Celia Holman Lee is one of Ireland’s most glamourous ladies and was one of Ireland’s most successful models before founding her model agency and moving into styling and TV. She really embodies the classics of good style and working with your shape. With over four decades on the Irish fashion scene, we could all learn a lot from Celia…

Celia What’s the secret to your continued success?
Hard Work! I’ve been in the business 40 years and the road has been brutal, brilliant, fantastic, hard and wonderful. It would take a book and a half to tell the story but its down to hard work, really and truly!

Growing up what did you hope to be?
I always loved dance and the stage and did ballet and Irish dancing. I fell into modeling but was lucky to find what I love!

Your big break?
There wasn’t really one because you can have a break one week and a disaster the next. But winning the first ever VIP Style Awards really woke people up to where I was coming from.

Two adjectives to describe your style?
Classic with a fashion twist

Style or Trends?
Its evolved and changed because I used to be very directional and fashion orientated but now I prefer a classic style with a twist of fashion. Trying to dress in young fashions only makes you look older.

Today I’m wearing…?
A double breasted winter white coat with a belt tie and a pair of heeled black ankle boots.

Do you have a style icon?
I have very varied tastes but admire designers and creators of clothes more than icons. Designers like Dolce & Gabanna, Stella McCartney and Galliano. I truly admire how Diane Von Furstenberg carries herself though, she has laughed off the pressure to have botox or facelifts and has a true softness and richness to her style. Many of today’s fashion icons are only wearing what they have been given by their stylist.

Favourite beauty product?
I’m a devil for jumping from one product to another but at the moment I am using Lancôme Visionairre and find it very good.

Can’t live without?
Eyebrow pencils, even without any other make-up they give you a finished look.

What’s a typical day like?
It can really be anything. Since the Rose of Tralee in August we have been non stop moving on to the Ploughing Champions and shows around the country so I’m spending a lot of time travelling. When not travelling around a typical day would be spent in the office before leaving for a fashion show at 4 or 5pm.

Toughest part of the job?
Travelling!

Favourite hangout?
I love spending time in Limerick where there are lots of amazing places. At the moment the Cornstone or Savoy.

Friday night treat?
I’m often working as many shows are on a Friday evening but if not I enjoy going out for a bite to eat

Your perfect weekend is…?
A weekend when I’m not thinking ahead to Monday and am switched off at home with my family

Last time you laughed out loud?
I haven’t laughed so hard since being in The Salon with Brian Dowling

What’s on your iPod?
I never use it! But I do love to listen to Adele, Sinatra, Buble and Amy Winehouse

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
When I was starting there was nothing but now there are hundreds of opportunities out there however there are also hundreds of people going for them. Seek out the area that you can truly put your heart and soul into and dedicate yourself too. People will spot that passion in you.

Your ideal job description?
I wouldn’t do any other job! I’ve been doing this 40 years and it’s honestly never crossed my mind to do anything else. If I had time though I would love to take up painting but just as a hobby.

Celia is holding a Style Evening on November 25th at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa where she will be sharing her style tips covering topics such as deportment, dressing for your shape, posture, the benefits of base garments and hair and make up. Become a Style Master at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. For more check out www.inchydoneyisland.com

If you liked this article, you might like also these..