Overflowing with joy and optimism

The new Lennon Courtney Bealtaine collection has just launched at Kilkenny Design and I popped in during the week to check it out in person.

It did not disappoint as wardrobe essentials mix with stand out statement pieces and all in beautiful, quality fabrics. The Bealtaine collection is overflowing with joy and optimism and like Bealtaine itself, we see the shedding of the winter months and a move towards the sun. It’s a time for dancing and fiery, feasting celebrations and this is all clear to see with the beautiful colours and prints on display.

The colours nod to summer evenings and a newly warm sea while the print explodes in abundant bloom. The Freedom palazzo trousers and swing shirt are so vibrant and make the perfect summer co-ord. I would definitely wear them together for a cool wedding guest or day two outfit and they can be easily paired with different pieces afterwards.

The trousers would also work well with the orange sweater which is so incredibly soft. One of the main things I noticed with the collection is the quality of the fabrics and how lovely they feel on the skin. Summer knit wear pieces manage to be light and soft and the perfect cover up for the evenings spent relaxing in the garden. One of the pieces that can always be found in the Lennon Courtney collections is the full moon fit and flare dress.

This season it’s orange and features a beautiful fabric tie belt and the shape and weight of the fabric means this will be a forever piece in the wardrobe. There’s also glamourous kaftans and drapey dresses that ensure you’ll be swanning around any summer event in style. I also spoke to designer Megan Burns who is head of own brand at Kilkenny Design and what I found fascinating is the way that they have worked on their printed pieces this season.

Megan said: “When designing and developing printed styles, usually it’s a placement print which means all garments have the exact same print placement. Unfortunately, this leads to lots of waste. However for this collection we explored using up all of the fabric.

“This has resulted in a beautiful result as all printed pieces have a completely different part of the print. Not only does this mean every piece is unique, its also much more sustainable.” This season the accessories are particularly good and one of my favourite pieces is the Fierce Sharp tote in turquoise. You could have the most basic outfit but with this on your arm the whole looks instantly elevated. If you want to go for something a little bit more low key but still fabulous of course then the canvas crossbody bag in the vibrant Bealtaine print is the one for you.

There’s also a silky square scarf that is so versatile and can be styled as a top or as a beach cover up if you feel so inclined just add statement sunnies for the perfect poolside vibe.

Now you can also get the Lennon Courtney look at home with their homewares. Cushions and throws are an easy way to add a bit of colour to your interior and you can go full on with brightly printed pieces or just add a hint of colour with the stone and orange Revel cushion and throw. Special mention to the Anime Resin pieces which look so luxury and would take entertaining at home to the next level.

I’m off to make cocktails in my kaftan!