Meet the Irish designer all our favourite it girls are wearing
Oran O’Reilly’s designs have been worn by CMAT, Chappell Roan and Nell Mescal (to name but a few), and at just 22 years old, this designer’s star is shining extremely bright.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Oran O’Reilly. Now in his final year of his studies at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, he’s already got quite the portfolio under his belt, with names including Chappell Roan, CMAT, Nell Mescal, Kate Nash, and The Last Dinner Party wearing Oran Aurelio on stages and magazine pages across the globe.
Oran’s pieces have a tongue-in-cheek quality that makes them instantly recognisable and memorable and it’s no surprise that he’s caught the attention of these big names in the pop game. Drawing inspiration from old Hollywood silhouettes and giving them a contemporary refresh with winks to pop culture and statement-making detailing, the future is blindingly bright for this 22-year-old.
We caught up with the man of the moment to chat about his experience of working with some of the best in the business, social media as a catapult to reaching new heights and his own personal style, which differs quite drastically from the clothes he designs.
Did you always know you wanted to be a designer? What was your journey to getting where you are now?
The honest answer is actually no! I feel like fashion was always on my periphery, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it could be something I could pursue. I knew I wanted something in the arts, but I thought it was playwriting, then set design, and then I stumbled onto costume design, and I was hooked!
How did your time at the Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology shape you as a designer?
I’m currently in my fourth and final year, and I feel like IADT has helped to shape the theatricality of my designs. The kind of costume design I gravitate towards is extravagant and often gauche. My biggest inspiration is old Hollywood costuming and the over-the-topness of it! The idea of going to the supermarket in a fox stole.
Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration for me comes from everywhere and everything. I am a type one diabetic and I really gravitate towards medical imagery. Old Hollywood and ‘60s and ‘70s Broadway costuming also really inform the fabrics and silhouettes I use. Also, high couture—especially ‘90s fashion—is something that for sure influences everything I do!
How would you describe the DNA of your brand, the essence of your designs?
I always want everything I do to be fun! I love being iconoclastic and tongue-in-cheek with my designs and try to make a statement about the world around us through fashion. I love to take pop culture imagery and spin it into a chic outfit. I have certain silhouettes (mostly inspired by ‘60s fashion) that I feel are flattering for all body types, and try to be as inclusive and sustainable as possible, while still having fun!
Tell me about the chain reaction of working with drag stars, CMAT, The Last Dinner Party, and Chappell Roan.
Everything has been truly bonkers, I did not expect anyone to like what I do, let alone some of my favourite artists in the world. Social media has been the craziest catalyst for all of this and I still pinch myself when I think of the opportunities I have had.
What was the experience of working with these huge names like?
It is such a strange and wonderful thing, that I try not to think about it. If I sit and think about the reality of who I am making stuff for, I start to second guess. I try to treat every job the same and hope that whoever is wearing it feels good. I try not to look at social media comments once a job is released, which helps too!
Who else would you like to see wear your pieces?
The first person who comes to mind is Ethel Cain. She is my favourite artist of all time, and I couldn’t even fathom the idea of seeing her in Oran Aurelio. I am a big Lady Gaga fan and I feel like her ideas of fashion really represent what I would love to do going forward!
What are your goals for your brand?
My ultimate goal is to keep doing what I have had the privilege to do so far but on a bigger scale! The ultimate dream would be to have a spot during some fashion week shows. There are also some really special and specific goals I have that I would love to achieve someday; designing the Irish Olympic uniforms is one for example!
How would you describe your own personal style?
My personal style in some ways couldn’t be farther from what I do. I aspire to have a masculinised version of people like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Princess Diana’s street style. I love a blazer!
The vintage shop(s) to know
My go-to for anything is Lucy’s Lounge in Temple Bar. It is truly a treasure trove of clothing and has something for every outfit! The atmosphere is stunning and prices are unbeatable.
Who to follow online for style inspiration
For styling — @notzeda on Instagram is the perfect dopamine dresser. To be honest, I get most of my inspo from pictures on the account @bygonebroadway on Instagram. Everything they post is breathtaking!
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