DEIRDRE MCQUILLANtalks to Niamh O'Rourkestylist, fashion show producer
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'RE WEARING: This silk jersey dress is by Diane Von Furstenberg. I got it about six or seven years ago and it was the first expensive item I ever bought. I've worn it so many times over the years and I love the fabric.
AND THE ACCESSORIES? The boots are from Paul Smith and the bag is from Potrero Hill – it's a great work bag. I'm not a bag person – I like the one bag and use it all the time. I don't wear much jewellery. I have a few pieces from Rhinestones that James, my husband, bought as presents.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN ALWAYS INTERESTED IN FASHION? I've always been more interested in fashion imagery than clothes. I would have been collecting tear sheets from magazines even at school – magazine ideas being more accessible than clothes. I did textile design in NCAD and was always interested in print, colour and design.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER? I have followed John Galliano since I was in secondary school and I admire the whole theatrical side of his work. He doesn't have one look, his identity is a taste of everything. He is the epitome of fashion fantasy. I also love Dries Van Noten, maybe because of my textile background, and Peter O'Brien.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXPENSIVE PURCHASE? My Galliano wedding dress. It was reduced from €5,000 to €750 and I bought it two days after I got engaged. It was fine cotton tulle in ivory, a 1930s-style sheath with embroidery. I thought about dyeing it green, but there hasn't been the occasion to wear it. I even bought the dye.
ARE YOU A SHOPPER? Not really. I am in and out of shops for my work, but I would never go out specifically to buy something. I like to be an anonymous, private shopper. I try something on about 10 times before I buy, especially if it is a little bit expensive. I don't buy a huge amount, but I don't mind paying for one really nice thing, though I think about it beforehand.
YOUR KEY BUY THIS SEASON? I have my eye on a navy wool coat with a satin lining and an amazing floral print, in Costume. My buying time is between September and November and I always like to buy a coat and boots.
WHAT ABOUT SHOES? I am totally a flats girl. I might wear high heels going out to a restaurant but I would never wear them during the day because I would feel so uncomfortable. They look great in a shoot, but in reality if you can't wear them with 100 per cent confidence, don't do it. I have a few pairs of flat Prada boots and a good few ballet pumps by Bloch from Fitzpatricks.
DO YOU WEAR COLOUR? I love bright colour and am not afraid of it. I have lots of prints from Dries Van Noten, and would be very fussy about prints.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PET HATES? I absolutely hate fake tan, particularly when it is applied badly.
WHAT ABOUT GROOMING? I tend to go for one style and keep it for a long time. I always wear my hair up because I hate the feel of it down. The whole dishevelled look is not me.
WHAT IS YOUR DAY-TO-DAY OUTFIT? Black skinny jeans with flat shoes and an oversize top. I buy jeans from Urban Outfitters, BT2 or Topshop. I have only one or two dresses that I would wear in the evening and then only with flat shoes. I like dressing down and being a bit understated.
DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE: Some days I am classic. I would say I am quite eclectic. I am never edgy. I love vintage and things that are feminine and I love streetwear the way Alexa Chung wears it. I am not a suit person and I hate the 1980s, but there is a division between what is great for work and my own personal style.
YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE? I love everything Lucinda Chambers does. She pushes boundaries and thinks about clothes in a much more fantastical way. She has imagination and vision.
