Irish fashion focus: ‘I want to make something fun and see how people react’ — designer Oran O’Reilly
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Loading... - Greta Keller
- 01 Feb 2023
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Oran O’Reilly is a 20-year-old fashion student whose designs are adored by the drag community. His adaptable one-size knit dress is a bestseller, while his corsets pay homage to the icons that inspire him
‘My mom is my biggest inspiration. I know, it sounds corny,” says Oran O’Reilly with a laugh. “She was always into fashion. I use to draw dresses for her when I was younger.”
O’Reilly’s mother has now turned from muse to model, regularly sporting his designs. A notable shoot features O’Reilly’s denim corset which is printed with Kate Bush’s image, see below.
“My mom is a Kate Bush girl; my dad loves her too. Wuthering Heights was always on from a young age. The album cover is so ethereal; I love her whimsical vibe.” O’Reilly’s hand-embellished corset captures the weird and wonderful essence of the singer.
O’Reilly is inspired by the evolution of film, and studies costume design in IADT. “Growing up, old Hollywood movies were my favourite. I love the costume designer Edith Head, she’s still my favourite person in the design space.”
The designer’s love of film evolved to embrace the 1960s/70s era, and with it came an infatuation with colour, which led to his bestseller, the knit dress, now available at Om Diva, and pictured below.
“I use the biggest needles and thickest yarns I can get my hands on. It’s all hand knitted.” O’Reilly says this technique allows the one-size dress to fit up to a size 22. “It sculpts to the wearer.” Read More…
