DUBLIN-BORN designer Zoë Jordan’s new collection is inspired by Amelia Earhart, who said: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers”.

IT WAS a soft atmosphere at the cobbles this weekend — in weather thankfully; not fashion. As the rain threatened, the catwalks unleashed their own perfect storm of style for spring/summer 12.

THE IRISH fashion industry has suffered in the last three years: the demise of local manufacturing has made it increasingly difficult for small, independent designers to get collections made, consumers’ disposable income has been dramatically diminished and retailers are hesitant to experiment with new labels.