I was so excited to attend the VIP Style Awards this year and can’t believe it’s my 4th time going! I unfortunately missed it last year as I had just moved to the US and had been to Coachella the weekend before so was in deep recovery mode.
When thinking about what to wear it was actually quite daunting as the style at the VIP awards would rival the Oscars red carpet any day so I knew it had to be different and like nothing I had worn previously before.
I picked an amazing dress from Theia Couture in New York by Irish Designer Don O’Neill. Not only was it very fitting with my New York connection but Don had won Best Designer At the awards last year! (And it helps that his pieces are incredible!!)
My dress was a sheer number with blue detailing of geishas and lotus flowers. It was completely see through only for the clever placing of pattern to keep my dignity in tact. After a bit of initial nervousness, I have never felt so good wearing a piece of clothing in my life. Not only was it completely weightless so I could move freely throughout the night, but I don’t think il ever wear anything I love so much ever again. Ok maybe my wedding dress but it has some living up to do. It fitted my like a glove and I felt actually fabulous. I wish I could wear it everyday!
Now for the the wardrobe hacks for that dignity of mine, I took some assurances by wearing nude seamless underwear I picked up in Victoria Secret and gel nipple covers from The Zipyard in South Anne street, Dublin. The girls in there are fantastic for any of your fashion needs! And I was in need! I paired with nude barely there strappies I picked up in the trusty Primark.
For hair and makeup I had been judging the Best Dressed Lady at Punchestown previously that day and had ZERO time so I literally got changed in my car around the back of The Marker Hotel before walking the red carpet! It was not an easy task given my dress was Couture and I was terrified it would rip. But at this stage I’m a professional dresser for these type of scenarios! Lol!
Kate Hennerby did my make up for both the races and the awards and I mean it DID NOT BUDGE. It worked out well as Kate is based in Naas and is my favourite makeup artist. She’s so so talented and I always feel like a queen when she gets my hands on me. Hair was done in the Brown Thomas Beauty lounge by Aveda Hair. I had a pretty early call time for judging the races in Punchestown so I needed somewhere that I trusted and opened early. The Brown Thomas lounge opens at 7 so it was the perfect option for me. I opted for a soft curl that would bring through the two different looks. My nails and tan were done by my good friend Michele Burke.
To sum it up: Favorite Look Ever! Thank you Don and Theia Couture for having me wear your exquisite gown ?
Aoife x
