Excitement was high last Tuesday Evening at Wendys Boutique, when an exclusive Paula Ryan event was held to showcase the new collection for Spring / Summer 2018. Vivien Josaia from Paula Ryan led this sneak preview, and the rack that she rolled in was literally spilling over with outfits that immediately had everyone in the room, between gulps of bubbles, oohing and aahing.

 

Models strolled through the store, looking every bit as chic as if they were strutting along a catwalk. And the outfits – well, a little bit of lust when they flashed past quickly turned to love once Vivienne had highlighted the benefits of the super-soft microjersey and MicroModel fabric.  After a further chance to admire the beautiful cut and the soft drape of the garments, and it was impossible not to edge just a little closer to the changing room to secure a spot for a try-on after the show.

 

There were many stand outs, but among them had to be the Mixed Print Wrap Around Dress for the season. Incorporating all of the prints of high summer in a riot of contrasting and complementary tones, this flattering bias cut dress is as perfect for resort wear as for a function. Another dress that is as sophisticated in style as it is super easy to wear is the Feathers Print Cocktail Dress. Absolutely timeless, this dress has been created from a slightly heavier weight crepe, and the stunning fabric gives a sensational silhouette.

 

 

 

Key to the collection is that Paula Ryan pieces are, like a Sagittarian, born to travel. They are lightweight, they are durable, and joy of joys, they will quite literally pull out of your suitcase as fresh as a daisy. So with this in mind, some of the new season pieces will most certainly want a space in your case. The Ultra Light Anorak is so incredibly light that it would fold microscopically, and yet it has design features that take it to heavyweight status.

Another ‘stop in your tracks’ travel piece is the Side Pleat Skirt. The combination of a Paula Ryan classic style and an on-trend animal print makes this hard to resist - in the same fabric is the Soft Skirt Reversible Dress which cleverly features a black lining, hence its ability to be worn either way. Also brimming with versatility is the Soft Basque Print Skirt, which can be pulled up over the bust to enable it to be worn as a dress. The Nehru Soft Sleeve Shirt is the perfect holiday piece, light as a feather, and gorgeous either layered up or just rocked poolside over a swimsuit.  There was a real summer vibe to the Stripe Splice Dress, which, with its bias cut and skimming lines is not only ageless in style, but has flattering fit well and truly in the bag. Also in the same washed blue shades are the Stripe Slouch Cuffed Pants, which, with a wonderfully high waist are – dare I say - flattering and comfortable in one fell swoop.

 

 

 

 

It’s hard to narrow down the essentials, because after seeing beautiful outfit after beautiful outfit sashay down the Wendys catwalk, they all started to seem pretty essential. Exquisite in its simplicity is the Square Cap Sleeve Dress detail; this is one that would work just as well in or out of the office. Likewise the Shaped Hem Jacket in white; so crisp in colour and with a perfectly tailored look, yet the soft drape of the fabric makes it easy to throw over dresses or wear with jeans. For everyday wear the Raglan A Line Dress is one of those pieces that would fast become a fashion favourite. The ultimate staple though, has to be the Soft Tuxedo Coat With its beautiful cut and the perfect weight for trans-seasonal wear, this full-length coat instantly elevates you to style queen status. Slip on over literally anything and everything, and you will wow the crowds.