Don O’Neill on the influences that have lead to the creation of Theia couture

WITH the recent focus on designers such as JW Anderson, Simone Rocha, Natalie B Coleman and Danielle Romeril, one could be forgiven for assuming that their success is somehow unprecedented in the history of Irish design.

Clearly, the likes of Lainey Keogh, John Rocha, Orla Kiely, Paul Costelloe and Louise Kennedy would suggest otherwise. And, of course, Don O’Neill.

“Oh, I love Simone Rocha’s work!” Don tells me when I phone him at his New York studio for our interview. “She’s well on her way to becoming an international superstar.” He feels very proud of the talent that is emerging from Ireland, and in March returned to attend Kerry Fashion Week to offer advice to the young designers taking part. “I was seriously impressed by the kids who participated at Kerry Fashion Week, but with all that talent, it’s really important that they get the support they need. There is potential for the fashion industry in Ireland to thrive from a manufacturing point of view if someone put their shoulder to the wheel and supported these young designers and gave them the tools they need.”