court Furriers. They still have their unique store with original shop fittings and family antiques peppered around the store and of course amazing furs of every kind, this store is an an exclusive hidden gem where you really step back in time can shop like an Edwardian lady yet feel like 21st century woman.
Brown Thomas and Switzer’s have been Dublin’s premium department stores for over a century with Brown Thomas remaining the icon of the street and retaining the same values of excellence and service it has had since it opened its doors. One of the key components of this service is the doorman Ciaran who has worked for Switzer’s and Brown Thomas for over 30 years and showcases that extra service with a style with a debonair twinkle in his eye.
Dirty Fabulous Vintage – the Lost Tour wrapped up on wonderful Wicklow Street the dressmaking street of Dublin from the Victorian period onwards (and the subject of a previous blog here. The street has been home to salons and court dressmakers for well over a century. We had the privilege of stepping back in time (and into the present) into one such salon still associated with fashion to talk to the sisters who own Dirty Fabulous (Kathy and Caroline) on how they purvey beautiful vintage and bridal style in the 21st century.
