This week, designer Mia O’Connell talks to us about what she’s wearing

A Mia O’Connell silk, crepe, wrap dress with a Mia O’Connell, half-silk velvet and half-silk chiffon scarf, with one of my a/w 10 pompom headpieces and a black, Zara leather jacket.

How much did it cost?

The dress is €395, available in red, plum, and black and navy. The scarf is €165. It is a great piece, when the velvet is wrapped around your neck — the chiffon sits beautifully over your shoulders. All the pieces are available in The Design Centre, Powerscourt; Havana, Donnybrook, and Elaine Curtis, Carlow.

What do you love most about it?

The combination of colours. When I design a new collection, the colours and style slowly filter into my own wardrobe. Since designing this collection, I have fallen in love with the colour red; no other hue makes a women feel as good or as vibrant.

Who is your fashion icon?

Coco Chanel, for her style and her expression in fashion.

Which designers do you admire?

I admire a lot of Japanese designers, such as Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto and Junya Watanabe. During Paris fashion week, I will always look out for Givenchy.

What is the last thing you bought?

A beautiful pair of burgundy, high-heeled, Dr Martin lace-up boots.

What was your biggest splurge?

In a recent sample sale, I was able to buy my first designer piece, a red chiffon dress by John Rocha.

What is your best bargain buy?

When I was a teenager, I was a huge fan of vintage clothing. I bought a small, black-leather satchel bag for €5 in a Dublin vintage shop. Two locks on it were broken and when I brought it to the locksmith, I found £300 inside.

Where do you like to shop?

I would mostly shop in Zara. If money was no object, I would shop in Dover Street Market, in London.

What has been your biggest fashion faux pas?

I wore my black biker boots with my jeans and t-shirt combo with a vintage jacket I had bought. It was very ‘80s in style; it had big shoulders and lots of studs. Combined with big hair, it made quite the outfit.