As a stylist, mother, TV Presenter and self-professed grafter, Sonya Lennon has a lot going on but somehow always manages to turn on the style. As she prepares for the upcoming Dublin Festival of fashion we chat to her about her personal style and her career aspirations…which include working at Vogue Italia!

Obviously we know you as presenter of Off The Rails but how did you get to where you are today
It’s been a winding road, but I always knew that I wanted to work with fashion. I’ve been styling for 20 years, everything else has come out of that.

What did you want to be growing up?
A fashion designer.

My big break?
Becoming Fashion Editor of D’Side magazine, an early example of the bountiful talents of Melanie Morris.

Two adjectives to describe your style?
Eclectic and enduring.

Style or Trends?
Always style.

Today I’m wearing…?
Lanvin for H&M dress and Balmain sandals.

Style icon?
Mary Tyler Moore and Iris Apfel.

Favourite trend this season?
Suiting – it’s body armour.

Favourite beauty product?
Tom Ford lipstick

Can’t live without…?
Bikram yoga

What’s a typical day?
There isn’t one. The theme is that it always starts and ends with my kids.

Toughest part of the job?
Scheduling my time.

Favourite hangout?
Uki Yo.

Friday night treat?
Prawns and too much wine .

Your perfect weekend is…?
On Achill Island with friends and family.

Last time you laughed out loud?
Have you seen Off The Rails? I laugh a lot! Today, if you must know, with my sister and I’m not at liberty to disclose! Some things are just between sisters.

What’s on your iPod?
The Roots, Lambchop, Janelle Monae, Pergolesi, Snoop Dogg, Arvo Part, Eric B & Rakim James Vincent McMorrow.

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Your ears are more powerful than your mouth.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
Fashion Ed Vogue Italia

A Photographic Exhibition of Sonya’s Treasured Collection of Fashion Heirlooms from the last two Decades opens tonight at the old Waterstones building on Dawson Street at 6pm (8th September) and will be on view over the course of the weekend and will form part of a packed programme of events which includes live fashion shows, makeovers, talks from fashion industry experts and a model search competition. For more on the Dublin Festival of Fashion and a listing of events visit them online here!

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