Allicano – no longer a secret

Shsh! I am going to tell you a secret. Why? Because I am a sharing kind of person. Maybe some of you already know about this little gem, this wonderful little boutique called Allicano. It’s a little off the beaten track in Johnson Place at the top of South William Street near the Stephen’s Green Centre. But for those of you who do not, well you are in for a treat.

During my research, I discovered that Allicano was named as the top boutique by ‘Lovin Dublin’ in 2016 under the heading ‘9 Great Places to Buy a Nice Frock in Dublin‘. You can read about it here and check out the others also.

You might be tempted to enter because of the beautiful window display.

You will not be disappointed, because inside you will find an eclectic collection of dresses and skirts and tops, designed and manufactured in Ireland. If you are looking for an outfit for an occasion then there is plenty to attract your attention here. The colours are bright and the fabrics luxurious.

Most of these are made from silk and flatteringly caress the female form in all its varying shapes and sizes. And here is the real good news; Una O’Reilly offers a bespoke service. She can make or alter a design to suit your own individual needs.

Having completed a degree in Fashion Design in NCAD, Una set up her own business on graduating.
Her collection had sold to a store on Madison Avenue, NY, and they re-ordered so it was all systems go from the start.

Her career trajectory was rapid and no doubt exciting but also exhausting. At one time, she had a showroom in New York representing her collection and was selling all over America. During the early 1990s, she had two shops in London and exhibited at London and Paris Fashion Weeks for many seasons and was exporting worldwide. Then the recession hit.
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The Dublin shop has survived the downturn and is still catering to the needs of the discerning shopper who wants something a little different, but also clothes that are made with love and care. Designer clothes but not at designer prices. There is no one age demographic that shops here. And that is why it is unique. You could find something to suit you in here whether you are nineteen or ninety. Una has built up a clientele who come to her when looking for something special for a wedding or event. And I saw a bride and her bridesmaids perusing the collection when I last popped in.

And if you are not looking for occasion wear and want something a little more casual but still different, then Una also has the answer. The shop also stocks some French labels at very affordable prices. There is always something a little unusual about the items that she sources. You won’t find anything quite like them on the high street, but then that is why you will return again and again. New stock is always being added, so it is important to keep dropping in. I was passing by in January and saw the dress I am wearing below, in the window. It is so easy to wear, florals are in and it has had numerous outings.

Una sources some of the most stunning pieces of jewellery I have seen anywhere and these are also at very reasonable prices!

So as I said, this is a secret. Don’t tell everyone.