Kerry designer’s work a red carpet dazzler at Golden Globe awards
THE work of Ballyheigue-born fashion designer Don O’neils has once again dazzled on a world scale, this week at the Golden Globe awards.
A gold sequinned gown, from his label THEIA, was worn by Entertainment Tonight host Nancy O’dell, who interviewed celebrities on the red carpet at the awards ceremony. Her stunning outfit earned her a place on the ceremony’s best dressed lists.
Most recently, Ireland’s first lady Sabina Higgins wore a THEIA dress for her husband’s inauguration as President in Novemeber. Oprah Winfrey also showcased one of Don’s designs for the front cover of O Magazine.
Even after all his success, Don says that it’s still exciting to see celebrities wear his designs. “It is such a huge thrill for me to see my dresses on the red carpet and every time I pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming,” he said.
“I think back to my days over in the art room of Causeway Comprehensive, never in a million years thinking that my dream of dressing stars on the red carpet in Hollywood would become a reality.”
“To see Nancy O’dell interviewing mega stars Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep, and to see them admiring her THEIA gown was so exciting,” he said.
Don added that the support he receives from his family at home is very important to him. He also credits his sister Deirdre Mahony as being his first model and muse, with her debs dress his first red carpetworthy gown.
“The support from Ballyheigue is amazing. My family are my biggest fans,” he said. “It was lovely to have my parents here in New York last November when his Excellency Noel Kilkenny, the Consul General of Ireland, and his wife hosted a THEIA fashion show at the Irish Consulate.”
Don is currently busy preparing for the Oscars as well as his first ever fashion show, which is to be held during New York fashion week.
“I am thrilled, excited, a bit nervous and under a lot of pressure,” he said. “The reassurance and support from home right now is like gold.”
The show will be streamed live from New York on the internet on February 15 at 8pm, Irish time.