Our art on their sleeves... Irish talent dressing Oscar hopefuls
WE can lay claim to 12 nominations at this year’s Oscars but it’s not just our talented film industry that will be in LA for this month’s awards, Ireland will also be represented in the style stakes...
Dresses by two award-winning Irish fashion designers will be showcased on the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre on February 24.
Dublin couturier Helen Cody, who is known for her ethereal and romantic designs, is dressing producer Nuria Blanco, whose animated film Late Afternoon has been shortlisted for best short film award.
The film was made by Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon.
Ms Cody has dressed some of Ireland’s biggest names, including styling Mary McAleese during the 1997 presidential election, as well as celebrity customers, including Ali Hewson and actress Amy Huberman.
The delicate pale pink, feathered couture dress she made for Ballon d’Or finalist Stephanie Roche in 2014 epitomised her craftsmanship. For the award ceremony, Ms Blanco will wear a lavishly embellished smoky grey and lavender silk taffeta creation which took more than 300 hours to complete.
Ms Cody said: ‘Nuria fell in love with a dress I said I would never sell and only allow to be worn to such an important event and a nominee.
‘(She) knew about my work and emailed me and when she came to my studio and tried it on, I realised I could not top this ever. It is a master dress and it brings me joy to see someone so exquisite representing an Irish brand on the red carpet.’
The designer and Irish fashion favourite was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer a year ago and has undergone months of crippling chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is now in remission and spoke recently on the Late Late Show of her experience. Meanwhile, Galway-born Alison Conneely is making a gown for Late Afternoon’s writer and director, Louise Bagnall. Ms Conneely said: ‘The most important thing for the Oscars, when the world’s eyes are upon you, [is] that you want the wearer to be comfortable and relaxed and not worry about the dress.’
The Favourite, produced by Irish company, Element Pictures has been nominated for ten awards at this year’s event, including for cinematographer Robbie Ryan.
Meanwhile, Vincent Lambe’s controversial short film about the Jamie Bulger murder in 1993, Detainment, is in the running for best Live Action Short film.
Dressed Stephanie Roche for Ballon d’Or