Street Trend: Emma Manley

Age: 28 

What are you wearing?

I’m wearing an Elise metallic shirt (€270) and Rylie metallic skirt (€280) — both from the Manley AW14 collection; and Mista brogues (€160) from Buffalo, Dublin.

Describe your style in three words?

Edgy, elegant, textured.

How long does it take you to get dressed in the morning?

Ten minutes for ‘casual studio Emma’; 20 minutes for a more serious looking ‘ready to do business Emma’!

Fashion or function — which word best describes your attitude to clothes and why?

A bit of both and I think that’s the secret to being confident in what you wear. I’m usually running for a bus or peddling a Coke Zero Dublin bike like a mad woman trying to reach somewhere on time, so a frothy dress and heels don’t really lend themselves to this.

What’s your biggest source of style inspiration?

My inspiration wall in the Manley studio. There’s a little bit of everything I love up there: tears from magazines like LOVE, Pinterest pins; pages from beautifully illustrated books; dried flowers, and pics I have taken with my Instax camera.

What do you think of Irish street style?

It’s come on leaps and bounds! I would happily sit on the steps of the Powerscourt Townhouse and watch the style go by. And I tell you something, the fellas are leading the race.

Where do you like to shop?

The Manley sample rail in my studio is where its at for me. After that, I shop for running gear at Lifestyle Sports, shoes at Buffalo and jeans at Topshop.

Who or what is Ireland’s greatest undiscovered gem?

Goldsmith Rachel Swan. I’m a huge fan of her work and love that her pieces are so unique and handmade here in Ireland.

Why does your style/outfit work?

It’s unique yet totally wearable.