When Knives Out hit home screens a few years back, Chris Evans’s white Aran sweater created a Yuletide ripple in men’s fashion. Three years later the Irish wool jumpers had a starring role in Martin McDonagh’s quirky west-of-Ireland hit The Banshees of Inisherin. It’s not the first time a well-known Irish face has inspired a trend or showcased a product, so if you’re in a quandary about what to get the men in your life this Christmas, read on.
Colin Farrell
Jumpers worn by Pádraic Súilleabháin – or Colin Farrell – in The Banshees of Inisherin deserve their mention in the movie credits because they’re an integral part of his character and the film’s nostalgic and aesthetic fabric. Each piece is hand-knit with unique patterns, reflecting Padraic’s spiritual connection to his island home along with his purity and generosity. Costume designer for Banshees, Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, has collaborated with The Tweed Project to produce The Colin – using the same intricate design as one garment in the movie in four different shades – available for €790. The Blarney Mills in Bunratty and Cork offer other similar designs from €100.
Paul Mescal
Actor Paul Mescal did the seemingly impossible when he brought O’Neill’s shorts out of the dank, dark regions of gym bags in GAA changing rooms up and down the country and on to the high streets of the world. The Irish actor is regularly captured on camera rocking short shorts while he’s training, running errands and making public appearances – or, most famously, when playing the role of Connell in the 2020 television series Normal People. O’Neills now stock the Connell shorts for €22, or if you’re feeling flush, Gucci produce a similar pair, available for €550.
Pierce Brosnan
As 007, Pierce Brosnan was the custodian of the Martini, shaken – not stirred, the Aston Martin, fine tailoring and the coolest gadgets from 1995 to 2002. Yet he only shared one passion with the super sleuth James Bond – and that’s a love of fine timepieces. Cartier, Speake-Marin and Seiko form part of the actor’s personal collection but it’s the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 from Die another Day (2002) that’s his most iconic watch. Eimear Corcoran with Cork and Limerick-based Keane’s Jewellers said that the exact model is discontinued by the famous watchmakers, but the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 44mm Blue Dial Watch for a cool €9,600 – is a good match. Citizen’s Eco Blue Dial Promaster Diver 200M also offers a similar look for the less princely sum of €395.
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Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy’s performance in this year’s Oppenheimer may have sparked Hollywood Oscar chatter but it was in Peaky Blinders, where he captured and perfected the dandy meets gangster suaveness of a 1920s Birmingham crime boss, that he really made his mark. It’s a look that’s influenced a generation of male style mavens. The Cork actor carries off hard-man grit blended with street-smart tweedy elegance in three-piece suits, long black trench coats, pocket watches and, of course, the famous flat cap. McGee 1866 in Donegal captures the full Peaky look with quality three-piece suits and baker-boy caps from locally sourced wool. For something subtle, pick up a pair of Shaken & Stirred socks from the London Sock Company that captures the same timeless vibe.
Niall Horan
The man who put Mullingar on the map when he joined boy band One Direction back in 2010 has always sported a look that’s easy to replicate on a tight budget. Since One D disbanded in 2016, Horan has managed to curate his own identity. Bomber jackets, oversized- shirts, oversized coats and brown Gucci Jordaan loafers (€750) are part of the look, while he has a preference for signet rings, such as the Bleue Burnham Grandfather range. Ted Baker offer similar style shoes from €126.
U2
Putting Ireland on the map since the grey 1980s, the Irish fab four have created an iconic brand based on their music and image. Adam Clayton’s dress style is eclectic and Larry Mullen Jr leans towards James Dean, with short, trucker denim or leather jackets – but Bono’s rose-tinted sunglasses and The Edge’s black beanie set the standard. While Mr Hewson’s glasses are often customised due to an ongoing struggle with glaucoma, the Emporio Armani model 9285 is available online while Oliver Peoples offer a wide range that reflects the rock legend look. The Edge’s beanie is a little easier to source, with Dunnes Stores selling packs of two for €5.
