Orlaith McBride, theatre producer and Arts Council member
Describe what you're wearing:The cardigan is from Adolfo Dominguez, bought in Madrid – he does great cardigans – and the black taffeta dress is by Sportmax, from New York. Everything I wear has to go from day to evening, because I work in the theatre and I am on the Arts Council. In the morning, I have to think what I have on that evening, such as a launch or an opening night, so my day has to go seamlessly into evening. The black opaques are Wolford – the best – and the black suede shoes from Bloomingdale's.
You obviously shop a lot in New York:I go there once a year and do a big shop, usually at the end or beginning of the season. I love Bloomingdale's, and I adore the big DKNY shop on Madison. I also really love the boutiques in Soho, and I stay in an apartment in Greenwich Village.
Favourite brands?I love Max Mara, Sportmax and MAC Studio. At home I really like Brown Thomas for Transit, Whistles and Theory, and I was disappointed when Joseph left. Reiss does great structured dresses, and I've always bought staples from Jigsaw. I'd never pass Zara, because I like Spanish designers. I adore Cop-Copine in Paris for classic yet funky design, IKKS in Galeries Lafayette, and Comme des Garçons for cardigans.
Accessories?Other than a Marc Jacobs watch, and some earrings, I don't wear jewellery. I buy most of my bags from Marc Jacobs. I'm not a fussy dresser.
How do you describe your style?Classic in shape, and quirky and funky in design. I don't really wear trousers. I prefer dresses, because they are easier. I particularly like Transit skirts.
Were you always interested in fashion?Always, and now that I am in theatre production, I love talking to the costume designers. My mother Anne is a home economics teacher and she would make clothes for us – but oh God, I couldn't even sew a hem.
What is the most you've ever spent?I spent $600 on a Marc Jacobs bag last winter. When I go to New York, I plan what I need and I am very focused. I can't be bothered with places like Century 21, I just don't have the patience.
Anything you wouldn't wear?Florals, floral prints and anything flouncy. I am not that trend-driven. And I'm not really a suit person – I'd wear a tailored jacket, but not a suit.
Any advice on dress?Really know your shape and always dress to accentuate your good points. Don't be afraid to play with style and form.
Do you wear a lot of black?Yes, for the same reason that I go from day to evening. I admire women who can wear colour – but I wouldn't want to stand out in that way. I love navy, which is an under-rated colour, but I don't like grey, because it washes me out too much.
Do you hang on to clothes?I keep things for two years, and then give them to a charity shop. If you haven't worn something for two years, get rid of it. I don't have a huge wardrobe, and I make fewer mistakes as I get older.
Grooming?I have been going to Martin in Public Image in Donegal, who really knows how to cut curly hair, for the past 14 years. I'd never leave the house without make-up on – it's currently mostly Bobbi Brown make-up and Dermalogica skincare I use.
What do your clothes say about you?Probably that I am confident but understated – and that I work in the arts.
PORTRAIT MATT KAVANAGH
