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14th Aug 2019

These Irish designs would be fab for winter bridesmaids

Leslie Ann Horgan

Looking for something a little different for your wedding? Of course you are.

After a summer of floaty halter-necks, Grecian drapes and fluttering sleeves, with autumn and winter weddings demand bridesmaids dresses with more structure to them. Which is where Irish designer Niamh O’Neill comes in.

Niamh, who launched her eponymous line after working with Diane Von Furstenberg in New York, and John Galliano and Martin Grant in Paris, has just released her AW19 fashion collection. Among the pieces, we spied two little gems that could bring something different to your maid of honour or entire bride squad.

First up is the ‘Blair’ dress, priced €420, which comes in on-trend matte blue sequins, which were inspired by the natural iridescence found in butterfly wings. The sleeves and hemline are elegant for formal occasions, and will help keep out the cold for New Year’s nuptials. The navy band gives the dress a gorgeous waistline, complete with a classic side bow.

Add an embellished hairband or beaded crown, and we think the look would be the right side of Blair Waldorf.

If you’re on the hunt for something more alternative, look to the Dalia. A trapeze dress might not be your first thought for formal occasions, but this navy crepe number, priced €395, looks super comfortable for a long day – not to mention a night on the dance floor.

The pink ostrich feather trim is a divine design touch that will really pop in your photographs. Style it with a simple up-do and some statement heels and your bridesmaids will look will be effortlessly elegant, even after they’ve changed into trainers to give that Spice Girls medley the moves it deserves.

Of course, it’s not just bridesmaids who can do colour. We reckon that any bride looking for something truly different could rock either of these dresses herself. And the bride wore navy? Why not!

Niamh O’Neill is stocked in Arnotts, selected boutiques and online.