The Derry Girl who became a style icon
From a tartan school uniform to the darling of haute couture, Nicola Coughlan’s fashion evolution has been mesmerising
Nicola and Simone are a style match made in heaven
ALEX PERRY DRESS
BAFTA TV Awards 2019 NICOLA wore this Barbie-pink sheath dress with a square neckline to the BAFTA TV awards in 2019 when just emerging as Clare in Derry Girls. The colour is pretty with her Bardot-styled blonde hair and the feminine style highlights her curves. In retrospect, it is one of her more conservative choices. As she has gained confidence on the red carpet her style choices have become more adventurous, especially regarding silhouettes.
VALENTINO HAUTE COUTURE DRESS
BAFTA TV Awards 2021 POST the success of Bridgerton series one, Nicola’s fame soared, and she could access big international brands. To the 2021 BAFTA TV awards she wore this stunning bright orange haute couture Valentino gown with mid-length sleeves and a flared Aline skirt. It took layers and layers of crinolines to create the dramatically tailored silhouette and it ensured an immediate impact. She was named as one of Vogue’s 12 Best Dressed Women this year and this dress certainly helped.
RICHARD QUINN DRESS
Met Gala 2022 A SURE sign that you are making an impression in the fashion world is an invitation to the Met Gala. In May 2022, Nicola made her Met debut in this dramatic pink and black gown by designer Richard Quinn, who has Irish ancestry. The dress was another style win and gained Coughlan much praise. Its oversized puff sleeves, empire line bodice and long black cape evoked Bridgerton’s romantic costumes and Nicola looked radiant. The feathers that festooned the dress added to the whimsical mood.
SIMONE ROCHA DRESS
Stylist Remarkable Women Awards 2022 NICOLA has worn Simone Rocha(pictured together, left) regularly and this Children of Lir dress is an ethereal, mint green, semi-sheer midi with swan motif, puff sleeves and embroidery. It’s angelic on her. Rocha, who received Designer of the Year on the night, has also achieved major success since then too. Details such as the cute pearl-embellished bag, pointed shoes and earrings finish the ensemble to perfection. A style match made in heaven.
VALENTINO DRESS
BAFTA TV Awards 2022 IN 2022, Nicola was back at the BAFTAs and back in Valentino — this time a stunning electric lilac, bow-embellished gown with a floor-sweeping skirt and asymmetrical neckline. Designed by Pier Paolo Piccioli, the dress was a headturner and Nicola’s softly-waved hair added to the old-school Hollywood glamour. The Messika duster ring and dark manicure add a little edge. At the time Valentino’s use of curve models in its Spring 2022 couture collection was pioneering and who better to bring it to the red carpet than Nicola. The outfit cemented her position as a true fashion star.
WIEDERHOEFT DRESS
European Barbie premiere 2023 WHEN Nicola was cast in the Barbie film, she said it was a childhood dream come true and her dress for the premiere was also dreamy. The crystal-embellished, silver dress by designer Jackson Wiederhoeft was inspired by the Sparkle Eye Barbie and was a corseted gown with extravagant Swarovski crystal embellishment. Corsetry and embroidery are the two signatures of the brand and the dress was ultra glamorous. It suited Nicola beautifully, fusing elements of both Bridgerton and Barbie style.
HARRIS REED DRESS
Vogue World 2023 CEMENTING her position as an Anna Wintour favourite, Nicola appeared at the Vogue World event in London in a black velvet dress with a circular gold headdress by British designer Harris Reed. The dress was again a corseted silhouette, this time embellished with a duchess satin wrap at the neckline. Nicola radiated high-octane glamour amplified by her theatrical head piece which added height and drama. Reed told Vogue: ‘Nicola owns who she is, she knows what she wants and she’s fierce.’
DANIELLE FRANKEL DRESS
US Bridgerton premiere 2024 TO LAUNCH season three of Bridgerton in the US, Nicola wore a Danielle Frankel ivory evening gown in her favoured hourglass silhouette with a sleek white satin, an off-the-shoulder neckline, architectural peplum and long train. The dress was accessorised with Chopard emeralds and finished with a classic red lip. Another notable accessory was the red Artists4Ceasefire pin that Nicola wore on her long white gloves, which is the emblem of artists and advocates lobbying for a ceasefire in Palestine. The gown illustrates her evolution from girlish to a groomed, glamourous star, while still maintaining warm, charismatic personality.