Massimo Dutti Opens New Flagship Store on Grafton Street

Spanish clothing marque Massimo Dutti recently opened the doors of its latest store on the capital’s highly fashionable Grafton Street.

Hurrah! Let’s throw open our arms and embrace a new opening on Grafton Street – a splendid, spacious new store that is not a phone shop. Welcome Massimo Dutti.

The new Massimo Dutti isn’t the first to hit Dublin. There’s one in Dundrum Town Centre, but this is a much greater operation – its biggest in Europe. There are three floors of menswear, womenswear, footwear and a children’s line – housed in the old HMV.

You might feel a fleeting sadness at the closure of that beloved landmark as you cross the threshold, but not for long. The shop-fit is unrecognisable. The new interiors blend wood, brass, leather and marble – it’s very classic; it’s very Massimo.

Classic, sophisticated, timeless – these words might be over used in fashion generally but they are the appropriate to describe Massimo. If you’re not getting it, picture those bourgeois Europeans – they don’t try too hard but are immaculately groomed, with a peppering of flair and a dollop of style. They know how to wear leather and loafers and were born to knot scarves. And when you’re there you’ll fully believe you can too.

This spring/summer women’s collection (photographed by none other than Mario Testino, see above) is clean and fresh. Think monochrome ensembles in stand out blues or the classic camels, creams, white and tans synonymous with the brand. The quality and cuts are excellent, in flattering soft leather, silk and linen. Unfortunately I didn’t get near the menswear but I’d bet it’s good too.

Massimo sits in that price bracket above high-street prices and below high-end designer brands. It’s a welcome addition to Grafton Street shopping and with more store openings imminent in the area, it might mean things are looking up for retail.