Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

When the first Joanne Hynes capsule collection for Dunnes Stores launched, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a once off collection or if there would be a second collection. Personally, I really enjoyed the first collection (you can read about it here), though only treated myself to two beautiful hats from it (the bobble one being my favourite!), but there was some also slightly negative press with regards a certain shearling coat. Sidenote: That coat by the way in person was soft and luxurious and designed beautifully. So when I heard about the second collection for Spring Summer 2017 being released I was very excited to see what she had created for the high street giant (and yes I was hoping for another coat).

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

Joanne Hynes is an amazing Irish designer – creative, talented and also an absolute delight to talk to. What I love about her work is the vibrancy – she is not afraid of bold colours or patterns and it really makes her work stand out. And it also can make those wearing her pieces like they are wearing a piece of creative art.

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

When I arrived to Dunnes Stores in Stephen’s Green, I was slightly confused when I was directed down to the grocery department. Not quite what I expected but as they say catwalk on aisle two 🙂 The place was surrounded by blow up jungle animals which I think was fitting as Henri Rousseau was the inspiration behind this collection. You can really see the impact of his jungle paintings on some of the prints – especially the two piece skirt and jumper combinations.

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

There was plenty of perspex accessories that could easily jazz up any outfit. They are very reasonably priced and I especially liked the Rousseau Necklace. Many of the pieces also had perspex accents and embellishments on them which always adds some fun to a garment. She is known for these so it was great to see them included.

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

What I especially loved about this Rousseau Rendezvous collection was the colour. It was vibrant and ready to burst into Spring and Summer. There is nothing subtle about many of the pieces and I love that Joanne is not afraid of bold prints or stand out colours. The collection also feels playful, and certainly brought a smile to many of us watching it.

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

The summer version of last year’s €900 coat is a beautiful pale blue and some bright pink and yellow puffs on it, and I do quite like it. It is not reversible like last years but still just as stunning. Sadly, not something that I can pull off or that I can easily throw on my credit card but no doubt this one will sell out the same as last year’s coat.

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

People talk about diversity in fashion, and how we need it and how it could be done etc. etc. but rarely do you see it done right. Well, on the Joanne Hynes catwalk – she showed us how to do it. I greatly admire the diversity in the models that she cast and even though there was such a different array they pulled the whole collection into one cohesive vision. She showcased that her collection can be worn by everyone. It gave me a new respect for the Irish Designer and I do think that some of the top international houses should take note.

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

And also I did end up buying a coat… a stunning laser cut pink (botanical berry to be precise), neoprene one, with an eye-catching bright interior. As soon as I seen it on the catwalk I knew that was what I wanted. I fell in love with it as soon as it came onto the catwalk. It was unlike what I had seen before – very unique but also very wearable. It will be so stunning throughout the Summer and really is such a standout piece.

It actually ended up being quite an exciting launch as the pieces went live online at 0930am – the same time as the catwalk started. There had been plenty of hints online about the collection but as far as I am aware it was not fully released. After the catwalk we then swiftly went upstairs to shop – buying straight from the runway. This time the collection will be available online, but then only in 3 of the retail stores; Grafton Street, Stephen’s Green Centre and Cornelscourt. And I am sad to say that for the second time I have missed out on her collars!

Joanne Hynes & Dunnes Stores SS17 Collection

I would certainly advise you to check out Joanne’s own website and follow along behind the scenes on her Instagram. She is on Twitter and Facebook as well. And if you are quick then you may be able to snap something up one of her pieces on the Dunnes Stores website.

Were there any pieces that caught your eye from the SS17 #JHxDS Collection?

If you would like to check out other Joanne Hynes with Dunnes Store Collections you can see more on the below:

I’ll leave you with the very creative lookbook for the collection;

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