Five of Irelands most cutting-edge designers, Sorcha O’Raghallaigh, Natalie B Coleman, Helen Steele, Eilis Boyle and Simone Rocha, joined Dublin’s fashion aficionados at The Loft, South Studios, for the official launch of ABSOLUT MODE; A Multi-Media Fashion Showcase created in homage to the brand’s fashion heritage and this year’s fashionable limited edition, ABSOLUT MODE.

In true ABSOLUT style guests were treated to special ABSOLUT cocktails while they witnessed first hand the creativity of the brand with the multi-media showcase that incorporates fashion, film and photography. The exhibition also features a rare collection of original fashion items from the ABSOLUT Fashion Collection which are being showcased in Ireland for the first time. The pieces include a pair of bespoke boots by Manolo Blahnik, a Hugo Boss suit, a Versace dress once worn by Naomi Campbell, a Versace bikini once worn by Kate Moss and a hat designed by Daniel Swarovski.

Spotted enjoying the evening were Gaa Star Paul Galvin, Models Alison Canavan and Blaithnaid McKenna as well as Richard Brickley of IDL and Xpose’s Debbie O Donnell. Pictured above are Karen Toner, Paul Galvin and Helen Steele.

Dunja Lugaric and Petria Lenehan

Agata Stoinska ,Kenny Whittle and Alexandra Wojeik

Kathryn Hay and Holly Hodgins. Pix Brian McEvoy

Aisling Farinella is a freelance stylist based in Dublin, working independently in fashion and advertising. She was a partner in contemporary clothing store and gallery space ‘Circus’ which was widely regarded as one of Dublin’s best shops. She’s also a founding director of The Loft Market at Powerscourt and has been involved in all aspects from brand development, buyer, curator and retailer. We met Aisling to find out more about her career to date….

What does being a stylist mean for you?
As a Freelance fashion stylist I work on editorial and commercial projects, show production and consultancy.

How did you get there?
Hard work and talent

My big break?
Probably when I started up a working relationship with Irish Tatler magazine. Shooting for them gave me exposure in the Irish industry and an introduction to how things work internationally.

What did you want to be growing up?
I actually never had any real job ambitions as a kid, other then working in a sweetshop or something like that!

Two adjectives to describe your own style?
Feminine and sometimes boyish. I like pieces that are delicate but not too pretty.

Today I’m wearing…?
Black silk vest & necklace by Reality studio, black jeans from Urban Outfitters, vintage feather print silk cropped jacket, John Rocha wooden wedges

Style or Trends?
Style

Style icon?
If Coco Chanel were to meet Frida Kahlo

Favourite trend this season?
Black is always on trend

Favourite beauty product?
Kiehls Acai serum

Can’t live without…?
love

What’s a typical day?
Pretty packed and always different! Working in my studio or on a shoot or pulling clothes around town, lots of meetings, lots of emails, lots of research, go for a run or maybe a yoga class, catch up on the days events over a late dinner with David!

Toughest part of my job?
Being freelance. Toughest and best!

Favourite hangout?
Bibis café and Dolls boutique on Emorville Avenue off South Circular road

Friday night treat?
Any night is good for a treat!

Your perfect weekend is…?
Go for a big run, meet a friend for lunch, go see an exhibition or go see something that’s happening around town, go drinking/ dancing with friends, hang out somewhere reading the Sunday papers and catch a movie in the IFI

Last time you laughed out loud?
Oh my god I’m always laughing!

What’s on your iPod?
This morning I was listening to a mix CD the girls at Daydreamer.ie gave me yesterday with music from Eric McGrath, Derek Conlon & 3epekano. So soft and beautiful, the perfect Sunday morning playlist.

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Work on your portfolio and try and assist as many people as possible

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
I’m working on a project at the moment for GH Mumm Champagne and I have to say it has been my dream commission. I have produced a series of images for an exhibition, which looks at twisting conventions in fashion photography. The exhibition called ‘Common Ground’. Twisting Conventions in Fashion & Architecture has given me the opportunity to explore the relationship between two design disciplines, involving Irish designers and architectural spaces. The exhibition runs from the 13th until the 19th of July at 28 South William Street Dublin 2.

For more information on the project and to view a behind the scenes video of the making of the exhibition visit www.mumm-twistingconventions.com

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.