ieStyle Live: Standing ovation as Annmarie O’Connor speaks about when 'life falls apart'
'Weekend' fashion editor Annemarie O'Connor speaking to the audience at ieStyle Live at Cork City Hall, presented by The Irish Examiner in association with Clarins. Picture: Larry Cummins
“All rubble looks the same,” was the key message of Annmarie O’Connor’s empathetic speech during a flagship Irish Examiner event on Thursday evening.
Speaking to a sold-out ieStyle Live event at Cork City Hall, Ms O’Connor reflected on her diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease when she was in her 40s, or, as she described it, “the moment my life fell apart”.
The Irish Examiner Weekend Fashion Editor had attendees reaching for the tissues during an emotive but inspiring Women of Impact speech.
Ms O’Connor shared one of the main takeaways of her life-changing news: How to cope and connect through difficult times, whether that’s a devastating diagnosis or the loss of a dear friend.
“When something falls apart, whether it’s your health, relationship or career, all rubble looks the same," she said.
She described how “a twitch was the moment that changed everything” and said post-diagnosis she felt she had to grieve the loss of the life she thought she would have.
“I felt ashamed. The fashion editor-turned-spinster with a willful brain disorder was not on my vision board,” she said.
“It’s not like my old life was Anna Wintour’s, but it was mine. I created it. And it was falling apart in front of me.”
Ms O’Connor said her “coming out of the medical closet” story, which was first published in magazine, saw her life change again.
“Parkinson’s might be the plot twist, but I was the author. What I didn’t anticipate was the impact my words would have.”
She added: “I went from accidental advocate to advocate by choice.”
Her candid speech received a standing ovation from the hundreds of people in attendance and Ms O’Connor, whose memoir was published last month, concluded with a note on rebuilding a life.
“When something in your life falls apart, it doesn’t owe you an explanation. The moment, however fleeting, has passed. It’s your willingness to meet yourself where you are that counts. To pause and catch your breath before starting to rebuild your world from the rubble.”
ieStyle Live, in association with Clarins along with partners Lidl, Audi Cork, and Malfy, was hosted by comedian and actor Deirdre O’Kane, who had the crowd laughing with her trademark cutting humour.
Cork Simon Community was represented by chair Christine Moloney, who spoke about the incredible work happening at the charity and how “compassion and kindness change lives”.
Guests at the event enjoyed a drinks reception followed by a three-course dinner, during which a fashion show curated by stylist Corina Gaffey highlighted some of the latest offerings in Irish stores.
Cork singer Precious Abimbola performed as the models walked the runway.
Makeup artist Christine Lucignano for Clarins Beauty and hair stylist Pam Morrissey from Sobe Brown also styled the models, who wore brands including Brown Thomas, M&S, Kildare Village, and Opera Lane, as well as local boutiques including Blue Fig, Vanilla Boutique, Silk Peaches, Oh Molly, and Phoenix V.
Guests were also dressed to impress, and beauty editor Sally Foran chose a Dressed with Personality Winner, who received a €1,000 Douglas Court gift card. Giveaways on the night included a €5,000 diamond necklace from DesignWorks.
- The Autumn/Winter edition of ieStyle magazine is available with Saturday’s Irish Examiner.
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