The Art of Styling Ireland, a new platform supporting emerging and established stylists in Ireland created by fashion editor and stylist Zeda the Architect, held its first event this month during Irish Design Week. The night brought together Ireland’s fashion industry trailblazers for an evening dedicated to showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of Irish stylists and designers. The Art of Styling Ireland founder Zeda the Architect sat down with a selection of stylists involved in the launch for their styling tips for the season, to hear about their favourite designers and tap into their sartorial secrets.
Top tips for party dressing
Volume. Big sleeves, big skirts, big shapes – make a statement while feeling comfortable all night. – Jennie McGinn
Borrow, re-wear, rent and repurpose before purchasing something new. It’s really easy to get caught up in the buzz of the season but remember creativity trumps consumption! – Anne O’Shea
Go bold or go home! A party is your stage, so treat it like one. This is your chance to play with textures—think sequins, velvet, metallics, or feathers—anything that says, “I came to have fun.” That said, balance is key. If you’re going for a high-energy dress or statement piece, anchor it with something sleek like tailored boots or a structured blazer. The goal is to look effortlessly cool! – Zeda
Shopping wishlists
The Kindred of Ireland Orla Dress is traffic-stopping! And a Chupi North Star Claddagh Ring. – Jennie McGinn
One item on my shopping list is a director’s chair (random, I know) but being on set paired with getting old and having a bad back, I’m slowly starting to realise the director’s chair is not just a flex to look cool on set but absolutely functional! Fashion-wise, it’s an Alexander McQueen coat! – Lawson Mpame
Fashion do’s and don’ts
Do invest in things that bring you joy – feel good, look good. Don’t buy sequins just for a party; find pre-loved; sequins are a disaster for the environment. – Jennie McGinn
Do invest in quality basics that can be mixed and matched. A well-curated wardrobe of timeless pieces like crisp white shirts, well-fitting trousers, and versatile knitwear will serve you well for years to come and form the foundation of a stylish and adaptable wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your style and step outside your comfort zone. Fashion is a form of self-expression, so have fun with it, try new things, and don’t be afraid to express your personality through your clothes. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most striking looks! – Kwanele Nomoyi
If it’s not dramatic or inappropriate for the setting, I’m not wearing it. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. – Anne O’Shea
Do shop preloved, it‘s like treasure hunting—you’re searching for unique, timeless pieces that everyone else missed. My biggest tip? Look beyond trends. Preloved shopping is where you find pieces with character—things that stand out because of their craftsmanship or story. Always check the quality: intact seams, smooth zippers, and materials that will stand the test of time. Oh, and haggle kindly; it’s part of the charm! – Zeda
Styling secrets
Pay attention to the details. It’s often the small things that make a big difference. A well-chosen accessory, like a statement watch or a unique piece of jewellery, a perfectly tailored fit that flatters your body shape or a distinctive detail like a contrasting collar or interesting buttons can elevate your entire look and make you stand out from the crowd. These subtle touches show that you’ve put thought and effort into your style. – Kwanele Nomoyi
Shoes shouldn’t match your bag; they both just need to match your outfit. – Anne O’Shea
My style secret is to dress for yourself and when you look in the mirror, if you are like ‘damn, I look good’ then that outfit is the one! You will exude this confidence and even if people try to make fun of what you’re wearing you will realise it’s definitely coming from a place of jealousy because you do in fact look great! So dress for yourself. – Lawson Mpame
If it doesn’t spark joy and confidence, it’s not coming home with me. Clothes are your armour for the world, so why settle for something that doesn’t make you feel unstoppable? My closet isn’t about numbers; it’s about pieces that have stories and personality. Whether it’s a thrifted jacket or a splurge-worthy pair of boots, it has to feel like me. – Zeda
One item that defines a look
A statement jacket. Whether it’s a classic leather biker jacket for an edgy vibe, a perfectly tailored blazer for a touch of sophistication or a bold printed bomber jacket to inject some personality, a statement jacket can instantly transform your outfit and give it a focal point. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and adds a layer of confidence and style. – Kwanele Nomoyi
I think one item that defines a look for me is the shoe. I often create my looks from the shoe up. I rarely start from the top, to be honest. Get your shoes right and the rest will fall into place quite easily! – Lawson Mpame
Photography by Katie Bowe. Follow @theartofstyling.ie on Instagram to find out about upcoming events.
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