How I dress the part: Sinead Keenan, fashion stylist & creative director

To celebrate the launch of the Christian Louboutin accessories pop-up in Brown Thomas, we asked fashion stylist Sinead Keenan to talk all things fashion and style her favourite piece from the new collection.

Having worked in the fashion industry for over 30 years – both for renowned Irish and international designers – it’s no surprise that Sinead Keenan is one of Ireland’s coolest dressers.

Starting out in Brown Thomas, first as their head of womenswear visual merchandising and then as their in-house stylist, she’s since gone on to produce and style fashion shows for Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Louise Kennedy, Guess, Harvey Nichols and Max Mara to name a few. Now, as a professional freelance stylist and creative director and IMAGE Media’s Contributing Fashion Editor, her editorial work is well-known and wide-reaching.

One stylist, two personas

As a stylist, first impressions are everything and Sinead says she has two stylish personas – one for set life, where she’s styling on the job, and one for event life, where she’s hosting and presenting. “Styling is quite a physical job, so I need movement – clothes that I can be relaxed and comfortable in. I tend to go for very pared-back pieces like good denim, oversized shirts and knitwear paired with trainers or chunky boots.”

Her second persona is more dressed up and very much influenced by her mum. “For events, I like a grown-up, sophisticated, cohesive look. My mother was seriously glam in the 80s so she really influenced me and my sister in terms of appearances and how important first impressions are.

“Growing up, her wardrobe was like a treasure trove to us. She used to get up early before the school run and do the full hair and make-up – I used to think she looked like Diana Prince from Wonder Woman. She was self-taught and had a real flair.” Sinead’s sister Dervla Keenan is a make-up artist with Brown Sugar, so it’s safe to say they both inherited their sense of style from their mum.

Sinead says her mum also taught her the power of dressing. “When you dress up, it’s not only about self-confidence, but it’s the confidence that you instil in other people to have in you, that you can carry yourself and deliver what you need to do.”

Owning her style

When asked to describe her aesthetic, Sinead says that, like fashion, it has evolved over the years, but as she has gotten older, she feels a lot more comfortable and confident in herself now.

“I really know my style – I like tonal things but am not huge on prints. Of course, my mood and where I’m going will influence it, but I know what suits me. I don’t focus too much on trends that come and go but rather invest in timeless pieces that have longevity.”

“When I see something I like, I like to think about what it’s going to work with, so I have a cohesive wardrobe that is interchangeable. I love a good crisp white shirt, lots of knitwear pieces, and a dress for occasions like any girl.

“I also have a curvy shape, so I’m very aware of the difference between what I would love to wear and what suits me. As a commercial and editorial stylist, my role is my outlet for what I wish I could wear. I dress models in my dream looks, which often my shape wouldn’t necessarily suit.” When it comes to styling herself, Sinead says she works those pieces back into looks that suit her curvier shape.

Wardrobe highlights

Who wouldn’t want to peek into a fashion stylist’s wardrobe? Sinead’s favourite pieces are a red, full-length John Galliano skirt with buttons down the side, a gorgeous pair of silver Marc Jacobs pumps with 3D flowers, an olive green herringbone Landskein coat (pictured above), and, of course, her satin pink Louboutin kitten heels that she specially selected for her wedding day.

In fact, Sinead recently dug out her wedding shoes to re-wear for a memorable occasion. “They are these beautiful slingback pink satin Louboutin shoes, with a kitten heel. They were in my wedding box for 17 years until I wore them to my daughter Emma Rose’s confirmation. Shame on me for putting them away and never wearing them until now because they’re just so special!”

These Louboutins are among a few heirloom pieces that Sinead is saving for her 13-year-old daughter to wear when she grows up – both a sustainable idea and a lovely sentiment. “If you can pass on any piece in your wardrobe, it gets a second life,” Sinead said.

This longevity of the Louboutin brand carries on into their newest collection, which Sinead adores. “Looking at it as a capsule, I love that it’s a real lifestyle collection. You have your evening wear, the little Mary Janes, which can be ‘informal formal’, and then the red and black chunky boots for your day-to-day.

“And obviously, the iconic red collar and lead for your doggo. I tried it on my pupper Bonnie – it’s the ultimate bling for your doggo.”

Sinéad wears the Marchacroche boots in calf leather, €995, By My Side mini tote in tan calf leather, €1,150, available from Brown Thomas. Bonnie (pup) wears the calf leather collar with spikes, €320, and studded leash, €420, available from eu.christianlouboutin.com.

Pick up the brand new issue of IMAGE Winter, on shelves now, to see the full shoot where we asked three seriously stylish Irish women, killing it across worlds of fashion, interior design and business, to share how they dress for success. The new Christian Louboutin accessories and kids collection pop-up is now open in Brown Thomas Dublin. Book an appointment to explore and shop the new collection with the help of an expert shopper.

Photography: Anthony Woods. Shot on location with thanks to the team at Balfes, Dublin.