World renowned British photographer, Terry O’Neill has photographed everyone from film stars, musicians and sports personalities such as Judy Garland, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Muhammad Ali and members of the British Royal Family. He recently opened his first exhibition in Ireland “Intimate” devoted to his incredible archive of artwork in Kildare Village. Not only does he work with some of the worlds most stylist people, he’s also quite a stylish gent himself so HelpMyStyle.ie took a few minutes to catch up with him to discuss his personal take on style…

What five words best describe your style?
Only four words needed – casual, chic, comfortable and classic. I think that being stylish comes from being comfortable within your own skin. There is a big difference between being stylish and being fashionable.

Best style tip?
Always have your trousers pressed!

Favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
That would have to be my striped shirts. I just picked ten of them up in Bloomingdales in San Francisco for €340. My motto is to stock up when you find those wardrobe staples.

Worst and/or best shopping experience?
I always have a good experience shopping in New York. There’s nowhere in the world like it. I particularly enjoy it at Christmas, there is always a fantastic atmosphere and I like to go to the ice rink in the Rockefeller centre afterwards.

Best high street store?
I’m a big fan of Ted Baker for winter coats and scarfs and I also buy a lot of shirts in Pink and shoes in Bally.

Favourite place to shop?
Again – New York for the variety and brilliant bargains but I also love Kildare Village in Ireland and Bicester Village in the UK.

Fashion on the web?
www.kildarevillage.com to see what brilliant bargains I can pick up when I’m in Ireland. As a photographer I also love browsing the Getty Image library.

Who epitomises great style?
Frank Sinatra. As he once sang “You’ve either got it or you haven’t got style. If you got it, you stand out a mile”. He had a fantastic collection of hats which he always wore perfectly tilted on his head.

What era of style would you most like see return to fashion?
Without a doubt the 1950’s – think John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in “Grease”. It was such a glamorous era and in my opinion we haven’t seen anything as stylish since.

Check out Terry’s fantastic collection “Intimate” currently on show as a free exhibition at Kildare Village running until January 2010. Read about our recent experience at Kildare Village.