I love discovering new brands. I also really like falling head over heels for a brand for a second time.
Let me introduce you to IRO, which was originally launched in 2004 by two Parisian brothers. They are the brand that made me fall in love with them all over again while in Paris this past weekend.
Pre-Paris my IRO collection was limited to a couple of fantastically cut and well made t-shirts. They are the type of t-shirts you could either laze around in on Sunday or throw on with a pair of jeans and heels, or in my case a pair of Golden Goose sneakers, for a night out.
This French brand had me at their window display. A few mannequins dressed in black, grey and this season's burgundy/red. There was no question whether we'd be going in or not. The store layout was fantastic - clean, but well stocked. The collection varied from sequined pants, silk shirts, to perfectly ripped jeans and over-sized
t-shirts.
Needless to say, it did not take long for there to be things hanging in the change room. I tried on a mixture of things, from baseball style sweatshirts, to t-shirts, a dark jean button down shirt with a perfectly placed piece of leather down the front and finally a black sequinced jacket. It's one of those jackets that even looks lovely on a hanger. It was the piece de resistance. I had also spotted this great plaid shirt, but resisted. Well, until the next day at least! It I also tried on their jeans. I didn't end up buying a pair, but must admit that they are lovely and soft. The type of jeans that don't require squats when you initially put them on!
Perhaps the only negative about IRO is the sizing! They doesn't seem to be a ton of consistency, as the items I have purchased have ranged from 0 to 2 (their line ranges from 0 to 3).
The women who helped me were honest about what they felt did and did not look good. This is something that I was always appreciate.
I did walk out with a white IRO bag in hand and few fantastic purchases. And they have passed the test, as everything has already been worn!
