Chocolat, on Hibernia Street, is the exclusive Northern Ireland stockist for a new range of luxury beach and resort wear, Papillon Bleu.

The collection can be found in only around 100 upmarket boutiques across the world, from St Barts to St Tropez, with Co Down now added to that exclusive list.

The range of high-end beach cover-ups, kaftans and wraps comes in pure silk, chiffon, silk and soft cottons.

Understated elegance is what this collection, which has won celebrity fans such as Denise van Outen and Jodie Kidd, is all about.

Translated, the name Papillon Blue means 'blue butterfly', and the prints and patterns are as beautiful and shimmery as a butterfly's wings.

Ideal for holidays, they pack easily and can be worn on the beach or out for dinner.

Inspired by sunsets and vintage styling, the clothes come embellished with shells and wooden beads, corals, sequins and semi-precious stones.

And while we may have our fair share of grey days here in the province, there's a touch of the Caribbean at Chocolat.

That's because Papillon Blue designer Vanessa Barker spent time growing up in Anguilla and found inspiration in the far-flung island for her collection.

“Exquisite embroidery brings a homespun and beautifully boho feel to this natural, easy-on-the-eye collection, with well-cut silhouettes and designs that flatter and flow with every figure,” says Vanessa.

“Freedom and simplicity are qualities often lost in this new world of mass consumerism and production.

“Creating something really special and unique that women can genuinely get excited about and that makes them feel great is really satisfying.

“Papillon Bleu is less about dressing to impress and more about an effortless, natural style created from luxurious fabrics."

The label is a real labour of love for founder Vanessa, who, after giving birth to children Tilly and Maximilian, enrolled in a part-time course, learning to sew and dress make.

“I took an NVQ in Fashion and threw myself into making clothes for children. I would source silks, fabrics and embellishments and fell in love with the tactile process of making clothes.”

You can check out the collection online at www.papillonbleu.com or call into Chocolat, Hibernia Street, Holywood.